In biblical terms, a "tattler" refers to someone who engages in idle talk or gossip, spreading rumors or unnecessary information about others. This behavior is generally viewed negatively in Scripture, as it can lead to discord and strife within a community or congregation. The Bible emphasizes the importance of controlling one's tongue and avoiding speech that can harm others.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Timothy 5:13 : "At the same time, they also learn to be idle, going from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not." This verse highlights the tendency of some individuals, particularly those who are idle, to become involved in gossip and meddling in the affairs of others. The Apostle Paul warns against such behavior, indicating that it is inappropriate and unbecoming of a believer.

2. Proverbs 11:13 : "A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence." This proverb contrasts the behavior of a tattler with that of a trustworthy individual. The tattler is someone who cannot be trusted with confidential information, as they are prone to revealing secrets and spreading rumors.

3. Proverbs 16:28 : "A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends." Here, the destructive nature of gossip is underscored. A tattler can cause division and strife, even among close friends, by spreading false or harmful information.

4. 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 power of the tongue, likening it to a fire that can cause great destruction. The tattler, through careless or malicious speech, can cause significant harm.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the behavior of a tattler is contrary to the teachings of Christ, who emphasized love, unity, and the building up of the body of believers. Gossip and idle talk can undermine these principles, leading to division and hurt within the community. Believers are called to speak truthfully and lovingly, using their words to edify and encourage one another.

Practical Considerations:

In practical terms, Christians are encouraged to be mindful of their speech, avoiding gossip and slander. This involves being intentional about the conversations one engages in and refraining from sharing information that is not edifying or necessary. The community of believers is strengthened when individuals commit to speaking truth in love and maintaining the confidentiality and dignity of others.

Moral and Ethical Dimensions:

The moral and ethical dimensions of being a tattler are significant. Engaging in gossip not only harms others but also reflects a lack of self-control and respect for the dignity of individuals. Christians are called to a higher standard of conduct, one that reflects the character of Christ and upholds the values of truth, love, and integrity.1. (n.) One who tattles; an idle talker; one who tells tales.

2. (n.) Any one of several species of large, long-legged sandpipers belonging to the genus Totanus.

TATTLER

tat'-ler: Only in 1 Timothy 5:13 for phluaros. A "silly talker," rather than a "revealer of secrets," is meant.

5397. phluaros -- babbling
... Word Origin from phluo (to babble) Definition babbling NASB Word Usage gossips
(1). tattler. From phluo (to bubble); a garrulous person, ie Prater -- tattler. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5397.htm - 6k

Addison
... He was educated at Oxford, and early developed poetic talent. His literary
contributions were made chiefly to the Tattler, the Guardian and the Spectator. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/nutter/hymn writers of the church/addison.htm

Elijah's Appeal to the Undecided
... the people of God, and thinks herself one of the elect, is to be found full of wrath
and bitterness, a slave of mischief and of sin, a tattler, a slanderer, a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/elijahs appeal to the undecided.htm

A Bundle of Proverbs
... A loose tongue often does as much harm as a bitter one, and delight in dwelling
on people's faults is not innocent because the tattler did not think of the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a bundle of proverbs.htm

Letter cxxviii. To Gaudentius.
... Give her for guardian and companion a mistress and a governess, one not given to
much wine or in the apostle's words idle and a tattler, but sober, grave ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxviii to gaudentius.htm

Of Uncharitable Truth.
... We generally think a tattler and busybody a title of no small reproach: yet truly
I know not to whom it more justly belongs, than to those, who busy themselves ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section vi of uncharitable truth.htm

Ephesians v. 15, 16, 17
... says he, "give thanks for all things." This is the part of a well-disposed, of a
wise, of an intelligent servant; the opposite is that of a tattler, and an ...
/.../homily xix ephesians v 15.htm

Tattler
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. TATTLER. tat'-ler: Only in 1 Timothy 5:13 for
phluaros. A "silly talker," rather than a "revealer of secrets," is meant. ...
/t/tattler.htm - 6k

Gossip (7 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) One who runs house to house, tattling and telling news; an idle tattler.
4. (n.) The tattle of a gossip; groundless rumor. 5. (vt) To stand sponsor to. ...
/g/gossip.htm - 9k

Whisperer (4 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) One who whispers. 2. (n.) A tattler; one who tells secrets; a conveyer of
intelligence secretly; hence; a backbiter; one who slanders secretly. ...
/w/whisperer.htm - 7k

Tat'tenai (4 Occurrences)
Tat'tenai. Tattenai, Tat'tenai. Tattler . Multi-Version Concordance Tat'tenai
(4 Occurrences). ... (See RSV). Tattenai, Tat'tenai. Tattler . Reference Bible
/t/tat'tenai.htm - 7k

Tattlers (1 Occurrence)

/t/tattlers.htm - 6k

Tattler: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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