Theme: LOOK TO YOURSELF
Text: “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.
Comment: God does not want His people to have the habit of tale bearing, gossiping and lie-telling. The fact is that the person whose name is being dragged in the mud might be innocent. See Proverbs 18:17. One has to find out from the person himself or God fearing persons who have proper knowledge of the matter to know if there is merit in the allegation so that the right steps could be taken to help the person to retrace his steps. That is the standard for handling matters as laid down by our Saviour. – Matthew 18:15-17.
Another danger in talebearing is that the person would be disclosing personal information that has been given him in confidence in the course of counselling or private discussions. “He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.” (Proverbs 20:19) “A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.” (Proverbs 11:13) It is very disheartening for one to find out that his personal matters that he disclosed to one he regarded as a close friend had become public knowledge. “Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.” (Proverbs 25:19) It is by such treacherous conduct that the Bible says “a whisperer separateth chief friends”. (Proverbs 16:28. See also Proverbs 6:16,17) We should pray to avoid the vice of tale bearing.