RULES OF A GOOD SOLDIER Luke 3:14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages. I received some correspondence once from someone that wondered how as a Christian and a pastor I could praise soldiers.  How I could life up the Armed Forces.  After all they concluded, isn't it anti-biblical?  I know of Independent Pastors that say no Christian should join the military, and that if someone got saved, they should not re-inlist.  We will see today not only are these ideas NOT found in the Bible, but God commends us to be like Soldiers! The office and employment of a soldier is not condemned, but regulated; he does not bid them cast away their arms, abandon war, appear no more as military men in the field; but manage their employment as inoffensively as possible. Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 1. DO VIOLENCE TO NO MAN Do not take the property of any by unlawful force (pillage & rape), or do not use unjust force against the person or property of any individual. Put no man in fear.  The only one that should fear the soldier is the enemy. Strong in their organization, they terrified the weak and enforced gratuities by acts of violence. Jeremiah 22:3 Thus saith the LORD; Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place. Proverbs 3:30 Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.  31 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. Luke 10:33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, 34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 2. DON'T ACCUSE FALSELY SYCOPHANT: A servile self-seeker who seeks to please people in positions of authority or influence in order to gain power themselves, usually at the cost of pride, principles, and peer respect. An informer/flatterer. Soldiers often blackmailed the rich by bing informers and fasely accusing. Luke 11:53 And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things:  54 Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him. Luke 19:8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. Titus 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 3. BE CONTENT WITH YOUR PAY Do not murmur or complain, or take unlawful means to increase your wages(wages included their rations or daily allowance of food) Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 1 Timothy 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.  9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.  10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.  6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Psalms 84:10 For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.   11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. WOULD GOD, WOULD YOU? Numbers 11:1-35 26 But there remained two of the men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the spirit rested upon them; and they were of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp.  27 And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp. 28 And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.  29 And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD'S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!  30 And Moses gat him into the camp, he and the elders of Israel.   I. PROPHETS WARN PEOPLE 1 Tim 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.  6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.  Isa 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.   Matt 24:23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25 Behold, I have told you before. II. PROPHETS LOVE PEOPLE Acts 26:29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds. III. PROPHETS EDIFY PEOPLE 1 Cor 14:5  I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. IV. PROPHETS CHALLENGE PEOPLE 1 Kings 18:21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.   Exo 32:26 Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD'S side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him. V. PROPHETS LEAD PEOPLE 1 Cor 16:15  I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) THE ATTRIBUTES FOUND IN 1 TIM 3 ARE FOR EVERYONE (MAN)! 1 Tim 3:1-15 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;  5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)  6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.   7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.  8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;  9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.  10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.  11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.  12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.  13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.  14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: 15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. GOSSIP, WHAT IS IT? Gossip is a great evil, and because of the corruption of the fallen human heart, it is a constant problem. The old Adamic nature delights in hearing and spreading gossip. Gossip is not something that is confined to old women. In fact, it is a great problem among independent Baptist preachers. I have often been amazed at the gossip that is spread by pastors and evangelists, and I must confess that I have done some gossiping myself through the years. Recently the rumor was spread around that a pastor friend of mine was getting a divorce. It was a total fabrication. Some years ago the rumor was spread among some preachers that a prominent fundamental Baptist pastor had murdered a man and had hid him in a bus barn. It was a total fabrication. I have heard many different rumors spread even about me. It is widely rumored that I am a Baptist Brider, for example, which is absolute nonsense. Other rumors have gone abroad that I correct the King James Bible, which also is absolute nonsense. Others have said that I believe the English Bible has replaced the Greek and Hebrew and that it is wrong to use lexicons or to do word studies, which is absolute nonsense. While we were attending a certain Baptist church some years ago, several preachers told me that the pastor at this church was a divorced man, yet it was not true. I could give many other examples of unfounded and hurtful gossip among fundamental Baptist preachers. WHAT GOSSIP IS Though the word “gossip” does not appear in the Bible, the concept does. Gossip is called TALEBEARING (Lev. 19:16; Prov. 11:13; 18:8; 20:19; 26:20-22) and BACKBITING (Psa. 15:3), which is talking to others about the intimate details of