What does it mean to be a talebearer? The English word "talebearer" means "one that spreads gossip or rumors" [Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary].

The word "talebearer" appears in the English Bible a total of six times, with each instance being in the Old Testament. In three cases (Leviticus 19:16; Proverbs 11:13; 20:19) the word "talebearer" is from the Hebrew word "rakiyl," which means "a scandal-monger (as travelling about): slander, carry tales, talebearer" [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, Hebrew and Chaldee Dictionary, word no. 7400]. In the other three verses where "talebearer" is found in the Bible (Proverbs 18:8; 26:20,22), it is from the Hebrew word "nirgan," the root of which means to roll to pieces. The word means "a slanderer: a talebearer, whisperer" [Strong’s, word no. 5372].

In the Law of Moses, Jehovah told the Israelite people, "Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD" (Leviticus 19:16). The fact that God spoke in such language clearly demonstrates that it is possible for God’s children to be involved in talebearing!

The Book of Proverbs shows that the Lord does not think highly of talebearing, nor does He look lightly on it. "A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter" (Proverbs 11:13). "The words of a talebearer [‘whisperer,’ ASV] are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly" (18:8). "He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips" (20:19). "Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer [‘whisperer,’ ASV], the strife ceaseth" (26:20). "The words of a talebearer [‘whisperer,’ ASV] are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly" (26:22).

A summary of the above-quoted biblical statements shows that talebearers (1) reveal secrets, (2) cause wounds (in the hearts and lives of others), (3) and cause strife with their words. Talebearers do harm, whether they are conscious of it or not. Remember, by definition, a talebearer is "one that spreads gossip or rumors."

While the word "talebearer" is not used in the New Testament, the word "tattlers" is. In 1 Timothy 5:13 we read of those that wander from house to house, are idle, busybodies, speaking things which they ought not, and are "tattlers" [NKJV has "gossips"]. Seeing the bad company of activities that the tattler or gossiper is associated with in 1 Timothy 5:13, there is no question about a tattler’s or gossiper’s action being unacceptable to the Lord.

Back to our question: Are you a talebearer or gossiper? The world has plenty of people in it that love to tell things about others, without a care as to whether what they are saying is true or false, and apparently with no concern as to whether their words will harm others or not. The modern media seems to major in talebearing, with facts being distorted or left totally out of the picture. There are longstanding jokes about the talebearing that goes on in beauty shops and barber shops. Yet, talebearing is no joking matter.

While I suppose we would expect people of the world to get a kick out of talebearing, it is unpleasant, indeed, to admit the reality that even in the family of God there are those that can truthfully be described as gossips or talebearers. Talebearing in the church may be at the brotherhood level: an effort to spread unfounded messages brotherhood wide about an individual member or congregation, or the needless spreading of the details of a sin for which a person has already repented and made confession of sin. Talebearing may take place at the "our general area" level, or talebearing might be confined to the membership of a local church. Still, talebearing is talebearing. Satan loves it. God does not.

What do talebearers in the church sound like? See if any of these sound familiar:

"I’m not sure where it came from or where I heard it, but I heard that . . ."

"I’m not sure if it is true of not, but I heard that brother _____ doesn’t teach the truth anymore on marriage and divorce."

"I’m pretty sure it’s true, because sister _______ told me, and she usually has her stories straight." ["Pretty sure?" She "usually" has her stories straight? When we open our mouths to pass along unsubstantiated statements that could needlessly cause harm to another’s reputation, this reveals something about us. It is not a matter of the tongue being out of control. It is a matter of the heart.]

"I guess it must be true what they are saying about _____, because everybody is saying it."

Some people intentionally tell falsehoods, that is, they say things which they know are not true. Such people are "liars." Liars will be lost (Revelation 21:8).

Some people love lies. The Bible says so (Revelation 22:15). Such people will not enter the holy city (22:14,15).

What is the difference between a faithful witness and a false witness? "A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies" (Proverbs 14:5). Remember, "no lie is of the truth" (1 John 2:21).

There are also those who, while they do not originate false information about others, they are more than pleased to spread the false reports that they hear. They may not realize that what they are telling is not true. They may be sincere in their belief that what they are passing on to others is accurate, but it is not. Their motive is not to deceive, but still, they are guilty of spreading that which is false. Brethren, should we not first verify the accuracy of those matters that we pass along to others? Not simply try to verify them, but really verify them before we start tossing them around as if they were established facts? Would not the Master’s "Golden Rule" imply that we ought to treat others with respect by withholding rumors about them, just as we would hope they would do the same in their treatment of us? (Matthew 7:12).

Some just open their mouths and speak about matters, not knowing, and perhaps in some cases, not caring, whether what they are telling others is true or not. Such is reckless, and shows a lack of genuine care for others.

In the church of the living God, we must do everything possible to put an end to talebearing! When it comes to talebearers, their "mouths must be stopped" (Titus 1:11). First of all, we must not be willing listeners to rumors. Talebearing would come to an end if those that rightfully detest talebearing would refuse to listen to it. Second, we must not try to sweep talebearing under the carpet or just hope that it will die out or go away. Talebearers cause strife (Proverbs 26:20), so they must be stopped. Ignoring tales does not make them go away or lose their appeal to the uninformed or those that love to hear about other’s misfortunes or misconduct.

Those members of the body of the Christ that are aware of the talebearing that is going on in the local church must confront the talebearers. If you personally know of one that is right now tearing up the church by bearing tales or unfounded reports, then go to that person and speak to him or her personally. Speak kindly, but speak frankly. Exhort him/her to confess his/her mistake of talebearing and repent of it (Galatians 6:1; Acts 8:21-23).

If the talebearers refuse to repent, then they need to be warned about their unruly action (1 Thessalonians 5:14). There may come a time when they need to be rebuked in the presence of others (1 Timothy 5:20). Finally, and only as a last resort, if a talebearer refuses to repent of his/her gossiping, then the church, because of its love for the souls of the saints and the purity of the church, must take the unpleasant action of noting such a talebearer and having no company with him/her (2 Thessalonians 3:14).

Talebearing in the Kingdom is not limited to one specific group of people. Some talebearers are still in their teens; others have mastered their talebearing skills with decades of practice. Some that spread gossip have not been members of the church for long at all, while others have had a pattern of talebearing for years and years. It gives us no pleasure to admit that some preachers and their wives are among the most accomplished talebearers around.

Satan must delight to hear the talebearing that abounds in some places. God forbid that it should once be named among us (Ephesians 5:3). May God help us to maintain a heart that, out of love, "rejoiceth in the truth," not in unfounded reports or even in factual information about a person or church’s misconduct (1 Corinthians 13:6). "Are you a talebearer?" I pray that each of us can honestly say, "No, not me."

-- Roger D. Campbell