Definition and Context:
In biblical terms, "tattlers" refers to individuals who engage in idle talk, gossip, or spreading rumors. This behavior is often associated with a lack of discretion and can lead to discord and division within a community. The term is closely related to "busybodies," who meddle in the affairs of others, often with similar negative consequences.

Biblical References:
The concept of tattling is addressed in several passages throughout the Bible, highlighting the moral and social implications of such behavior.

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."

In this passage, the Apostle Paul warns against the dangers of idleness, which can lead to gossip and meddling. He specifically addresses young widows, cautioning them against becoming "gossips and busybodies." The implication is that such behavior is unbecoming of a Christian and can lead to further sin.

2. Proverbs 11:13 :
"A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence."

The wisdom literature of Proverbs frequently addresses the issue of gossip and tattling. Here, the contrast is drawn between a gossip, who cannot be trusted with secrets, and a trustworthy person, who respects confidentiality. This highlights the value of integrity and the importance of being reliable in speech.

3. Proverbs 20:19 :
"He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips."

This proverb advises caution in associating with those who cannot keep secrets, as they are likely to spread rumors and cause harm. The admonition to "avoid" such individuals underscores the potential damage that tattlers can inflict on relationships and communities.

Moral and Ethical Implications:
The Bible consistently portrays tattling as a negative behavior that is contrary to the virtues of love, trust, and community. Tattlers are often seen as lacking self-control and discernment, qualities that are essential for living a life that honors God. The act of spreading rumors or engaging in idle talk can lead to strife, broken relationships, and a tarnished reputation.

Practical Application:
Christians are encouraged to guard their speech and to avoid engaging in or listening to gossip. 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 directive serves as a reminder to use words constructively and to foster an environment of encouragement and edification.

Conclusion:
While the Bible does not provide an exhaustive list of behaviors that constitute tattling, the principles outlined in Scripture offer clear guidance on the importance of maintaining integrity in speech. By avoiding gossip and idle talk, believers can contribute to a more harmonious and trusting community, reflecting the character of Christ in their interactions with others.

1 Timothy v. 15-Nov
... And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only
idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not ...
/.../homily xv 1 timothy v.htm

Hebrews x. 32-34
... fear. But I know not from whence this disease has fallen upon men. We have
become tattlers, nothing remains [3197] in our mind. Hear ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxi hebrews x 32-34.htm

How Heretics, Craftily Cite Obscure Passages in Ancient Writers in ...
... the truth, supposing that godliness is gain," [452] "withal learning to be idle,
wandering about from house to house, and not only idle, but tattlers also and ...
/.../the commonitory of vincent of lerins/chapter vii how heretics craftily.htm

Here Beginneth the Prologue
... Fleshly janglers, open praisers and blamers of themselves or of any other, tellers
of trifles, ronners and tattlers of tales, and all manner of pinchers, cared ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the prologue.htm

Thoughts on Talking
... And the The Tattlers, whose pliable pipes are admirably adapted to the "soft parts
of conversation," and sweetly "prattling out of fashion," make very pretty ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kleiser/talks on talking/thoughts on talking.htm

Ephesians v. 15, 16, 17
... Do we not see amongst servants, that those among them who are worthless and good
for nothing, are both tattlers, and triflers and that they pry into the ...
/.../homily xix ephesians v 15.htm

The Women of the Apostolic Age
... And withal they learn also to be idle, going about from house to house; and not
only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/ii the women of the.htm

A Preacher from the Dead
... Nothing more could we know that would be of any use. Tattlers, idle curiosity people,
and such like, would be mightily delighted with such a man. Ah! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/a preacher from the dead.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only
idle, but tattlers also, and busy bodies, speaking things which they ought ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture li perseverance of saints.htm

Tattlers (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Tattlers (1 Occurrence). 1 Timothy 5:13 And withal
they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to ...
/t/tattlers.htm - 6k

Withal (38 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 5:13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house;
and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things ...
/w/withal.htm - 18k

Wandering (120 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 5:13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house;
and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things ...
/w/wandering.htm - 37k

Idlers (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 5:13 and at the same time also, they learn 'to be' idle, going about the
houses; and not only idle, but also tattlers and busybodies, speaking the ...
/i/idlers.htm - 6k

Tattler

/t/tattler.htm - 6k

Tattoo (1 Occurrence)

/t/tattoo.htm - 7k

Busy-bodies (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 5:13 And at the same time they learn to be idle, wandering about from
house to house, and not only idle, but tattlers also, and busy-bodies, speaking ...
/b/busy-bodies.htm - 7k

Busybody (3 Occurrences)
... biz'-i-bod-i (periergos, allotrioepiskopos): The word is found twice in Paulinic
literature.: 1 Timothy 5:13, "not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies ...
/b/busybody.htm - 8k

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