people’s lives for injurious purposes. Gossip is called being a “BUSYBODY IN OTHER MEN’S MATTERS” (1 Pet. 4:5). This means putting one’s nose in other people’s affairs which are none of my business. Gossip is called “SLANDER” (Num. 14:36, 37; 2 Sam. 19:27; Prov. 10:18; Jer. 9:4-6; Rom. 3:8; 1 Tim. 3:11). This means to say false things about people, especially with the objective of hurting them. For something to be slanderous, it must involve deceit and falsehood and an injurious motive. To spread rumors about someone in an attempt to hurt that person is wicked gossip. We must be extremely careful about passing along things that we hear. If there is any question about the truthfulness of something, it is essential to verify it from someone who is in a position to know the matter. Gossip is called “TATTLING” (1 Tim. 5:13). This means to prattle on about other people’s lives when it is none of one’s business and when one has no godly motive for such talk, to gossip). God’s people must guard themselves vigilantly against these sins. Gossip is extremely damaging. In fact, gossip can destroy a preacher’s effectiveness and can ruin an entire church. WHAT GOSSIP IS NOT It is very important, though, not to confuse gossip with legitimate Christian endeavors. SPEAKING TRUTH TO PROPER PARTIES FOR A GODLY PURPOSE IS NOT GOSSIP It is not wrong to share truthful things with those who have a right to such information. For example, it was not gossip for the household of Chloe to tell Paul about the problems in the church at Corinth (1 Cor. 1:11). As the founder of that church, Paul had a right to know about those problems, and the household of Chloe were not telling him these things to hurt the Lord’s work but to help it. It is not gossip to talk to a pastor or Sunday School teacher or deacon about matters in church members’ lives that they should know about. It is not gossip to talk to a father or mother about matters affecting their children. It was not gossip for Paul to remind Timothy that the Cretians had a poor national character which he described in such harsh-sounding terms as “liars, evil beasts, slow bellies” (Titus 1:12). What Paul said about the Cretians (quoting one of their own poets) was true, and his motive was not to hurt them but to help them (“that they may be sound in the faith” Titus 1:13) and to further the work of Christ in Crete. It is not wrong for a Christian to warn another person about a serious problem in a church or organization, so long as the information is true and the motive is not to hurt but to help and to warn. Oftentimes I have warned people about serious problems with certain churches that I have known about. That is not gossip and it is not slander. It is not gossip to speak the truth in love, regardless of how harsh the truth might sound. QUESTIONING A PREACHER’S TEACHING IS NOT GOSSIP It is also not wrong to question a pastor in a humble and godly manner and to test his teaching by the Scriptures. In fact, we have a responsibility before God to do that. That is not gossip and it is not wrong. Of course, we always must guard our hearts that we don’t become bitter and that we don’t develop a bad attitude and then try to hurt the pastor or the church by spreading things around the church membership or community. We must also use wisdom about such matters. For example, it is not usually wise and proper to question a pastor publicly about some perceived error or problem. It is best handled in private, at least at first. That being said, the bottom line is that it is not wrong to question a pastor’s teaching. Acts 17:11; 1 Thess. 5:21; and 1 Cor. 14:29 settle that. Pastors have much authority, but they are not popes and they are not to be followed blindly. Their authority is the Word of God, and if they veer from that they have no authority and should be corrected. And yet many godly Christians have been branded as gossips and troublemakers when they have attempted to question something the preacher taught. All too many pastors have wrongly defined “gossip” as saying anything negative about him and his preaching, and they create this false definition in order to manipulate the church members and to make them fearful of questioning anything he does. This is not right and does not create a wholesome New Testament church atmosphere. The pastor must remember that he not to lord it over God’s people. “Neither as being lords over Gods heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3). According to this passage, the pastor needs to be more concerned about providing a godly example to the flock than lording it over them. This does not mean, of course, that the pastor does not have more authority than others in church. He does have authority (Heb. 13:17). What we are referring to here is the abuse of that authority. Even the Apostle Paul, who had greater authority than any pastor today, said, “Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand” (2 Cor. 1:24). WARNING OF SIN AND ERROR IS NOT GOSSIP Marking false teachers and warning about compromisers is not gossip or slander. Paul warned of false teachers and compromisers by name no less than ten times in 1 and 2 Timothy alone. If a church leader publicly teaches error or commits a serious sin that would disqualify him or otherwise does something that people should be warned about, it is not gossip or slander for men of God to describe the problem publicly. I have often been charged with being a slanderer or a busybody when I have named men such as Billy Graham or Jerry Falwell or James Dobson and have warned about their errors. Actually I have the right and responsibility as a preacher to mark those who depart from the Word of God. I do not have to get their permission to do so, and I do not have to approach them first. If their error is public and persistent, my responsibility is to warn of them publicly, just as Paul did in regard to Hymenaeus and Alexander (1 Tim. 1:20), Phygellus and Hermogenes (2 Tim. 1:15), Hymenaeus and Philetus (2 Tim. 2:17), Demas (2 Tim. 4:10), and Alexander the coppersmith (2 Tim. 4:14-15). Slander is spreading ill founded, untrue things about others with the intent to injure them. Warning about error in Christian charity for the sake of protecting God’s people from that error is not slander nor is it gossip. ADMONISHING ONE ANOTHER IS NOT GOSSIP Romans 15:14 says, “And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.” Christians have an obligation to