Dangerous Whispers

Sermon Introduction

No man can tame the tongue. Only God can tame the tongue. Thus, we seek God’s grace through prayer that we may be able to tame the tongue. And we seek God’s wisdom by studying His word that we may grow in understanding. A godly person will watch his or her own words. And a church community must watch out for those who cause dissensions.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr. Senior Pastor

Proverbs 16:28 NASB

A perverse person spreads strife,
And a slanderer separates close friends.

Proverbs 18:8 NASB

The words of a gossiper are like dainty morsels,
And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.

Proverbs 26:20 NASB

For lack of wood the fire goes out,
And where there is no gossiper, quarreling quiets down.

Notes

No man can tame the tongue. Only God can tame the tongue. Thus, we seek God’s grace through prayer that we may be able to tame the tongue. And we seek God’s wisdom by studying His word that we may grow in understanding. A godly person will watch his or her own words. And a church community must watch out for those who cause dissensions.

1. A perverse man is a trouble-maker and dishonest. Beware of the lies. Beware also of the truth used for evil intentions. Protect godly fellowships.

   A perverse man spreads strife,

   And a slanderer separates intimate friends (Pr. 16:28).

2. The words of a whisperer are like delicious food that goes down deep inside your body. So the words of a whisperer seem good to listen to, and it will go deep inside your mind and heart.

   The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels,

   And they go down into the innermost parts of the body (Pr. 18:8).

3. Conflicts and division decrease when gossip and whispers decrease. Therefore, remove gossip or remove the gossiper.

   For lack of wood the fire goes out,
   And where there is no whisperer, contention quiets down (Pr.26:20).

Application

1. Let us not listen to gossip or slander or rumors. Let us not be too curious about the mistakes, sins, and failure of others. Instead, let us acknowledge that we also have our weaknesses and failures that we are not proud of.

2. Do not be a friend of a whisperer, especially those who love to talk about their ill-feelings about others. Otherwise, you might lose your friends. And, one day you will be the victim.

3. Rebuke gossip by asking (1) have you spoken to the person concerned?, (2) why do you speak and think like that? and (3) may I quote you to the person concerned?

4. Let us make sure that we are not the ones who stir conflict in others. And let us not allow trouble-makers and dishonest people to separate us from our fellowship. Only God’s word makes those divisions.

Discussion Guide

1. What can a slanderer do according to Proverbs 16:28?

2. Why do you think that words of the gossip are like delicious food?

3. How should we avoid gossip or whispering at the personal level and the community level?