Proverbs 11:13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
This passage of scripture teaches us that the sin of tale-bearing should not be indulged by Christians, or by anyone for that matter, and the command runs the entire gamut, from "Fairy tales" to tales that are entirely true, yet unbecoming. The tendency to reveal negatives about a person is not good, especially when it is carried on behind their backs, for this is one of the principal methods adopted by our adversary, and is thus foreign to the core principle of love, on which the foundation of God's kingdom is built. If something cannot be spoken with a clear conscience in a person's presence, then it is better left unsaid, rather than gossiping about the errors and faults, with which we ourselves are often plagued.
Even though we may not have been aware of it, the sin of tale-bearing represents one of the reasons why satan was permanently cast out of heaven, and debarred from ever coming close to the pearly gates, for it was observed that every time he showed up, it was with the most recent copy of the "Enquirer" with all of the gory details of what the saints did or did not do. So after awhile God simply got tired of listening to his fairy tales, and banished him forever from returning to accuse the brethren. Hence the reason why we are commanded not to pick up where satan has left off, by carrying on the very same work that caused his exile. Let's read:
Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
Whenever there are undeniable facts about a person's misdeeds, we should therefore resist the temptation to be a conduit of such information to other people, except that it be for the purposes of enabling them to avoid some snare, with the individual in question, by which they may be in danger of suffering actual loss or hurt. For instance, if there is a known rapist living in the community, then it is our positive duty to inform our children of his activities, and to try and avoid such a person, and the reasons can be given in detail, because their safety may be otherwise compromised. This does not constitute tale-bearing, as mentioned in the Bible.
But if someone has committed private sins, and we have gained a knowledge of the situation, then instead of adopting the role of talebearer, everyone would be much better served if under the guidance of The Holy Spirit, we were to approach the individual in the spirit of love and redemption, if perchance the evil can be corrected, for it is a foregone conclusion that we are our brother's keeper, and therefore we have a moral responsibility to try and save or redeem the person through the grace and power of God. This is not merely a good suggestion, it is a positive directive, coming from the God of heaven, who bids us partake of, and share the benefits of His saving grace. Let's read:
Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Let us then be faithful in following the instructions often given us on this point, and although in certain situations it will call for severe self-denial, yet by the grace of God we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which reiterates this sacred truth, and it is the will of God that positive and permanent changes be made in our characters in this matter, wherever applicable. 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!