TALEBEARERS AND TROUBLEMAKERS

Talebearers and gossipmongers are people who cannot sleep unless they gossip about someone. They don’t mind destroying lives, and causing problems for others, through their, reckless and unverified opinions and observations. They come as sincere and concerned individuals, but in fact, they are far from that. They are destroyers of lives, and destruction is the end of all that they pursue.

The Word of God warns us about such people in Proverbs 26:20 – “20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. 21 As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife. 22 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.”

The Bible further says, “19 He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.” “28 A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends.” – Proverbs 20:19, 16:28

Considering what gossip does, the LORD Himself commanded us – “16 You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people…” – Leviticus 19:16a

The Word of God encourages us to be loving and generous peacemakers – “13 A talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.” “9 He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends.” – Proverbs 11:13, 17:9

Therefore, let us choose to be builders, and not breakers. Let us, wisely keep off the slanderers, and avoid their paths. Let us be ourselves, bearers of truth and good news, and not anything else.