The Mischief of Tale-Bearing
The tale-bearer has been compared to a sieve, the contents of which are no sooner in than they are out. He gathers up all the gossip he can about other people's affairs, and instead of keeping it to himself, scatters it abroad. There is nothing in the neighborhood but what he knows, and he knows nothing but what he tells. Such a person soon acquires an unenviable reputation, and becomes the dread of those around him. The natural tendency with such persons is to add coloring to their tales, and by that means to stir up mischief. A person who finds such a habit growing upon him, should check it at once for his own sake, as well as for the sake of others. The psalmist describes the man who shall be accounted worthy to dwell in the holy hill of Zion, as one who backbiteth not with his tongue, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor. If you find the wag of your tongue too great, check it up at once.—Sel.