By Lee Roy Anderson

Where no wood is there the fire goeth out so where there is no tale bearer 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. Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross. Proverbs 26:20-23.

Proverbs 20:19 says he that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips. Proverbs 18:21, says, Death and life are in the power of the tongue and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

The apostle Paul describes them as 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. The apostle Peter says they are a busybody in other men’s matters 1 Peter 4:15. King Solomon refers to them as fools when he writes- but every fool will be meddling. Prov. 20:3. He also says, when he speaketh fair believe him not for there are seven abominations in his heart. Whose hatred is covered by deceit his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation. Proverbs 26:25-26.

These are stern words indeed yet appropriate in their context. Tattlers, busybodies and fools are what they are and need to be recognized as God has labeled them. They have burning lips and wicked hearts that strive for destruction. See Proverbs 26:23. Burning lips and wicked hearts are a plague upon the Lord’s churches that constantly require diligent purging. Remember, death and life are in the power of the tongue and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. You cannot live wrong and die right. Don’t compromise with sin.