[160 words]
Many people think gossip is a harmless diversion. However, a study on gossip found out that it indeed hurts someone, one you might not expect. Researchers set up a test where subject watched a video were actor talked about a third party. In the videos, the actor would either say something very negative or positive about the other person. After the video, the subjects were asked to rate the personality of the speaker. Even though it was obvious that actor was talking about someone else, the participants consistently attributed the negative traits to the speaker.
As Jean Paul Richter said, “A man never discloses his own character so clearly as when he describes another’s”. Gossip is seems does as much harm to the gossiper as it does to those being gossiped about. Proverbs 25:9-10 warns us “do not reveal the secret of another, or he who hears it will reproach you, And the evil report about you will not pass away.”
Barry Haynes
Hope church of Christ
Hope, AR