I Don't Want to Gossip, but...

     Recently, a woman said to me, "I don't want to gossip, but..." and told me something about another woman. It struck me as she said the words, how often have I done the same thing. I don't want to gossip, but I do! Whenever I speak words that are not edifying or encouraging about another person, I am gossiping.
     Office gossip can be time consuming, energy wasting, and divisive. Words of criticism about others' work habits, attendance issues, and leadership skills can cause coworkers to question an other's integrity and character. Some folks in the office are bent on telling me what they know about others. I need to be just as bent on telling them what I know about the Lord.

Proverbs 11:13 A gossip betrays a confidence,

    but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.

Proverbs 17:9 Whoever would foster love covers over an offense,

    but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

Proverbs 18:8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;

    they go down to the inmost parts.

Proverbs 20:19 A gossip betrays a confidence;

    so avoid anyone who talks too much.

Proverbs 26:20 Without wood a fire goes out;

    without a gossip a quarrel dies down.