“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Deuteronomy 5:20

This commandment tells us not to tell lies about others which include anything that’s even slightly untrue – including half truths, exaggerations, stores that might be true, but you don’t know for sure, or stores that are partially true. If you believe in ninth commandment then you will find yourself refusing to pass on “juicy” information about anyone. Instead, you’ll spread kind, encouraging and complimentary words.

“The tongue of wise commends knowledge, but mouth of fool gushes folly.” Proverbs 15:2

It is no surprise that God, who knows us, created us and loves us, takes such a clear and strong stand on gossip. He knows how easily trash talk (or gossip) can ruin another person’s reputation, introduce mistrust or anger into relationships, encourage gossiper’s to further embellish stories for more dramatic effect, and/or cause gossiper to even sin further by being tempted to lie when confronted by someone with “Did you really say that about me?”

So, how do you know when you’re hearing or spreading gossip vs. good news or truths? There are two questions you can ask yourself:

1. Is news I have to share “approved” for sharing with others?

2. Would I want this news shared about me?

One thing you can be sure of, if you gossip, it WILL come back to you and will eventually haunt and hurt you as well. Let’s not forget Golden Rule that says: “Do unto others what you would have them do to you.” Matthew 7:12

If you have ever found, or find yourself, gossiping, then you’re not alone. Don’t despair, tear yourself down, or get discouraged. All you need to do is ask for God’s help with prayer and Bible study, and introduce some strategies in your life to help you stop gossiping.

“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to soul and healing to bones.” Proverbs 16:24

Michele Webb is webmaster for the Christian website, http://www.eBOOKSnSTUFF.com. Email her at: support@ebooksnstuff.com.

Having served a number of years in law enforcement, I’m well aware that enforcing existing laws to curtail youth violence does not solve problem. We were told in 90s that Brady bill would protect us against gun violence. It didn’t. We were told that passing more anti-gun and anti-violence laws would reduce teen violence. That hasn’t worked either. The reality is we already have more then enough anti-gun laws on books, so why should we pass more legislation? Federal prosecutors are reluctant to prosecute existing anti-gun and anti-violence laws. The answer to violence is not more regulations and more legislation. The answer is simple but requires work. The work involves sowing positive messages about value of human life. The work involves sowing seeds like, “love thy brother as thy self.” The work involves sowing seeds like

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kindness, selflessness, caring, truth, honor, “giving honor to whom honor is due.” These seeds produce like kind.

I want to encourage you dear Christian. Although our way of life is old fashioned and spurned by many modernists, it’s still only way. Jesus, Himself, said that He was Way. Through His love, we address world His way—the only way—the way of Book. God’s Word teaches us that laying down our lives for each other, we are living way of Cross, and Cross of Calvary is best way to stem violence. A changed heart leads to a changed way of life, which can change world for better; therefore, reciprocate with good and note return of a good corresponding action.

Pastor T.