Words are powerful and scripture states that the fall of man began with the words of a serpent which brought death to the human race when those lies were believed. A lot of times we tend to easily believe what we hear, probably because it agrees with what's in our hearts or because we are persuaded to easily believe something that sounds so sweet or interesting, without verifying if it's true. Words can be so effective and powerful, that during the time of Jesus, false accusations had to be raised so he could be killed, and till date the devil keeps accusing the brethren, spreading lies and attacking the body of Christ with various forms of rumours and gossip. The sad part is when believers no longer seek the truth, stand firm in faith nor speak the gospel but partake in the chain of spreading gossip and hate, against those whom we should love and even those who fellowship with us. Jesus speaking in Matthew 12 said;

You children of serpents, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."

Why refer to people as children of serpents? It is because they spoke just as the serpent spoke and their words brought nothing good. As humans we can decide to be children of God or children of the devil, the serpent, based on what comes out of our mouths.

Even as the Holy Spirit can give God's children utterance, demonic spirits can as well, if we are not aware of what influences us when we speak we may not be aware when we have become vessels to serpents or play devil's role in the lives of others and bring nothing but division, discouragement and death. And when we are not aware of what is in us, we may also easily believe lies when they are said. Discerning of spirits is an important gift all believers need, especially when we have dreams which may or may not come from God (1 John 4:1).

What is in us determines whom uses us, the devil or Christ, or if what comes out of us is good or evil. Because what comes out from us can affect our lives as much as those who hear it, either positively or negatively. Matt.15.18 But whatever comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this is what makes a man unclean and defiles [him].

At times we have heard people say they didn't think before they spoke, what they said may not have come from their thought but it definitely came from a defiled heart filled with unclean spirits. When our words destroy(what is good) than give life, we are not children of God but those of vipers, for Jesus said in John 6:63 his words are Spirit and life. So do what we say bring life to others, or death to them, their progress, their relationships.

God hates gossipers, they are like grasshoppers and crickets, hooping around and making noise disturbing peace.

Proverbs 6:16-19; These six things the Lord hates, indeed, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others], a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that manufactures wicked thoughts and plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.

This scripture shows that God hates those who look down on others to lie, make up stories and are quick to swear falsely against others and sow discord. No gossiper aims for peace but division.

What we say can either bring us judgement or favor, blessing or curse, either to ourselves or to others. That's why while we guard what we say, we must also guard against those who speak to us. What if Eve never listened to the serpent?

We live in a communication age where numerous rumours and gossips spread, filling people with hate or fear, how we handle what our ears hear affects even our faith, for faith comes by hearing Romans 10:17. If we are not careful to discern what we hear about God or others in the present world, we may be led astray without knowing it.

God wants us to be so careful about what we say that there is a command against false accusation, Exodus 20:1; 23:1 you shall not raise a false report nor bear false witness. If you are not sure about something keep quiet about it, even if others speak about it.

Jesus said let our yes be yes and our no be no, Matthew 5:37, for whatever is more than these comes of evil.

At times we need to guard on how often we speak, for when we speak too much, secrets, lies, gossip and hurtful things may be spoken. Ecclesiastes 5:7
Prov.10.19 When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

We also need to guard our hearts and our thoughts, so evil doesn't present itself.
Prov.4.23-24 Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth, And put perverse lips far from you.

Phil.4.7-8; And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

When our thoughts towards others are good to bring them to a good end, we preach the gospel but when we harbour any form ill thoughts or feelings we speak to bring them down. When we speak what people say, when it's not true, it's gossip, but when we say what God says then it's the gospel. Jesus asked the disciples who do people say I am, but he only commended what Peter answered, as what could not be revealed by flesh or by blood. When we speak to others do we tell them what other says or what God says? When we think bad of others do we shut it up, when others bring false accusations do we encourage them or shut it down by verifying the truth?

When we open our mouths to speak, do we speak as children of God or as children of serpents, do we speak the good news, the gospel, or do we accuse falsely, lie and gossip?

When people falsely accuse you or spread lies against you, report them to God, rebuke those who do so they repent or they end up like the devil cast down, overcome them by the word and truth of your testimony of God.

fman:
did u type all this?
Or you copied it

typed it, why?