Exodus 20:1-2, 16
And God spoke all these words, saying, “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. … “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”
Does the delightful old sport of gossip fall under this prohibition? Do I spread rumors and “slight exaggerations” about my friends and neighbors? Is it a way of elevating myself at someone else’s expense? How often do I premise my tale with the warning “That you oughta know about …”?
Forgive me, Lord, change my heart O, God, for I am a sinful man and do not love my neighbor as myself.
