Study Desk

from fear of general gossip or dread of some family's contempt. keeping silent and not going outdoors —

the gossip of those sitting by the town gate, the theme of drunkards' songs.

A gossip goes around revealing secrets, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.

A worthless person digs up evil [gossip] — it is like scorching fire on his lips.

A gossip goes around revealing secrets, so don't get involved with a talkative person.

All of them are total rebels, spreading slanderous gossip; they are bronze and iron, [inferior metals,] all of them corrupt.

In you, people gossip to the point of inciting bloodshed; in you are those who go to eat on the mountains; in you, they commit lewd acts;

For I am afraid of coming and finding you not the way I want you to be, and also of not being found the way you want me to be. I am afraid of finding quarreling and jealousy, anger and rivalry, slander and gossip, arrogance and disorder.

So if I come, I will bring up everything he is doing, including his spiteful and groundless gossip about us. And as if that weren't enough for him, he refuses to recognize the brothers' authority either; moreover, he stops those who want to do so and tries to drive them out of the congregation!

From: The Elder To: Dear Gaius, whom I love in truth: Dear friend, I am praying that everything prosper with you and that you be in good health, as I know you are prospering spiritually. For I was so happy when some brothers came and testified how faithful you are to the truth, as you continue living in the truth. Nothing gives me greater joy than hearing that my children are living in the truth. Dear friend, you are faithful in all the work you are doing for the brothers, even when they are strangers to you. They have testified to your love in front of the congregation. You will be doing well if you send them on their way in a manner worthy of God, since it was for the sake of HaShem that they went out without accepting anything from the Goyim. It is we, therefore, who should support such people; so that we may share in their work for the truth. I wrote something to the congregation; but Diotrephes, who likes to be the macher among them, doesn't recognize our authority. So if I come, I will bring up everything he is doing, including his spiteful and groundless gossip about us. And as if that weren't enough for him, he refuses to recognize the brothers' authority either; moreover, he stops those who want to do so and tries to drive them out of the congregation! Dear friend, don't imitate the bad, but the good. Those who do what is good are from God; those who do what is bad are not from God. Everyone speaks well of Demetrius, and so does the truth itself. We vouch for him, and you know that our testimony is true. I have much to write you, but I don't want to write with pen and ink; however, I am hoping to see you very soon, and we will speak face to face. Shalom to you. Your friends send you their greetings. Greet each of our friends by name.