Gossip

“For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults” (II Corinthians 12:20).

I call it “character assassination.” It usually grows from a “mole-hill” into a “mountain.” It frequently evolves into lying. It causes multiplied heartache and hard feelings. It is so unnecessary. Bobby Dockery penned the following:

My Name Is Gossip

My name is Gossip. I have no respect for justice. I maim without killing. I break hearts and ruin lives...
I am cunning and malicious and gather strength with age. The more I am quoted, the more I am believed...
I flourish at every level of society. My victims are helpless. They cannot protect themselves against me because I have no name and no face...
To track me down is impossible. The harder 1you try the more elusive I become. I am nobody’s friend...
I topple governments and wreck marriages...
I ruin careers, cause sleepless nights, heartaches, tears, fears, and indigestion...
I spawn suspicion and generate grief I make innocent people cry in their lows. Even my name hisses...
Gossip! I am called Gossip, Office Gossip, Shop Gossip, Party Gossip. I make headlines and headaches...
Before you repeat a story, ask yourself: Is it true? Is it fair? Is it necessary?
Gossip—Think twice before you participate— or better still, do not!!

Author Unknown