Don't jump on any "gossip bandwagons"

Social networks are teeming with “conspiracy theories – most of which were started by one person and keep being passed around by those who ignorantly believe them.   If America isn't "funding ISIS" then the Pope is "gay" or "chemtrails are the government's way of poisoning us!" or “we’ve been lied to by our governments, because the earth really IS flat!” or we need to "arm ourselves to the teeth because our own government is out to get us," or some other silly nonsense.  Unfortunately, when you try to tell some "conspiracy theorist" that it's just a rumor, they become fighting mad...

Scripture warns against spreading rumors and those who engage in gossip. Proverbs 20:19 says, “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.” Words are powerful. They can build up or destroy (Proverbs 18:21).
James 3:2–12 instructs YHWH's people to control our words, beginning with verse 5: 5. So likewise the tongue is a small member and it uplifts itself. Also a little fire inflames large forests.  6. Now the tongue is a fire, and the world of sin is like a forest. And this tongue, which is one among our members, corrupts our whole body; and it inflames the series of our generations that roll on like a wheel; and it is itself on fire.  (AENT)   

Spreading “harmless” rumors, then, can cause great destruction. YHWH desires that we use our words to praise Him (Psalm 34:1), to speak wisdom (Proverbs 10:13), and to encourage and edify each other (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Ephesians 4:29).

Scripture often includes gossip in lists of specific evils (i.e., 2 Corinthians 12:20; Romans 1:29). Spreading rumors is so repulsive in YHWH’s sight (Leviticus 19:16)! First Timothy 5:13 sternly warns against using idle time to spread slander, and Proverbs 17:4 implies that those who eagerly listen to gossip have low character....

Proverbs 26:22 “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.”

It's thrilling to our carnal natures to hear scandalous information about someone - and many fall for it!!  Please don’t be a follower of MAN!  Think for yourself.  Ask YHWH for discernment and THEN make up your own mind about the latest rumor.