“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.”
— Proverbs 20:19
Never choose a gossip for a friend. Such a person tells secrets. Don’t hang around with someone who reveals private information that should not be passed on.
Sadly, there are people who pretend to be your friends, using smooth talk and flattery to persuade you to reveal your secrets. They like to be “in the know” and enjoy being the first one to spread a story. Gossip creates harsh disagreements that often force a group of friends to split and take sides. This is not the kind of people you want for friends. “Watch out for those who cause divisions . . . Keep away from them” (Romans 16:17).
What kind of people should you surround yourself with? “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret” (Proverbs 11:13). How can you know who’s trustworthy? Test her. Tell her a small secret and wait. Does she keep it to herself? If so, try revealing something more personal. Again, wait a week or two. Does your secret get spread around? Trust and reveal more a little bit at a time. There are trustworthy people you can have for friends. Search for them, but avoid the gossips.
More to Explore: Proverbs 26:20 – 22
Girl Talk: Are you a gossip? Do you give in to the temptation to tell secrets about other people?
God Talk: “Lord, I don’t want to gossip. Take control of what I say and keep my lips sealed.” (See Psalm 141:3 NLT.)
From Chick Chat by Kristi Holl