Gossip kills. STOP it.

Gossip doesn’t just waste time … it destroys. It kills creativity, because no one wants to share ideas in an environment where their words might be twisted. It kills leadership, because trust is the foundation of influence. It kills passion, because discouragement spreads faster than inspiration. And it kills relationships, because lies travel quicker than the truth.

If you don’t have the proof, don’t spread the words. Every time you repeat gossip, you don’t just damage someone else. You make yourself look as foolish as the one who told you.

Proverbs warns: “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts” (Proverbs 18:8). What seems small can cut deep.

Eleanor Roosevelt said: “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.” Gossip shrinks our spirit. It pulls us down into smallness when we’re called to live with purpose.

James reminds us: “The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark” (James 3:5). A careless word can set fire to an entire team, family, or church.

And here’s the truth. When you have an issue with someone, the first person you should connect with is the person at the center, not the crowd that’s watching. Jesus said it plainly: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone” (Matthew 18:15). Conversations bring clarity, but gossip breeds confusion.

Leaders, parents, friends, brothers and sisters in Christ – this matters. Protect the culture you’re building. Refuse to entertain gossip, and instead choose words that give life: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up” (Ephesians 4:29).

Let your words be proof that you’re leading with wisdom, strength, and love.