Talebearers.
The word “talebearer” is found 6 times in the Bible (Leviticus 19:16; Proverbs 11:13; 18:8; 20:19; 26:20; 26:22). The Hebrew words from which this word comes are rakiyl which means a scandal monger; one who carries tales, and nirgan which means to roll in pieces. The deed is in the name. Talebearers spread tales about others whether false or true.
Talebearers reveal secrets that were meant to stay hidden (Proverbs 11:13; 20:19). They may be told something in confidence only to betray it with a text in the next hour. They are the first ones to spread the “juicy” information (Proverbs 18:8; 26:22) and they feel privileged to take on the task of reporting. They are lousy journalists for they skew stories and leave out bits and pieces of important information. They like to recount a story with their own twist (Proverbs 18:17). Casting doubt in a certain area, exaggerating actions in another, or leaving out entire pieces of information that would invalidate their claims, are all traits of a talebearer. “During WWII our nation was fearful of important military information falling into the hands of German spies. A work-place slogan was adopted to try to war off potential indiscretions. “LOOSE LIPS, SINK SHIPS!”[1] Talebearers need to adopt this slogan.
The absence of talebearers brings peace (Proverbs 26:20-21). The moment talebearers enter rooms, the seeds of division may already begin. Talebearers love drama and seek to create division in any way they can. Usually, they are sowers of discord (cf. Proverbs 6:19). When they cease to be present, peace is present. Stay away from talebearing.
Backbiter.
The words “backbiteth,” “backbiting,” “backbitings,” and “backbiters” occur 4 times in the Bible (Psalm 15:3; Proverbs 25:23; Romans 1:30; 2 Corinthians 12:20). The Hebrew word sêther / sithrâh denotes secrecy and it may be closer to whispering. Ragal, is a talebearer. The Greek words are similar (katalalos, katalalia-to speak down) and they mean evil speaking.[2] Backbiters differ from the whisperer in that they openly declare their gossip to anyone without any regard for secrecy. They are open slanderers one said. The ABP translates it as “speaking vulgarities.” What are characteristics of backbiters?
Backbiters have no respect for private things. Backbiters hear one thing on Sunday night and it is posted on every social media platform the next morning. This specific sect is especially harmful to character because it passes through more ears. Sins of others are laid bare to be digested by the world. Backbiters like to make private sins public and public sins global. They grow annoyed with those who do not share everything about themselves.
Backbiters spread their slander wide to make themselves feel better (2 Samuel 15:1-6). Absalom attempted to take his father’s throne and one of the tactics he used was basically gossip. He attempted to lure as much people so that he would be ushered in as the new king. Backbiters gossip to get more people on their side. Think about the following examples:
A co-worker tries to rally against another to get him fired by pulling others in.
Church members begin talking about another member to others to get people to agree with them.
Two teens are at odds and one tries to get the rest of the friend group on their side.
Political candidates attempt to get votes by talking illy of their opponent.
The more people they tell, the more confident they feel in their superiority over their enemy. Adam Clarke wrote:
He is a knave, who would rob you of your good name; he is a coward, that would speak of you in your absence what he dared not to do in your presence; and only an ill-conditioned dog would fly at and bite your back when your face was turned. All these three ideas are included in the term; and they all meet in the detractor and calumniator. His tongue is the tongue of a knave, a coward, and a dog.
It is surely better to bite your tongue than to bite another’s back. Stay away from backbiting.
Endnotes
[1]Cortland church of Christ.
[2]Note the following verses where the same Greek root words are found (James 4:11; 1 Peter 2:1, 12; 3:16).
Commentaires