Definition and Context:
Talking about other people, often referred to as gossip or slander, involves discussing someone else's private affairs or spreading rumors. In the biblical context, this behavior is frequently addressed as a moral and ethical issue, with strong admonitions against it. The Bible emphasizes the importance of speech that edifies and builds up rather than tears down.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs on Gossip and Slander:
The Book of Proverbs contains numerous warnings about the dangers of gossip. Proverbs 11:13 states, "A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence." This highlights the breach of trust that occurs when one engages in gossip. Proverbs 16:28 further warns, "A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip separates close friends," illustrating the divisive nature of such speech.

2. New Testament Teachings:
The New Testament continues to address the issue of talking about others. In Ephesians 4:29 , Paul instructs, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." This verse underscores the call for speech that is constructive and gracious. James 4:11 also admonishes believers, "Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it."

3. The Role of the Tongue:
James 3:5-6 provides a vivid metaphor for the power of the tongue: "In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body." This passage highlights the potential for harm that can come from careless or malicious speech.

4. Jesus' Teachings:
Jesus Himself addressed the issue of speech and its moral implications. In Matthew 12:36-37 , He warns, "But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." This teaching emphasizes the accountability individuals have for their words.

Moral and Ethical Implications:

The Bible consistently portrays gossip and slander as behaviors that are contrary to the character of a follower of Christ. Such actions are seen as destructive to community and relationships, undermining trust and unity among believers. The call to avoid gossip is not merely about refraining from negative speech but also about actively engaging in speech that is uplifting and encouraging.

Practical Application:

Believers are encouraged to practice self-control and discernment in their speech. This involves being mindful of the impact words can have on others and choosing to speak in ways that reflect love, truth, and integrity. Engaging in prayer and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit can aid in cultivating speech that honors God and edifies others.Matthew 7:12
Therefore all things whatever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
Topicalbible.org

1256. dialegomai -- to discuss, to address, to preach
... from one side across to the other," which intensifies ... forth" of thoughts and ideas
so people can better ... discussing (1), reasoned (2), reasoning (4), talking (2 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1256.htm - 8k

Talkers and Talking
... If, for example, you realize that you are talking at too great length, stop
it at once. ... Do not be always setting other people right. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kleiser/talks on talking/talkers and talking.htm

Letter v. Society --Conversation.
... But talking in too loud a tone is scarcely less unpleasant to the listeners than ...
alone"that of listening with attention and interest to what other people say ...
/.../letter v societyconversation.htm

Chapter six
... You'd make a hit. Everybody is talking about your singing.". ... "Whom? I mean all the
people who hear Miss Winslow on Sundays. What other time do they hear her? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter six.htm

In Christ and in Ephesus
... said to me in a hopeless voice, "Oh, there is no use talking; there is ... There are
many other people today in various situations who say: "There is no hope for me ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk thirty-four in christ and.htm

Thoughts on Talking
... THOUGHTS ON TALKING. ... among us by Cromwell, who, by preferring the scum of the people,
made it ... found out to ridicule a point of honor in the other extreme, when ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kleiser/talks on talking/thoughts on talking.htm

Doing Something Worth While
... have their names published in the paper, and have people talking about them ... The sister
mentioned can never hope to do great things as other people might count ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk eleven doing something worth.htm

A Friend for the Sorrowful
... laughed at Jesus, just as if He did not know what He was talking about. ... Herod was
sorry, but he was afraid of what other people in the party would think if he ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/the good shepherd/chapter vii a friend for.htm

Seal and Earnest
... the other hand, there may be much of outward virtue and beauty of character which
may lead other people to say ... There is no other worth talking about, and ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/seal and earnest.htm

Ep. Lviii. To Basil.
... I need not report what other people say; I will tell you what has recently happened ...
They had not yet begun to drink, but were talking about us, as often happens ...
/.../cyril/select letters of saint gregory nazianzen/ep lviii to basil.htm

Hypocrisy
... recollect that a man may act for his own amusement, as well as for other people's. ...
us will be our religious life of praying, and reading, and talking of good ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xxxvii hypocrisy.htm

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