Proverbs 26:20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.  Websters 1828 definition for talebearer- To run about and tattle; to tell idle tales.  Gossip can only survive where people allow it to survive.  It is entirely possible to put an end to gossip.  It’s a choice!  Proverbs 11:13  A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.  Some people live to hear or tell  a juicy tale on someone else.  They don’t realize they themselves could be the next victim.  Reveal the tale, or conceal the tale, the choice is ours.  When we choose to bury the story, we are choosing grace.  When we pray for those who are tattling, we are choosing grace.  When we know the story is true, and we pray for the guilty, we are choosing grace.  The tongue is not an easy member to control.  Sometimes our words do not line up with our heart. No wonder James instructed us to be swift to hear, and slow to speak.  When a person repeats a tale it is like putting wood on a fire.  When a person chooses grace it is like pouring water on the fire.  When something is on fire, I’m not reaching for the gas can, but rather the water bucket!  Proverbs 18:8  The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Lord, please help our words to be words of healing, not of wounding.  Amen. People are hurting enough already.  Pastor