admonish one another to serve the Lord. This involves watching over one another and exhorting one another about things that would hinder our walk with Christ (Heb. 3:13; 10:24, 25). This ministry should not be confused with gossip. In some churches, though, this is exactly what happens. If a mature church member attempts to admonish and correct other church members, he or she can be labeled as a gossip and a troublemaker and a busybody in other men’s affairs. Admonishing others requires maturity and godliness (Rom. 15:14), but it is a legitimate duty of mature church members. It is not something that is to be left strictly to the pastor. Titus 2:3-5 describes how older women in the church are to teach and admonish younger women. I have known of churches, though, in which older women have gotten into trouble for attempting to exercise this ministry in a godly and scriptural manner. They were told that it was strictly up to the pastor to correct and disciple younger women about their personal lives and homes, but that is certainly not what the Bible says. There is a ministry of correction that is to be exercised by church members. I recall a situation in a church in which a young man was admonished by some mature church members to quit his job at a wicked movie theater for the sake of his own spiritual wellbeing and for the sake of other young people in the church who were watching his example. When he refused to follow this counsel and he quit the church in a huff, those who admonished him from the Word of God were branded as the troublemakers. In fact, they were exercising the legitimate biblical ministry of admonition among church members. These examples illustrate that it is necessary to make a clear biblical distinction between gossip and legitimate Christian endeavors. Updated and enlarged January 10, 2006 (first published June 5, 1999) (David Cloud, Fundamental Baptist Information Service, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061, 866-295-4143, fbns@wayoflife.org Way of Life Literature. Copyright 1997-2001. P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061–0368. 1-866-295-4143 (toll free: USA & Canada), 519-652-2619 (voice), fbns@wayoflife.org (email) http://www.wayoflife.org/(web site) Here is some more insight from various sources, many I have forgotten the original place they are from: (If you are the one it is from, let me know, and I will give you the credit, or sorrowfully remove it) ______________________________ Let us look to scripture to see what gossip is and is not. First, to illustrate what gossip is not, consider the following questions, the answers to which should be obvious.     * Was Paul gossiping when he reported Peter's dramatic failure in Gal 2:11?     * Was Luke gossiping when he tells the debilitating and embarrassing story of Peter's triple denial of Jesus "behind his back"? (Luke 22:55-62)     * Do you think Mark got permission from John and James (sort of "cult" reputation-protection style) before writing of their misguided passion to "be first"? (Mark 10:35-44)     * Perhaps Luke secured "rights" to disclose the whisperings at the Last Passover to all of creation in Luke 22:24? What do you think?     * Was Jesus gossiping when he said "negative" things behind the backs of Herod (Mk 8:15), the Pharisees, (Mt 12:38-40) the Teachers of the Law (Lk 20:45), and the Sadducees (Mt 16:6)? Was it gossip for Jesus to warn His disciples against false teachers and prophets, etc., when these teachers and prophets weren't around?     * When Chloe reported to Paul about the "divisions", "party-spirit", and "man-following" carnality of the Corinthians, did Paul rebuke her for gossiping, or receive this news as from the Lord and base a several chapters of Holy Scripture on this "negative" report? (1Cor 1:11) Clearly, we should not be defining "gossip" in such a way that would accuse and besmirch Chloe, the holy Apostles, Scripture, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit! For God is light and He reveals and discloses true things--both positive and negative things--hidden in darkness, and this is most definitely not "gossip". And those who follow Him will become like Him. ____________________________ What Gossip is Not To understand this issue, we must first come to a proper definition of what is gossip, and what is not.  Only then can we take the proper steps to avoid the destruction of this plague. A Good Report Is it always wrong to speak to others about another person?  Is it wrong to pass on something that is worthy of praise?  Let us turn to the Word of God for the answer. We must understand that a good report is worthy of our attention.  Reflect on Philippians 4:8 which teaches us, 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. The Apostle Paul provides us with many examples of passing on a good report from the Word of God.  Consider what he wrote in Chapter 4 of Colossians.  Verse 7 teaches us, "All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:"  Not only did Paul teach us that it was worthy to publicly praise a brother in the faith, but that he expected Tychicus to actually pass on the news about Paul's ministry. Take into account what Paul wrote next:  Colossians 4:8-13 8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;  9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.  10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)  11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.  12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.    13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. We can only conclude from the Bible that it is right to pass on that which is praiseworthy about a brother or sister in the faith.  This is not gossip and is not sin, but this is actually what we should be doing! A Word of Encouragement Continuing in the same passage in the book of Colossians, we learn something interesting in verse 17 of Chapter 4.  Notice with me what we read, And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.  Apparently Paul felt that Archippus needed some encouragement to complete the ministry that Christ had for him, and he had no problem passing this message on publicly.  Clearly the motive was love, and unmistakably Paul wanted only what was best for Archippus and for the church of Jesus Christ.  