Be Careful Who You Share Your Stuff With

It is written:

Proverbs 11:13-A talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.

Proverbs 18:8-The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.

Proverbs 20:19-He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.

Proverbs 26:20-Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.

Proverbs 26:22-The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.

Gossip is one of the most destructive things in the entire world. Through the years, I have seen gossip tear apart friends, destroy marriages, and split churches.

The Book of Proverbs warns us about the dangers of speaking-and listening-to gossips.

“We hurt others by gossiping. “You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people” (Lev. 19: 16 NKJV). “Talebearer” is the translation of a Hebrew word that means “to go about,” and is probably derived from a word meaning “merchant.” The talebearer goes about peddling gossip! “A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter” (Prov. 11: 13 NKJV). Gossips flatter people by sharing secrets with them, but to be one of their “customers” is dangerous. “He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips” (20: 19 NKJV). The gossip “eats” and enjoys his secrets like you and I eat and enjoy food. “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts” (18: 8 NIV; see 26: 22). People who feed on gossip only crave more, and the only remedy is for them to develop an appetite for God’s truth (2: 10). We must beware of gossips because they do a great deal of damage. “An ungodly man digs up evil, and it is on his lips like a burning fire. A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends” (16: 27–28 NKJV; see 17: 9). “Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases” (26: 20 NKJV).” (Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Skillful (Proverbs): God’s Guidebook to Wise Living, 140-141 (Kindle Edition); Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook)

Be careful whom you choose to share your private matters with. Some people are just waiting to do what harm they can because they love drama.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen.