Gossip, Slander, and Rash speaking

This one is a major biggie. For ALL of us, to this day. I acknowledge that I still find myself speaking before thinking and it isn't a kind word or thought, or gossiping about someone's life(style) that I have no right to speak on. We all do it, and that's why I chose to put it up. I for one, want to work on this, and it's really hard for me. I also know many friends who do these things as well so now that the subject has been broached, we can help encourage one another to stop these things, even if it is mid-sentence. And pray for God's guidance. To give the broader scope on this, here are the definition terms for each category.

Gossip-
1: Idle talk or rumor, esp. about the personal or private affairs of others
2: Rumor or talk of a personal, sensational, or intimate nature
3: A person who habitually spreads intimate or private rumors or facts.

Slander-
1: A malicious, false, and defamatory statement or report
2: Oral communication of false statements injurious to a person's reputation.

Rash-
1: Acting or tending to act too hastily or without due consideration.
2: Characterized by or showing too great haste or lack of consideration.


Here are some Scriptures. Keep in mind that when you read "foolish," it is the 'rash' parts I'm posting up.
I also switched over to the NIV from the KJV for easier reading for some friends who aren't too keen on Old English.

Proverbs 17:7---Arrogant lips are unsuited to a fool--how much worse lying lips to a ruler!

Proverbs 26:28---A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.

Proverbs 15:1-2---A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

Proverbs 26:4-5---Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.
**This one might take a bit of explanation for those who are confused. What it means is don't answer folly WITH folly, but give a gentle rebuke so that way you are not being rash in your own speech and being a fool too, but give an answer that will show them that what they say was without consideration.**

Leviticus 19:16---"Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor's life. I am the Lord."

1 Samuel 2:3---Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the Lord is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed.

Matthew 5:33-37---"Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.' But I tell you, do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
**This one is VERY important. How many times have you said or heard someone else say "I swear man, I swear to God." or "I swear on my mother's life it's true!" Jesus said DON'T!!**

Colossians 4:6---Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Titus 2:7-8---In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

James 5:12---Above all, my brothers, do not swear--not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned.

1 Peter 4:11---If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.


There are more that I will do later when I have the time, but this is it for now.