Gossip is a Sickness, Prophecy is the Cure
“Have you heard something? Let it die with you. Be brave, it will not make you burst!” – Sirach 19:10
I tell you, on the day of judgment men will render account for every careless word they utter; for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Mt 12:37).Although the Scriptures have strong words regarding the sin of gossip—an offense in speech against the reputation of another—the habit is often taken too lightly and not regularly preached about from the pulpit.[1] Scriptural admonitions against gossiping don’t seem to be enough to break this cultural habit. Neither does the reality that a culture of gossip destroys trust and therefore undermines the Church’s evangelization efforts. So, what is an effective remedy for this pervasive spiritual ill?