Whispers, whispers everywhere. It seems people want to hear about others—the good, the bad and the ugly. The problem is that we also develop a reaction to what we hear. Our biases and prejudices are often built on the rumors. But the wise will resist believing each whisper.

Ecclesiastes 10:20 gives some good advice. "Do not curse the king, even in your thought… for a bird of the air may carry your voice, and a bird in flight may tell the matter." Wisdom whispers to us: "Hear no ill of a friend, and speak no ill of an enemy." A true friend will not accept rumors, and a wise person will not start them. If there is a concern, do the right thing and go to the friend or to the source of the rumor. The whispers may not stop, but you can be in control.