Scrutinize the words of Jesus in the Gospel. He’s not a gossip. He speaks compelling words of truth. He confronts the Pharisees directly and, echoing John the Baptist, courageously indicts them as a “brood of vipers.” He takes accountability for every word. He warns His disciples of the wiles of Herod, referring to him as a fox. When He asks the Twelve, “Who do men say that I am?” He elicits their honest opinion. But we often are chatterboxes in contrast—sometimes sinful gossips.