Key Bible Verse: A gossip goes around revealing secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence (Proverbs 11:13). Bonus Reading: Proverbs 16:26; 17:9; 26:20

Every workplace has a person who seems to have the lowdown on everyone else and is willing to tell all. Jim heard that Bob, his supervisor, had been hospitalized for cancer. Jim began telling everyone that Bob would soon be too ill to continue his job. Jim was pushing hard to get Bob's job. It didn't matter to him that Bob made a complete recovery and continued in his job. To the ruthless, lies and half-truths are good weapons.

I recently talked with an attorney who practiced in a small town for more than 60 years. I asked him whether he knew a story on everyone in town. He laughed and said, "I know many stories on everyone in town—things that could ruin people and send them to jail! But I'd never reveal any of it. It'll go to the grave with me." That's the way to handle sensitive information on others. Why hurt them?

[Today's Key Bible Verse] tells us not to be a tale-bearer. This command is not permission to conceal crimes or serious breaches of ethics. Those, of course, should be reported. But if a harmful rumor is flying about a coworker, we can let that rumor stop with us instead of passing it along.

My Response: One time I wish I'd kept my mouth shut was …

Thought to Apply: The kindest word in all the world is the unkind word, unsaid.
—Source unknown