Damaging words come in many different fashions–Insulting, Verbal Abuse–Yelling–Intimidation–Name Calling–Making Fun of Someone
Show of Power–Bullying–Show of Pride–Backbiting, etc. AND GOSSIP
Almost everyone has experienced the harm of gossip before. Whether the people talking didn’t mean direct harm, or not,
the result of gossip is almost always broken trust and hurt feelings. Gossip can be defined as information about the behavior or personal life of other people,
often without the full truth revealed or known. God’s Word warns us to stay away from people who gossip and to guard our words when we speak about others!
Scripture also uses the word slander which means making a false spoken statement damaging to a person’s reputation.
Slander can destroy someone’s reputation, marriage, job, wealth, and family. The tongue has power and we must be careful with how we use our words.
Proverbs 10:18 Spreading slander is foolish
Proverbs 16:28 Whispering separates the best of friends
Proverbs 26:20-22 If there is no Tailbearer strife ceases
Romans 1:28-32 Re-Read vs 32
2nd Corinthians 12:20 Backbitings and Whisperings
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt word come out of the mouth
James 1:26 If the tongue can’t be bridled, religion is worthless
James 4:11-12 Do not speak evil of another
James 3:2-10 Be careful of the tongue
Damaging Words–Re-Read part of intro.
