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.
28 The perverse man sows strife, and the tale bearer separates princes.
9 The hypocrite with [his] mouth destroys his neighbour, but the just are delivered with wisdom.
13 A talebearer reveals secrets, but he that is of a faithful spirit conceals the matter.
18 He that hides hatred [has] lying lips, and he that utters a slander, [is] a fool.
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.
29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good for edification, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
2 He that walks in integrity and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart.3 [He that] does not backbite with his tongue nor do evil to his neighbour nor take up a reproach against his neighbour.
11 Blessed are ye when [men] shall revile you and persecute [you] and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake.