“Scandalmongers and Wicked Doers”

“A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.” Proverbs 11:13

One of the words used in place of gossip in the OKJ is the word talebearer.

Talebearer- râkı̂yl raw-keel’ From H7402; a scandal monger (as travelling about): – slander, carry tales, talebearer…  Strongs

The Bible uses the word whoremonger in Ephesians 5:5. A monger is a dealer or trader in a specified commodity. Therefore, a whoremonger would be one who deals and trades in the commodity or service of prostitution. A talebearer is a scandal monger or one who deals or trades in the commodity of scandals. In other words, it is their purpose and aim to humiliate, disgrace and dishonor another with their words.

Regarding the listener “A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.” Proverbs 17:4 

The words wicked doer is the Hebrew word H7489 râ‛a‛ raw-ah’ A primitive root; properly to spoil (literally by breaking to pieces); figuratively to make (or be) good for nothing, that is, bad (physically, socially, or morally). Strongs

The Proverb writer by inspiration identifies one who would give heed to gossip as being worthless. This one is as useful as something that has been spoiled by being broken into pieces. I doubt very seriously that one guilty of the sin of gossip regards themselves as being a worthless liar, however this is how the Bible describes this person’s character.

Whether we are the speaker or the hearer the Bible does not paint a pretty picture of those who would throw their hat into the gossip ring.

“…gossip separates the best of friends.” (Proverbs 16:28)

Let us strive to remove ourselves from the destructive circle of gossip.

 “Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.” (Proverbs 26:20)

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Ephesians 4:29