Gossip is the art of telling tales about another person. It is a practice some people gladly participate in daily. It is a sad commentary on our character that we very quickly believe an evil report about someone—but we only believe in the good upon reflection and thought. Somehow it is easier for us to believe the shady stories rather than search for the truth and for the good.

Before believing evil reports, let us request witnesses and confirmation of a tale. Let us give at least as much time to doubting evil as we give to doubting good. The Bible says in the mouth of two or three witnesses one can be found guilty, not by the hearsay of one person (Deuteronomy 17:6). We are instructed by God not to be talebearers that spread around stories about others (Leviticus 19:16). Look for the truth, look for the good and avoid gossip.