19 Gossips can't keep secrets, so avoid people who talk too much.
"Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge" (James 4:11, NKJV).
Why all this talk on gossip and words? Because some people are well into adulthood before they realize or understand the power that is found in words. During this time of exploration and discovery of who you really are, you will find it will be a whole lot easier if you do not get caught up in talk that will hurt others and can also backfire and hurt you, too.
Every school, church, and town has a person who is a big mouth. People do not feel comfortable around them, because they do not want to be the next one talked about. As agents in God's kingdom, we should be people others feel comfortable and at ease around. If they are in need of help, advice, or encouragement, they should know they can get a Christian perspective from us and not have to worry about everyone else knowing their troubles. Trust, grace, and love in these matters are great tools to recruit others to the kingdom!