MAY 16, Proverbs 11:13

What are talebearers? No one likes them. They carry tales of people behind their backs. They report to others and to you of things that other people say about you, usually unpleasant things.

“I am not going to talk to Tammie anymore. She is lazy and borrowed my Math book to copy. Now she has forgotten to bring it. She cannot be trusted,” Candice complained to her friend Linda. The next thing Candice knew was Tammie charging angrily at her.

Tammie looked at her fiercely and said, “You do not have to tell everybody unpleasant things about me. I borrowed your book once but how many times have I lent my book to you?” With that, she stormed away. To be a good and faithful friend, never do what Candice did. Do not be a talebearer.

Here are some examples of tale-bearing. If you are guilty, confess your sins to the Lord, and He will forgive you.
1. “MinLi, don’t make friends with Joy because she is very greedy. She took two buns and she is taking two more.”
2. “She took my pencil box. She is a thief. She is so dishonest.”
3. “My friend is very lazy. Teacher punished her because she didn’t do her work every day. She told me that she likes to sleep.”
4. “My cousin told me that she lied to her teacher when she didn’t do her homework. She said that she forgot to bring her book. She always tell lies.”

Thought: Be a faithful friend, not a talebearer.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, set a watch over my mouth. Help me control what I say, that I will not be a talebearer. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.