The Work of Gossip (Proverbs 17:9)

True love and true friendship cover sins. In other words, forgiveness can be found.

"He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love, but he who repeats or harps a matter separates even close friends." Proverbs 17:9, Amplified

We are all human and we all sin. but there are those out there who wish to cover those sins just as Christ covered our sins. This is not to say that these people have the ability to forgive as Christ forgave, but the matter is forgiven and forgotten. "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." (Psalm 103:12, NKJV) This is love: forgiveness. As human beings we are always going to make mistakes and step on toes. But to forgive and to forget is all about that new, fresh start.

But there are those out there who are talebearers and gossips who wish to repeat that matter. There is nothing in the verse to show that the one repeating the matter is the one who was offended. Everyone raise your hand who is guilty of gossiping at times. I think my hand is raised higher than anyone else's. The idea of one repeating the matter or an event or what someone said only has destruction and dissension as the outcome. I can just here it now. Kids on the playground. One comes up to another and asks, "Did you hear what so-and-so said about you?" As adults, we must come to a place in our walks where we can differentiate between repeating a matter to hurt and repeating a matter to inform. There are times in life when things must be exposed.

Loose Lips Sink Ships (Proverbs 11:13)

There are those of us who cannot keep a secret, or if we feel that something needs to be said we say it. Those who open their mouths too quickly often do not get all the facts right. Those with loose lips see what they want to see and say what they want to say regardless of those they may hurt in the process.

"He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy and faithful keeps a matter hidden." Proverbs 11:13, Amplified

The talebearer, though not defined as unfaithful, is compared to the faithful and trustworthy person. He is the antithesis of trust and faithfulness. We as humans need sounding boards to bounce our thoughts and desires and concerns off of one another. It is not our best interest to violate that trust by exposing our friend's and family's secrets. Lives and reputations are often destroyed by the works of talebearers. Secrets should only be exposed by the Lord, not man. Even then, the Lord does not expose our secrets. Out own actions from sinful secret behavior expose ourselves to the light. But the confessions of the heart remain between the confessor and his Lord.

Remember this one thing about the talebearer: he does not care what truth he may be speaking so long as he has a tale to tell.