Proverbs 18:8

Let's be real. When I ask the question of who has gossiped about someone you call a friend, don't go looking over your shoulder with that innocent expression that reads, "Well, certainly not me, but let's see who is raising their hands!"

Unfortunately, gossip is one of those sins that proves extremely enticing. We easily say that we just can't help ourselves at times. But the tricky thing about words is that they can hurt. A lot. Take a look at what Proverbs says when it comes to gossip.

Proverbs 18:8 ~ "The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts."

The next time you are about to use your words against someone, think about how those words would taste to the other person. Would it shame them? Impose guilt on them? Accuse them? Before you speak, ask yourself that if you can't say it to their face, do you really want to say it behind their back?

And most importantly, pray. The Spirit wants to guide you, and He fights for you. He is fighting to keep those words from slipping out of your mouth. Allow Him to transform the way you speak so the temptation grows weaker as you grow stronger.