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I love the story about four priests who met for lunch one Friday afternoon. While they were enjoying their meals, one of the priests said, “Our parishioners come to us with their problems, seeking guidance and admitting their past mistakes. Let's do the same with each other because confession is good for the soul.” The four men agreed, and thus began their transparency!
The first priest admitted that he found pleasure in going to the movies instead of being at his rectory during his scheduled hours. The second priest revealed that he enjoyed smoking cigars on Sundays, while the third confessed that he liked to play high-stakes poker. When it was the fourth priest's turn to share, he remained silent. The others urged him, saying,"Come on, it's your turn to tell us what you struggle with, especially since we've all shared! What is your secret or vice?"After a few minutes of pressure, he finally responded, "I struggle with gossiping, and I can hardly wait to get out of here so I can share what you've all told me!"
This charming story offers a unique perspective on gossip. For some individuals, they are not immoral; rather, they have an unhealthy urge to engage in gossip. In my humble opinion, stopping this urge or addressing those who spitefully besmirch someone’s character requires real wisdom from God. Thankfully, the Scriptures have a lot to say about this topic.  
First, recognizing that gossip is a sin. While writting to the church in Rome, Paul puts gossip in the category othersins.  Romans 1:28-29 says, "Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. 29 Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarrelling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip." Whether you are using your ears, mouth, or mind to allow gossip, you are in sin. Furthermore, making unfounded insinuations is lying and violties God'scommands on baring false witness.
Secondly, people who gossip eventually burn bridges with others and become friendless. Proverbs 20:19,"A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers."
Finally, help stop the spread of gossip by following God's commands. Levicicus 19:6, “Do not spread slanderous gossip among your people. “Do not stand idly by when your neighbor’s life is threatened. I am the Lord."
Regardless if you have an urge like that fourth priest or you think it's acceptable to talk about others, take these verses and principles to heart because it matters to God, and it should matter to us!