Leviticus 19:16 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.
This passage of scripture presents to us an injunction against all types of tale-bearing, ranging from the common gossip we sometimes feed upon, to those true tales that do not edify or build up anyone. There are magazines and publications which take pride in uncovering the worst chapters in a person's experience, and they dwell upon all of the gory details that feed into the desires of our carnal nature. Especially is this the case where a famous celebrity, or high-profile politician has stumbled and fell, and some in the news-media take satanic delight in churning the matter over and over again, adding different angles, interpretations, and suppositions to the stories, so that the end result is a greatly distorted version of facts and fiction.
Christians should refrain from either hearing or carrying tales, and it would be well if the bitter vitriol or juicy scandal could be stopped at our doorsteps. The reason for this is that the practice of tale-bearing often has the effect of stirring up passions and emotions to a frenzied pitch, and it is known to cause divisions, alienation, and strife amongst friends and foes alike. And furthermore, the indulgence of it represents one of the lusts of the flesh, meaning that it springs from a polluted fountain that is carnal in nature. Even if the rumor turns out to be true, the scriptural standard should be applied, in that if it does not edify, it should be avoided and definitely not repeated by the children of God. Let's read:
Ephesians 4:29 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. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.
The tenor of the Christian's life is to do good and to seek for the salvation of all whom we come in contact with, and as we continue to walk with Jesus every day, the things which appeal to our lower nature become more offensive and distasteful. And even though we do not bury our heads in the sand, by ignoring all types of scandalous news, yet we are never to perpetuate that which did not originate with God. Satan is the one from whom all evil rumors, scandals, tale-bearing, and accusations originate, and it is one of the reasons why he was permanently cast out of heaven. As Joshua the high priest stood before God clothe in filthy rags, the devil stood by and railed on him, regurgitating all of his past errors and sins, and magnifying the smallest misdeeds, as if the poor high priest were a terrorist.
What is worthy of note in this and other similar episodes, is that God totally ignored him, and although some of what satan then stated was indeed true, yet the Lord did not dwell on Joshua's faults and short-comings, for to do this would benefit no one, including satan. Instead Christ uttered a scathing rebuke to the tale-bearing carried on by our adversary, and it would be well if as Christians we could follow in Christ's footsteps, whenever similar circumstances come across our pathway. Let's read:
Zechariah 3:1 And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. 2 And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan" ... "is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? 3 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel. 4 And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.
In our own experiences and interaction with others, there are times when true or false rumors and accusations may be made by someone to us about some evil that has been committed by another person. At times like these we need to remember the example of The Lord with Joshua, and instead of spinning the rumor mill, we should embark upon a restorative process, by which the wounded person can be healed as quickly as possible. This will be of great benefit to everyone involved, and God's name would be greatly honored, for God did not send His Son into the world to accuse or condemn us, but that the world through Him might be saved. We therefore end with a passage of scripture that reiterates the work of reconciliation, by covering the evil, but seeking the good in those who may have fallen. Let's read:
James 5:19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!