“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof” (Proverbs 18:21, KJV).

ABSTRACT

This article delves into the Ninth Commandment’s call to truthfulness, exposing gossip’s destructive force on relationships and faith. Through Scripture and inspired counsel, it reveals tale-bearing as Satan’s tool for division, urging us toward words that heal and unite, reflecting Christ’s love in daily interactions.

DIVINE LAWS: GOSSIP’S GRIM GRASP!

The Ninth Commandment, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour” (Exodus 20:16, KJV), emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and integrity in our words. Leviticus 19:16 expands this principle, admonishing, “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.” These verses highlight the destructive power of gossip, urging us to reflect on its implications for our communities, faith, and relationship with God. Scripture reveals that we must avoid false reports to honor our neighbors. “Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness” (Exodus 23:1, KJV). Through inspired counsel, Ellen G. White warns of the peril in careless speech. “There are false tongues that feed on mischief. There are sly, whispering tongues. There is tattling, impertinent meddling, adroit quizzing” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 427, 1871). A prophetic voice declares the need for guarded lips. “Among the lovers of gossip some are actuated by curiosity, others by jealousy, many by hatred against those through whom God has spoken to reprove them. All these can be reached through the mercy of God” (Counsels for the Church, p. 266, 1972). How can we guard against such subtle dangers in our daily conversations?

GOSSIP: A SPIRITUAL AND SOCIAL HARM

The Bible categorizes gossip as a grave offense, equating it with other destructive sins. Romans 1:28-29 describes those who engage in tale-bearing as lacking sound judgment, signified by a “reprobate mind.” This term conveys a state of moral failure, showing the severity of spreading falsehoods. Psalm 101:5 reinforces this, stating, “Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer” (KJV). Gossip fractures trust and undermines relationships, leaving deep emotional scars. Ellen G. White wrote, “Gossip is a spark that kindles strife and dishonors God” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 241). A froward person sows strife through whispers that divide close companions. “A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends” (Proverbs 16:28, KJV). In The Adventist Home, a passage reminds us of gossip’s cannibalistic nature. “We think with horror of the cannibal who feasts on the still warm and trembling flesh of his victim; but are the results of even this practice more horrible than are the results of feeding on the food of backbiting and falsehood?” (The Adventist Home, p. 342, 1952). Through inspired counsel, Sr. White highlights idle talk’s peril. “There are some, both men and women, who gossip more than they pray. They have not clear spiritual discernment. They are far from God” (Medical Ministry, p. 142, 1932). What deep wounds does this practice inflict upon us and our communities?

THE WOUNDS OF TALE-BEARING

Proverbs 18:8 warns, “The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly” (KJV). These wounds, though invisible, leave lasting damage on individuals and communities. The Hebrew word for talebearer, “rakil,” signifies rolling someone into pieces, symbolizing the harm gossip inflicts. In church settings, this divisive force can hinder spiritual growth and communal harmony. Sr. White noted, “The spirit of gossip alienates and divides; it is the work of the adversary” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 194). Without talebearers, strife fades like a fire without fuel. “Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth” (Proverbs 26:20, KJV). The inspired pen exposes the enemy’s strategy. “The spirit of gossip and talebearing is one of Satan’s special agencies to sow discord and strife, to separate friends, and to undermine the faith of many in the truth” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 58, 1881). A thematic insight urges vigilance. “Satan is working to crowd himself in everywhere. He would put asunder very friends. There are men who are ever talking and gossiping and bearing false witness” (Our High Calling, p. 232, 1961). How do we protect the unity God desires among us?

PROTECTING UNITY THROUGH OBEDIENCE

Proverbs 20:19 cautions, “He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips” (KJV). Associating with gossipers jeopardizes our spiritual well-being and weakens communal bonds. On the contrary, true friends protect reputations and foster trust. Proverbs 11:13 states, “A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter” (KJV). Ellen G. White affirmed, “Those who guard their tongues reflect God’s love and are a blessing to the church” (The Adventist Home, p. 439). Covering transgressions seeks love rather than repeating matters that separate friends. “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends” (Proverbs 17:9, KJV). In Patriarchs and Prophets, Sr. White emphasizes truthful bonds. “The law of love is the foundation of God’s government, and every act of love reflects His glory” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 305). Role-based guidance calls for gentle speech. “To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men” (Titus 3:2, KJV). Through inspired counsel, we learn to build rather than tear down. “No Christian parent should permit gossip to be repeated in the family circle or remarks to be made disparaging the members of the church” (Child Guidance, p. 560, 1954). In what ways does truthfulness mirror God’s love in our lives?

REFLECTING GOD’S LOVE THROUGH TRUTH

By choosing truth, we mirror Christ’s character, who is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6, KJV). Tale-bearing contradicts the selfless love that Christ demonstrated. As Sr. White wrote, “The law of love is the foundation of God’s government, and every act of love reflects His glory” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 305). When we speak truthfully, we honor His command to love our neighbors as ourselves, fostering harmony and demonstrating our commitment to His principles. Speaking truth promotes justice and peace in our gates. “These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates” (Zechariah 8:16, KJV). A passage from The Desire of Ages reminds us of Christ’s example. “Christ was the light of the world. He came to this earth to reveal to men the light of heaven, that their souls might not remain in darkness” (The Desire of Ages, p. 464, 1898). The inspired pen calls for honesty in relationships. “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds” (Colossians 3:9, KJV). Thematic counsel reinforces selfless words. “True love is not a strong, fiery, impetuous passion. It is, on the contrary, an element calm and deep” (Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 22, 1896). What practical steps can we take to root out tale-bearing from our midst?

PRACTICAL STEPS TO ELIMINATE TALE-BEARING

To uproot gossip, we must practice self-control and accountability. Leviticus 19:16 challenges us to reject tale-bearing, replacing harmful speech with words that build up others. Sr. White advised, “Before speaking, ask if your words will glorify God and edify the listener” (Steps to Christ, p. 119). Creating environments of trust and openness in church and society requires vigilance against gossip and a commitment to kindness and honesty. Bridling the tongue proves the reality of our faith. “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain” (James 1:26, KJV). In Messages to Young People, a prophetic voice urges purity in speech. “Genuine conversion is needed, not once in years, but daily. This conversion brings the mind into captivity to the will of God” (Messages to Young People, p. 73, 1886). Laying aside evil speakings fosters growth. “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, all evil speakings” (1 Peter 2:1, KJV). Through inspired counsel, Sr. White promotes edifying talk. “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” (Ephesians 4:29, KJV). How can we commit to words that heal in a divided world?

In a world where words can harm or heal, the Ninth Commandment invites us to choose healing. By adhering to this divine principle, we protect relationships, strengthen communities, and reflect the love of Christ. Let us pledge to make our words tools of peace, fostering unity and glorifying God in all we say and do. Backbitings and whisperings grieve the Spirit and hinder our witness. “For I fear, lest… there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults” (2 Corinthians 12:20, KJV). The inspired pen warns against idle words. “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment” (Matthew 12:36, KJV). A thematic insight calls for heavenward speech. “A Christian reveals true humility by showing the gentleness of Christ, by being always ready to help others, by speaking kind words” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 491, 1905). Role-based guidance emphasizes accountability. “The tongue is a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body” (James 3:6, KJV).

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into these truths on truthful speech, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these principles on guarding the tongue to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned church members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about gossip’s impact in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of Christ’s command to love through honest words?