Gossip
Bridgeway Bible Dictionary [1]
An ancient Israelite proverb expresses the truth that the more people talk, the more they are liable to sin ( Proverbs 10:19). This is one reason why the Bible constantly urges people to control their tongues ( Psalms 141:3; Proverbs 16:23; Proverbs 17:27-28; James 1:19; James 3:7-10). It is very easy to gossip. What starts as idle talk can easily lead to exaggerations, half-truths and false impressions, all of which can do much damage ( James 3:2; James 3:5).
Gossip can become a habit; worse still, an enjoyable habit ( Proverbs 11:13; Proverbs 18:8). In spreading rumours, people may have the deliberate intention to slander others ( Psalms 31:13; Psalms 50:20; Proverbs 10:18; Romans 3:8) or they may just be foolish chatterers ( Proverbs 26:20; Ecclesiastes 5:3; Matthew 12:36), but either way they will probably cause trouble ( Proverbs 26:18-20).
God links gossip with some of the most hateful sins ( Romans 1:29-30), and constantly warns his people against it ( Psalms 101:5; Proverbs 10:19; 2 Corinthians 12:20; James 4:11; 1 Peter 2:1). All who are in positions of leadership or influence must be especially careful not to gossip ( 1 Timothy 3:11; Titus 2:3). (See also Tongue .)
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature [2]
(from "God" and "sib," a Saxon word signifying "'kindred"), a name given in England to sponsors as bearing a spiritual relationship to the children for whom they stand. — Procter, On Common Prayer, page 361.
