Talebearer

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 11

Gold Nugget

Verse 13:  “A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.”

Commentary

One of the most common sins committed by Christians is the sin of gossiping. Somehow we came to the conclusion that we can get away with this and still be in good standing as opposed to the wicked people that commit adultery, murder, steal, tell lies and so on. Maybe we just don’t think words that start with the letter “g” are that big of a deal, because we seem to have no problem with gossiping or gluttony. Today’s “gold nugget” deals with this issue of gossip. “A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.”  This issue of gossiping is not looked at as a minor thing in Scripture. As a matter of fact, it is simply a manifestation of the wickedness in the heart released by the tongue. In reality, it is wickedness that is warned about more than sexual sins, murder, and stealing combined. The Word of God not only continually describes it as utterly evil, but even of the evil in sitting and listening to it. Knowing that gossiping is frowned upon; we (in an effort to preserve our religious standing) devise creative ways to bring it to light.  We’ll say things like, “Oh, please keep so and so in your prayers. They are back into drinking.” or maybe, “Please pray for me, I’m having to deal with so and so…” It is true that there are times when someone needs to be exposed, but it will be done reluctantly with discernment, wisdom and love and not with pleasure or satisfaction. If our initial reaction to someone’s sin is not to pray first, our intentions are not likely to be pure and we are not the appropriate person to “bring it to light.”

Prayer

Lord, help me to avoid this wicked behavior. It is an offense to your heart and goes against the heart of love you expect from your children to one another. Give me discernment, wisdom and the love to know when someone’s issue is to be discussed and with whom. Amen

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