Jun 11 (edited) • Self-Mastery
Talebearing vs. Truth-Telling: The Hidden Danger Behind "Raising Awareness"
Dear 12X Lab Family,
We are live at 8:30am Est. Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3408462635
Today, as I read Proverbs 11, a single verse jumped out, as it always happens in my daily Proverbs reading.
“A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.” — Proverbs 11:13, KJV
With so many scandals sweeping through the visible church - Michael Brown, Tait of Newsboys, and others - it’s easy to be swept up in the drama, commentary, or “updates.” Social media has turned every believer into a potential broadcaster. Every post, share, or reel becomes a stage. And we justify our “reporting” with noble phrases like:
- “I’m raising awareness.”
- “I’m being a watchman.”
- “I’m exposing wolves.”
- “The sheep need to know.”
By the way, let’s be honest.
Very few of these online exposers or “watchmen” have a local flock to feed, a church body to shepherd, or real souls to account for before God. They’re not laying down their lives for the sheep. They’re not under authority, nor are they accountable to any elders.
For many, these trending scandals among professing Christians are simply opportunities to gain traction - to get clicks, views, shares, fans, influence, and eventually, revenue. I hope I am wrong about most. But, Judgment Day will reveal all things. (Ecclesiastes 12:14)
As I meditated on God’s Word in Proverbs 11:13, I couldn’t help but think of the many sins of the mouth God warns us to avoid. Not just talebearing, but also:
- Whispering (Proverbs 16:28)
- Slander (Psalm 101:5)
- Backbiting (Romans 1:30)
- Gossip (2 Corinthians 12:20)
- False accusation (Exodus 23:1)
- Sowing discord (Proverbs 6:19)
- Flattery (Proverbs 29:5)
- Contentious speech (Proverbs 21:9)
And here’s the real question for you, 12X Lab Family:
When someone says things like:
“I’m just raising awareness.”“I’m sounding the alarm.”“I’m exposing wolves.”“The sheep need to know.”
You need to ask:
Are you really being Spirit-led… or self-serving?Are you truly watching over others… or just watching your engagement metrics? Are you protecting the sheep… or promoting yourself?
This morning, I want to call it what it is: Many are sinning with their mouths in the name of ministry.
We must return to God’s wisdom.
The Spirit-filled believer doesn’t just speak boldly - he/she speaks wisely, timely, and lovingly. And when rebuke or reproof is necessary, it’s done under authority, in humility, and always for restoration - never as a viral hit-piece (Gal. 6:1 restore; 1 Cor. 5:6 spirit may be saved - 2 examples).
As I pondered God's words through Solomon, and thought of the many scriptures against whispering, backbighting, talebearing, slander, gossip, and so many other ways to SIN with the mouth, here’s my question for you: Is it really discernment—or is it a disguised form of talebearing?
1. What Is a Talebearer?
The Hebrew word used here is rakiyl (רָכִיל), which carries the idea of a peddler—someone who goes about spreading information from place to place. The emphasis isn’t on the content being true or false, but on the MOTIVE and METHOD.
This is not the same as godly correction, public rebuke, or church discipline. This is GOSSIP disguised as GODLINESS. The talebearer:
- Reveals secrets (Proverbs 11:13)
- Separates friends (Proverbs 16:28)
- Incites strife (Proverbs 26:20)
2. Love Covers—But Doesn't Always Stay Silent
“He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.” — Proverbs 17:9
Covering a sin does not mean hiding abuse. It means knowing the difference between personal offenses (which love absorbs) and criminal actions (which love confronts through PROPER channels). The Bible never commands silence in the face of wickedness. But it does forbid talebearing.
3. Expose vs. Reprove: What Does the Bible Say?
Here’s a powerful insight: the word “expose” never appears in the KJV. But reproof, reprove and rebuke do, often.
- “And when he [the Holy Ghost] is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” — John 16:8
- “Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.” — 1 Timothy 5:20
- “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather REPROVE them.” — Ephesians 5:11 (BTW: does it make a difference if your Bible says EXPOSE?). - Selah!
Reprove (elegchō in Greek) means to bring to light with conviction and correction. IT'S RESTORATIVE. Exposing, by contrast, often comes with no biblical framework—just public shame.
Here are 2 basic examples:
1. Proverbs 9:8–9 (KJV)
“Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.”
NOTICE: Reproof here is meant to build up, not tear down. A wise man responds to it with love and growth. The purpose of reproof isn’t public humiliation - it’s personal transformation.
2. 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for REPROOF, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” - BTW: imagine if Scripture its goal was to EXPOSE you? I suspect none of us would be able to stand . See Psalm 130:3
NOTICE: Reproof, when based on Scripture, is part of a divinely ordained process to correct, instruct, and restore the believer to right living. It’s God’s tool, not man’s weapon.
So what spirit is behind your “sharing” and mine? The Holy Spirit reproves with redemption in view. The flesh exposes with embarrassment in view.
4. But What About Being a Watchman?
Many say, “I’m warning others! I’m sounding the alarm!”
But sound doctrine requires sound discernment; and sound discernment starts with self-control.
- Are you sure you’re the one who should speak?
- Are you under authority or accountability yourself?
- Is what you’re sharing already being addressed biblically by elders, leaders, or law enforcement?
Watchmen in Scripture were appointed—not self-appointed. Some should read that again!
5. What Should I Do When I See Sin?
If it’s local, go to the leaders. If it’s criminal, report it to the authorities. If it’s personal, confront in love (Matthew 18). If it’s national, pray before you post.
Some of you have strong platforms. Be careful. A juicy story is not worth violating Proverbs 11:13. Don’t become a talebearer with a theology degree.
In Closing: Be Faithful, Not Famous
“He that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.”
God honors those who can be trusted with information. The faithful spirit asks, “Will this bring healing , protection and help, or just more discord, hurt and increase how and why unbelievers blashpheme the name of our God? Will this restore or destroy?”
As you reflect on Proverbs 11 today, ask the Lord to give you the wisdom to discern the difference between biblical reproof and carnal exposure.
Let’s be known for our love. Our truth. Our courage. But also our caution.
Reminder:
Join me this morning at 8:30 AM EST for our 12X Lab session. We’ll unpack today’s reading and dive deep into the power of the tongue, the danger of talebearing, and the call to wisdom in an age of viral vengeance.
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3408462635
If you’re not yet part of the 12X Advantage community, start your 7-day trial today and discover what wisdom can do for your Self, Wealth, and Relationships.Join the Proverbs 12X Advantage on Skool
Let the Word of God, not the headlines, shape your voice.
With wisdom,Sean IsaacsThe Wisdom Coach | Proverbs 12X
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Talebearing vs. Truth-Telling: The Hidden Danger Behind "Raising Awareness"
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