Fofoca
A fofoca destrói reputações e relacionamentos. A Bíblia condena severamente o murmúrio, a calúnia e a palavra maldosa, chamando o cristão a edificar com a boca.
O poder destrutivo
O homem perverso semeia contendas, e o que anda com fofocas separa amigos íntimos. A fofoca é veneno social.
A perverse man spreads strife,
And one who gossips separates intimate friends. [Prov 17:9]
With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor,
But through knowledge and discernment the righteous will be rescued.
He who goes about as a gossip reveals secrets,
But he who is trustworthy and faithful keeps a matter hidden.
He who hides hatred has lying lips,
And he who spreads slander is a fool. [Prov 26:24-26]
Edificar com palavras
Não saia da boca nenhuma palavra torpe, mas só a que serve para edificação. Quem fala mal do irmão fala mal da lei.
Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear [you speak].
He who walks with integrity and strength of character, and works righteousness,
And speaks and holds truth in his heart.
He does not slander with his tongue,
Nor does evil to his neighbor,
Nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
"Blessed [morally courageous and spiritually alive with life-joy in God’s goodness] are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil things against you because of [your association with] Me.