The importance of keeping secrets has been recognized since biblical times. In Leviticus it is said “Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people” (Leviticus 19:16), and in Proverbs, “A talebearer revealeth secrets; but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter” (Proverbs 11:13). The gossiper was punished severely in ancient times. The Bible tells us that Miriam, Moses’ sister gossiped about her brother and was punished with leprosy.