The letters to Timothy and Titus give us great examples that, as followers of Jesus Christ, we should strive to embolden our brothers and sisters in the faith to complete the service to Christ to which they have been called. Protecting the Church Should Elders in the church ever speak about the people entrusted to their care, other than a word of encouragement or in praise?  The answer from the Word of God is yes.  Consider 2 Timothy 4:14-15, 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:  15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. Paul was having trouble with Alexander.  It is clear that he was not listening and was damaging the ministry of Christ.  Did Paul have the love of Christ for this man?  I must think that he did.  Nevertheless, Paul's greater mandate was to protect the ministry of Jesus Christ.  The church is too precious to be allowed to be destroyed by one (or a few) rotten apples.  Paul did not seek revenge, but rather sought for the Lord to repay this man.  Notice though, that Paul did name the troublemaker, and told Timothy to steer clear of such a dangerous man. In case you might think that 2 Timothy is an isolated instance, think of Paul's words in 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15, 14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.   15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.   In this situation we see unmistakably that those who were in disobedience were to be clearly warned that the path they were on was in rebellion to the Lord.  The church was told to pay attention to those who were in disobedience to the Word of God, and to not keep company with those people.  Not only was Paul concerned about the brother and sister who had strayed into disobedience, but he was concerned about their impact upon the entire church. Another passage that we should turn to is found in Acts Chapter 20.  Verse 17 teaches us that Paul was gathered together with the Elders of the church of Ephesus at the city of Miletus.  Take note of what he said in verses 28-31,  28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.  29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.  30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.  31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. Paul was warning this group of men that wolves come in and attack the church, not sparing the people of God.  At the same time, he warned them that men would rise up within the church looking to draw away the Lord's sheep.  What must this group of men do?  They were told to watch, to be on guard for men or women who will attack the Church of Christ.  Since the Bible is abundantly clear that the church is to be led by a plurality of Elders, the only logical conclusion we can make is that these men must talk in private amongst themselves about these situations.  It should never be to slander, and always in a spirit of love.  It should never be to gossip, but to watch for the attacks of Satan upon the Church of Christ. What is Gossip Despite what you may think, gossip is pretty easy to define.  Chances are, you have probably been guilty of gossip in the past.  James 3:8 says, "But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." Let us begin our understanding of what gossip is, by looking to Matthew Chapter 18.  Suppose someone in the church has wronged you; what should you do?  Verse 15 has the answer.  It tells us, 15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. Pay close attention to this verse, because it teaches us more than you might think.  First notice if your brother sins against you then go to that person and that person only.  If the person has sinned against your friend in the church, but your friend has not bothered going to that person, then you have no business hearing about it.  Truth be told, if your friend has not gone to the person, then you should not even listen.  If you sit down and listen to the person that has a complaint against another believer, then you are actually the one guilty of gossip!  In fact, you both are guilty of gossip at this point. Notice the goal of the entire situation is to gain our brother; this is love.  Love should always be the motive.  The wording of this verse suggests to us that our brother in the faith may not even know that he did something wrong.  Paul taught this same thing in Galatians 6:1 where he wrote, 1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Only if our brother or sister does not listen to us should we go to another believer in the faith about the situation.  This is what Jesus teaches us in verses 16-17, 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.  17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. When our hearts are truly looking out for the best interests of our brother or sister in the faith, we should be carefully examining our own hearts, making sure that in all things our motive is love.  Slander seeks to destroy, love seeks to restore.  We should make sure that we are keeping the number of people involved down to the smallest possible circle, and only include those who are involved in being a part of the solution.  To do otherwise, would be gossip. The Warning Imagine you are called to a court case to be a witness of an accident.  As you take the stand a lawyer begins to ask you what you saw.  Since you did not actually see the accident happen for yourself, you begin to describe what your friend has told you happened.  Before you get very far the lawyer for the other side yells out, "Objection, hearsay."  In other words, you didn't witness the event, and you can only provide hearsay of what happened.  The court is not looking for this type of evidence, because it knows that it is actually just gossip.  The courts will only convict men based on evidence and by witness testimony, not hearsay. The church must pay attention to this important lesson.  We must not try to condemn our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ based only on what our friends have told us.  This is gossip, and is actually bearing a false witness against our fellow believer in Jesus Christ.  The warning from the Word of God is clear.  Proverbs 6:19 tells us that the Lord hates, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. Wisdom to Apply From God's Word Prov 16:28  A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.  11:13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.   18:8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.  20:19  He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.  Prov 26:20  Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.