Don't Hiss

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 am quoted, the more I am believed. I flourish at every level of society. My victims are helpless. They cannot protect themselves against me because I have no face. To track me down is impossible. The harder you try, the more elusive I become. I am nobodies friend. Once I tarnish a reputation, it is never the same. I topple governments, wreck marriages, and ruin careers -- cause sleepless nights, heartaches, and indigestion. I spawn suspicion and generate grief. I make innocent people cry in their pillows. Even my name hisses… I make headlines and headaches. Before you repeat a story, ask yourself, Is it true? Is it fair? Is it necessary? If not – shut up!

Excerpt taken from Laura Schlessinger, The Ten Commandments: The Significance of God’s Laws in Everyday Life, p. 203

No commentary, just scripture.

LEV 19:16  "'Do not go about spreading slander among your people. "'Do not  do anything that endangers your neighbor's life. I am the LORD.

Psalm 34:13  "keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies."

Psalm 101:5  "Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, him will I put to silence;  whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, him will I not endure."