“Gossip is spread by wicked people; they stir up trouble and break up friendships” (Proverbs 16:28, GNT).

John Gill's Exposition of the Bible explains it this way: “...one that goes from place to place, from house to house, carrying tales, whispering into the ears of persons things harmful to the character of others, mere lies and falsehoods; such a man by his conduct separates one friend from another, even chief friends.”

We usually think of gossip as being spread through secretive conversations or telephone calls, but the Internet has made gossip much easier and given it wings like no other time before. On Facebook, Twitter or other social networks, comments, and posts can get shared and re-interpreted until they spread like wildfire. 

The lesson? It's more important than ever to think before we speak, post or share. Is what we are saying or sharing positive and factual? If factual, is it even our business to share it?