General scriptures concerning
Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbor: I am the Lord. (Leviticus 19:16)
A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. (Proverbs 11:13)
A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. (Proverbs 16:28)
He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends. (Proverbs 17:9)
The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. (Proverbs 18:8)
He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips. (Proverbs 20:19)
Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. (Proverbs 26:20-22)
But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; (1 Timothy 5:11)
And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. (1 Timothy 5:13)
See BUSYBODY
See SLANDER
See SPEAKING, EVIL
INSTANCES OF
Joseph
These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report. (Genesis 37:2)
Israelites
When Joab and all the host that was with him were come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he hath sent him away, and he is gone in peace. (2 Samuel 3:23)
Tobiah
Nehemiah 6.