Gossip is unnecessary information that tears people down without justification — not merely sharing personal information without permission

Mike defines gossip not as any sharing of personal information (sharing praise about someone is fine) but as tearing people down with words that have no legitimate purpose. Proverbs supports the idea that love covers a multitude of sins and a friend conceals the failures of their friend. Exceptions include public accountability (e.g., teaching a video on Kenneth Copeland's errors is confronting public teaching for public benefit, not gossip). The mark of self-control in speech is catching yourself before saying something unnecessary and choosing not to — Mike expresses deep respect for anyone who stops mid-sentence and says "you know what, I probably shouldn't say that."