I won't tell

Today I thought share a poem that can be quite thought provoking. It's titled Nobody's Friend.

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'm quoted, the more I am believed.
My victims are helpless.
They cannot protect themselves against me
because I have no name or face.
To track me down is impossible.
 The harder you try, the more elusivive I become.
I am nobody's friend.
Once I tarnish a reputation, it's never the same.
I topple governments and wreck marriages.
I ruin careers and cause sleepless nights, heartaches and indigestion.
I make innocent people cry in their pillows.
Even my name hisses.......
My name is gossip!
Author Unknown

As I read that poem I am impacted by its elements of truth.  Every aspect of that poem rings true. That is so unlike gossip.  So many times gossip is not true and can damage reputations and lives.  It seems to have the same effect as a juicy steak.  For steak lovers, one bite of a flavorful steak leaves you wanting more and more.   The words of gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts. (Proverbs 18:8)  Sweet, juicy words that satisfy some and injure others.  

I recall a dear friend coming to me with some information that she had received "first hand" about a co-worker.  As much as I love her I had to tell her that I did not want to hear the gossip to which she responded "It's not gossip, it's true!"

So many of us have that understanding that if the information is true, it can't be gossip and that is so far from the truth.  Every time something is repeated, an element of truth is distorted. We interject more and more of our opinion to make the story better.  Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. (Proverbs 18:3)

What a terrible thing to be labeled a gossip...one who can not hold their tongue.  It comes natural to want to be the first to tell but it takes restraint to walk away.  So when you you are tempted to share gossip, especially damaging information, choose not to tell!


A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret. Proverbs 11:13