I once found an interesting definition in a concordance for the Greek word diabolos that fits in with this verse. For one thing, diabolos means devil. But it also means one who falsely accuses and divides people without cause.
The devil is an accuser and a slanderer, called by that name because originally he accused and slandered God in the Garden of Eden.
The serpent told Eve, "Do you know why God doesn't want you to eat of that fruit, Eve? He doesn't want you to be as smart as He is!" (Gen. 3:4-5, author's paraphrase).
Think about it. Satan continually accuses God to you: "God doesn't care." "God isn't going to answer your prayers." "God's going to let you stay sick."
The devil wants to talk you out of believing what God says. He and his evil spirits try to get you to doubt God. Don't listen to unbelief—rebuke it in Jesus' Name.
So when talebearers accuse and slander others with the gossip and lies they spread, they are acting like the original accuser!
The devil likes to use a talebearer to pass on diabolical information about someone to others. Satan is diabolos, the one who falsely accuses and divides people without any reason.
He knows that people who are divided from one another are not loving, open and kind to each other—this division gives him entrance.
So if you're spending time listening to someone who is a talebearer and a gossip, you are partaking of the wrong company! "He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore associate not with him who talks too freely" (Prov. 20:19 AMP).
People who like to reveal others' secrets can cause a great deal of strife among the people with whom they associate.
Many times the tales they pass on may even be true, but they are certainly not pure, lovely or good reports (Phil. 4:8). Whether they are true or not, gossiping causes strife.
We saw that one of the things God hates most is for someone to sow discord among the brethren (Prov. 6:19).
I'm telling you, you want to stay clear of a talebearer who accuses others and spreads strife. And you definitely want to make sure you aren't that kind of person yourself!
So just keep sowing mercy, kindness and righteousness. Keep doing what is right before God. And as you stay steadfast in righteousness, you will attain to life (Prov. 11:19 AMP).
As you are blameless in your ways, you will be His delight (Prov. 11:20 AMP). You will flourish as a green bough, and the fruit of your righteousness will be as a tree of life to you (Prov. 11:28, 30 AMP).
Have you made the decision to walk in the ways of wisdom? When you do, all of these divine promises and many, many more are your recompense to claim both on this earth and in the ages to come!
Excerpt permission granted by
Eagle Mountain International Church, Inc.
aka: Kenneth Copeland Ministries