Talebearing, often synonymous with gossip or slander, is a practice condemned in the Bible as it sows discord and damages relationships within a community. The act of talebearing involves spreading rumors or sharing information that may be true or false, with the intent of causing harm or stirring up trouble. The Bible provides clear guidance on the dangers and moral implications of such behavior.

Biblical References:

1. Leviticus 19:16 : "You must not go about spreading slander among your people. You must not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am the LORD." This verse explicitly prohibits the act of spreading slander, highlighting the potential harm it can cause to individuals and the community.

2. Proverbs 11:13 : "A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence." This proverb contrasts the behavior of a talebearer with that of a trustworthy individual, emphasizing the value of discretion and the importance of maintaining confidentiality.

3. Proverbs 20:19 : "He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips." Here, the Bible advises avoiding those who engage in talebearing, recognizing the disruptive nature of such individuals.

4. Proverbs 26:20 : "Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a conflict ceases." This verse illustrates the role of talebearing in fueling conflict, suggesting that removing gossip can lead to peace and resolution.

5. James 3:5-6 : "In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell." James warns of the destructive power of the tongue, likening it to a fire that can cause widespread damage, a fitting metaphor for the effects of talebearing.

Moral and Ethical Implications:

From a biblical perspective, talebearing is not merely a social faux pas but a serious moral failing. It is seen as a violation of the command to love one's neighbor (Matthew 22:39) and to live in harmony with others. The act of spreading harmful information undermines trust and can lead to division and strife within the community of believers.

Practical Guidance:

The Bible encourages believers to exercise self-control over their speech and to use their words to build up rather than tear down. Ephesians 4:29 advises, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." This guidance calls for intentionality in communication, promoting edification and grace.

Community Impact:

Talebearing can have a corrosive effect on the fabric of a community, leading to mistrust and division. The biblical call to avoid talebearing is not only for the benefit of individuals but for the health and unity of the entire body of Christ. By refraining from gossip and slander, believers can foster an environment of love, trust, and mutual respect, reflecting the character of Christ in their interactions.1. (a.) Telling tales officiously.

2. (n.) The act of informing officiously; communication of secrets, scandal, etc., maliciously.

The Almost Christian
... word or look that either directly or indirectly tends thereto; nay, and all idle
words, abstaining both from detraction, backbiting, talebearing, evil speaking ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 2 the almost christian.htm

The More Excellent Way
... harmless (as one would hope it is), if there be nothing in it profane, nothing immodest,
nothing untrue, or unkind; if there be no talebearing, backbiting, or ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 89 the more excellent.htm

The Cure of Evil-Speaking
... this one instance! Put ye away evil-speaking, talebearing, whispering:
Let none of them proceed out of your mouth! See that you ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 49 the cure of.htm

Talebearing (2 Occurrences)
...Talebearing (2 Occurrences). Proverbs 11:13 He that goeth about talebearing revealeth
secrets; but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. (DBY). ...
/t/talebearing.htm - 7k

Talent (16 Occurrences)

/t/talent.htm - 14k

Talebearers (1 Occurrence)

/t/talebearers.htm - 6k

Backbite
... In Psalm 15:3, the rendering of a word which means to run about tattling, calumniating;
in Proverbs 25:23, secret talebearing or slandering; in Romans 1:30 and ...
/b/backbite.htm - 8k

Spirit (706 Occurrences)
... a fool because he is "hasty in spirit" and gives way to "anger" (Ecclesiastes
7:9). The "faithful in spirit" are the men who resist talebearing and backbiting ...
/s/spirit.htm - 101k

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