ACCURATE STATEMENTS

Introduction

When speaking about others, our statements concerning them is to be accurate. We are not to make up stories and then pass those stories on to others. Some people desire to make others look bad, so they make up tales. People do not follow the injunction of Proverbs 18:13, "He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him." They do not check out what is being said about others. They form their opinions based upon what others have said. Proverbs 22:1 says this about someone's name which is also one's reputation, "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold." We are not to destroy the reputation of others.

False statements are malicious in their intent. They are designed to bring others into disrepute. The apostle John spoke of such a one in 3 John 9-10, "I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. 10Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church." The Amplified says the malicious words are "casting malicious reflections upon us with insinuating language." In other words, his statements are inaccurate and purposely misleading. This gives a false impression.

Application

To properly understand the Bible, we need to use what is known as applied theology.

Leviticus 19:16 reads, "Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD." The Amplified renders this verse as, "You shall not go up and down as dispenser of gossip and scandal among your people, nor shall you (secure yourself by false testimony or by silence and) endanger the life of your neighbor. I am the Lord." Gossip and slander about our neighbor is prohibited here as well as endangering our neighbor's life by way of false testimony or silence when enjoined to speak. Positively, our statements are to be accurate, in regard, to our neighbor.

Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary's third definition of "gossip" is "One who runs from house to house, tattling and telling news; an idle tattler." The apostle Paul speaks directly to this in 1 Timothy 5:11-13, "But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; 12Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. 13And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also andbusybodies, speaking things which they ought not." When a young widow is not busy at home, she may go about being busy in other people's affairs. They watch and report to others what is going on in town. They do not have anything better to do with their time.

When a story starts getting passed around, it begins to grow and takes on more false elements along the way. We are to mind our own business. This is the message of 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 11For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 12Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread." When people have to much time on their hands, their tongues begin to get a work out. Some cannot wait to hear the latest gossip and pass it on to others. They like to hear all the juicy details. They have garbage cans for ears. No filth is to good for them. Christians are to keep busy and stay out of the affairs of others.

The apostle Peter applied Leviticus 19:16 in 1 Peter 4:15, "But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters." Most people do not recognize that the New Testament is a restatement of Old Testament law. It applies what has already been laid down. Peter here equates being a gossip with being a murderer and a thief. Obviously, not the best of company.

The Lord Jesus had this to say in this regard in Matthew 12:36-37, "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." Gossiping is the use of idle words. They will give account of it. Our words will justify or condemn our souls. Gossiping comes from an idle heart.

Conclusion

The third chapter of James speaks much about the tongue. James 3:8-10 says, "But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be." A restless tongue comes from a restless, gossiping heart that loves to spread false rumors and being an idle tattler. These things ought not to be!