This proverb has been my policy even before I noticed it was a proverb. Only, my policy would read more like "avoid like the plague". I think people have different standards when it comes to gossip. As for me, I'm extremely annoyed when a conversation I've had with someone comes back around through someone who wasn't originally privy to it. It seems like Christians shouldn't have to say "don't tell anybody", even if the topic doesn't seem sensitive. Are we that hard up for conversation that we have to talk about each other all the time?

And then there are these proverbs, which you can find the chapter and verse for on your own if you so choose...

"A gossip betrays a confidence,
But a trustworthy man keeps a secret."

"He who covers over an offense promotes love,
But whoever repeats the matter separates close friends."