Our tongue can be the deadliest weapon.
Our tongue has the power to heal or hurt. To empower or repress. Praise or curse. (James 3:8-10)
We are warned repeatedly in the Bible, God's word, not to take part in gossip...but we all do it.
"...did you know (insert name) has/does/ is doing..."
"...did you hear about what (insert name) has done..."
STOP RIGHT THERE. If it's important for me to know, (insert name) will tell me.
James 1:26, it says "If you claim to be religious but don't control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless."
I think it's time we learn to talk all over again.
Don't listen to, or say, anything that would destroy someone else. Who are we to judge?
Create a motto for yourself. "my lips will speak no evil, and my tongue will speak no lies" (Job 27:4)
And start finding new friends..."A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don't hang around with chatterers" (Proverbs 20:19)
More verses to think about:
Psalm 34:13
Proverbs 11:13, 15:4, 16:28, 18:8, 21:23, 26:20
2 Peter 2:1