(Digital Editor's Note: This article was published first in the September 2023 print edition of The Stand).
Merriam-Webster defines talebearer as “one that spreads gossip or rumors.” Scripture goes into greater detail about the exact nature of a talebearer and why it is important to recognize a talebearer and avoid becoming one.
Recognizing talebearers
Nehemiah faced talebearers Tobiah and Sanballat while rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. They fabricated a lie about Nehemiah and the Jews rebelling against the king, but Nehemiah wisely stayed away from their false claims. When that failed, they tried to trick Nehemiah into sin to have evidence of his wrongdoings, therefore, discrediting him and halting the construction of the wall. Thankfully, Nehemiah discerned the trick and finished the wall in a short amount of time.
People need to learn to discern good from bad and truths from lies, like Nehemiah did. The Bible warns not to believe everyone, but to test whether one’s intentions and words should be trusted (1 John 4:1). Although some people may not be a good judge of character, Psalm 119:66 shows that a person can ask God for “good judgment and knowledge.” Once a person knows what to look for, it is not that hard to recognize talebearers throughout day-to-day life.
Responding to talebearers
Proverbs 18:8 says, “The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.” Similar words are repeated in Proverbs 26:22. A talebearer’s words are meant to harm, regardless of whether they are true or fabricated. That’s why talebearers are not afraid to reveal secrets to stir up drama. Proverbs 11:13 warns, “A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.” Talebearers are worse than a gossiper because they tell secrets they were asked to keep, which hurts a person deeply.
A talebearer also causes discord among people. Proverbs 26:20 states, “Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.” Some people try to start an argument for the sake of it because they thrive off controversy. When someone can recognize those who cause such strife, it’s easier for that person to live a peaceful life by avoiding the talebearer – which is exactly what Scripture instructs. Proverbs 20:19 gives a simple solution: Stay away. The more distance equals the less power the talebearer has over someone. Also, keeping on the righteous path personally, as stated in Proverbs 2:20, makes it harder for talebearers to spread unseemly rumors that are believable.
Refraining from talebearing
Pride and anger can tempt people into harming others with their words, but they need to remember Psalm 34:13 and Luke 6:31. These verses, respectively, state to “keep thy tongue from evil” and “as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”
Once people are able to recognize and respond to talebearers as well as avoid becoming one, it is easier to discern the truth. Talebearing is another aspect of life God’s people need to avoid as they continue to live in accordance with His commandments.
