You will meet many people throughout your lifetime. Most you may consider acquaintances; some may become friends; few will be considered very close friends.

Good friends are hard to find—and even more difficult to keep. Among other things, many friendships fall victim to gossip. In Proverbs 16:28, King Solomon wrote, “A froward man sows strife: and a whisperer separates chief friends.”

Has one of your friendships ever ended because you heard something a friend said about you?

Those who gossip can be likened to farmers planting seeds in the fields. They sow seeds of division, causing doubt to grow between even the best of friends. Relationships can be torn apart because of one simple statement or misunderstanding.

When you hear something your friend may have said about you, don’t necessarily believe it. It may be false or blown out of proportion. The motive for spreading this kind of gossip is often to hurt someone and usually derives from feelings of jealousy.

Refuse to listen to rumor and innuendo, especially if it is about one of your friends. If it is something that makes you uneasy or unsure, go to your friend and speak privately. Clear up any misconceptions.

Always being honest is essential for defeating gossip. If you are one who conceals things from friends, friction can easily be created. But being open with your closest friends can build a long-lasting bond that can never be broken by the gossip of others.

Life-long relationships are difficult to build and maintain. Friendships are like plants: if you do not water, prune and fertilize them, they will slowly wither away and eventually die.

Building a friendship on a solid foundation is an essential component to avoid the “whisperer” who tries to sow division. Wrong foundations can lead to conflicts between good friends—or even end the friendship.

Another vital key to a strong friendship is living the way of give rather than the way of get. Consider your friends’ needs and wants. Many live trying to find ways to benefit themselves.

A true friendship involves sacrifice. One of the biggest sacrifices you can make is giving your time. Make a conscious effort to spend time talking to one another. Share your interests; get to know each other. A person who is always looking to benefit himself is not fun to be around.

An everlasting bond between friends that cannot be broken is a sure way to disband the seeds of discord!