Proverbs 11:13 (KJV) says "A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter." Proverbs 16:28 (KJV) says "A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends." Proverbs 26:20 (KJV) says "Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth."
The above scripture advises that if someone tells us something in confidence, we should keep it to ourselves. It also tells us that gossiping can destroy a relationship between the greatest of friends, and that the more people continue to gossip the more strife is stirred up.
We all know people who seem to thrive on gossip, and become quite excited when they have a fresh piece of it to spread around. When any scoop they deem juicy comes their way they cannot wait to share it. If anyone opts to confide in us with something that we know is personal, we should never repeat what they shared with us, and they should not have to ask us not to. We should be able to determine what is personal, and not meant to be shared. When someone confides in us they are trusting us with personal issues, and as Christians we should not betray that trust. If we repeat something personal someone shared with us the damage is done, and it doesn't suffice to say things like "well you didn't ask me not to say anything."
Not only do some people opt to share personal issues that someone has entrusted them with, and when they do, the issues grow as they pass them forward. For instance, if you told them about a small disagreement you had with someone, word would soon have it that you got into a knock down drag out with that person, and were arrested for assault. If you have ever played the game where you sit in a circle and whisper a one liner in the persons ear next to you, and then they do the same with the person next to them, and so on til it comes back to you, then you know what I'm talking about. What you whispered and what comes back to you is always two very different things. Like the scripture says the fire will only go out if there is no wood added to it. When you spread gossip it is the same thing as throwing logs on a fire, and we all know that logs stoke a fire. Gossip from a talebearer never results in anything positive. It only serves to stir up discord among people, and in the end someone winds up feeling hurt and betrayed.
Be the kind of friend to others that you would want them to be to you. If someone confides in you, keep what they shared to yourself. Love and Support those who come to you needing to talk, and have someone listen to them. Don't betray someone who puts their trust in you. If someone comes to you spreading gossip, let them know you don't feel they should be discussing the other persons issues with you, and change the subject. Whatever you do, don't get on board with them, and throw another log on the fire. Remember it takes more than one person to spread rumors and have them travel any distance, and it takes the fun out of gossiping if no one is willing to listen.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you leave me a message, and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
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