Gossip
Illustration★★★★. Winston Churchill was attending an official ceremony. Several rows behind him two gentlemen began whispering, “That’s Winston Churchill.” “They say he is getting senile.” “They say he should step aside and leave the running of the nation to younger, more dynamic, and capable men.” Churchill sat facing forward, but when the ceremony was over, he stopped by the row where the men were seated, leaned forward and said, “Gentlemen, do they also say he is deaf?”
— RHatcher
The point
Churchill overhears men whispering criticism about his senility and declining abilities. He turns and dryly asks if they also think he's deaf, deflating their gossip with wit and self-assured humor.
Scripture
Proverbs 18:8Ephesians 4:29
Audience
Adults
Tone
Humorous · Convicting
To tell aloud
under a minute · 77 words