From the Frontline Episode 285 - Ministries of Malice Against Missions

"The tongue is also a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire and is itself set on fire by hell." James 3:6

All of us, at one time, or another, have been guilty of gossip. Yet, it is sin. God takes gossip seriously. The Ninth Commandment is there for a very good reason.

The Bible says that: "Whoever spreads slander is a fool…" Proverbs 10:18. We are commanded: "Brothers, do not slander one another" James 4:11.

Pastors are to "remind the people …to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate and to show true humility towards all men." Titus 3:1-2. To spread stories that put someone else in a bad light is the very opposite to being “peaceable and considerate.” It is also the very opposite of humility.

Pride often is the engine which drives the gossip industry. It is a desire to portray people better than us in a bad light, to lift ourselves up by pulling others down. "Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and deceit, hypocrisy, envy and slander of every kind." 1 Peter 2:1. Slander is inextricably linked with malice, deceit, hypocrisy and envy.

The Bible warns us of those who "get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to" 1 Thessalonians 5:13.

"We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies." 2 Thessalonians 3:11. "In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle…" 2 Thessalonians 3:6.