You both agree as friends that you will not gossip, gossip simply will not be tolerated in your friendship because you are committed to a strong, God-honoring friendship. One thing I learned from observing one of my best friends, Darlene Rushdoony, is that if others in the room begin to gossip, she quietly and unobtrusively will simply slip out of the room. If the situation doesn't involve you personally, don't be a talebearer or a gossiper. If you need to know something, ask the person directly. Or, wait to be told.
Busybodies make it their business to know other people's business.
Your relationships with your friends will be stronger, because they honor Scripture. You will train your children to refrain from gossip. He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool. Enough about how a godly woman should not speak. And, after reviewing these many verses in Proverbs, once again, I'm too scared to add another word.