Confusion and contamination, the subjects of the previous two chapters, are like twin locomotives powering us through the early stages of an uncontrolled conversation. By the time we reach the third stage, the whole process is gaining momentum. This stage is called foolishness.
Foolishness: Allowing an evil report to influence one’s thinking and discernment about people and situations.
As a conversation unfolds into an evil report, the ensuing emotions can actually lead us to take up an offense against the person being criticized. Confusion and contamination have softened our defenses, and we fall into the trap of being sympathetic to the charges and not to the person. Our lack of discernment and wisdom can lead us to believe the accusations without ever checking out the facts or hearing, as Paul Harvey said, the rest of the story. Our foolishness affects our beliefs and behavior, and we become polluted with critical and negative thoughts.
Many people over the years have asked me to help them identify these carriers of evil reports, and I have come to focus on seven types or examples. The Bible speaks about each of these people, their character, and the impact of their actions. This is not an attempt to categorize people or create our own misguided sense of righteous condemnation. Remember how easily our own thinking and discernment are affected! This list is not exhaustive and is to be used only as a guideline for further revelation from God. The examples are intended to help identify an evil report quickly so that we might avoid being defiled by ungodly conversation.
Seven Types of Evil Reporters
1. The Backbiter: one who speaks against an absent individual
The backbiter, to be sure, does not follow the Matthew 18 principle of reconciliation (discussed in a later chapter). All criticisms and comments, as the name implies, are made without the accused being present, or behind his back. Psalm 15:2–3 speaks of this type of individual. Here David asks God who may dwell in His presence:
He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart; he who does not backbite with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor does he take up a reproach against his friend.
The word used for backbiters in Romans 1:30 is the word katalalos (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #2637), which means “talkative against.” Let me quote Romans 1:28–30 so you may get the full impact of this word:
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents.
The Bible places backbiters in the same company as the haters of God. Clearly God’s people are to avoid these situations (see also Proverbs 25:23; 2 Corinthians 12:20).
2. The Busybody: one who seeks out information on a false report and spreads it by means of gossip, slander, backbiting, etc.
God takes this very seriously. In fact, He equates being a busybody with being an evildoer or even a killer. Some of you think this is mere sensationalism or exaggeration, but it is true; I have it on good authority. Look at 1 Peter 4:15: “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.” The idea of a busybody is also found in 1 Timothy 5:13: “And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.” The Greek word for busybodies is periergos (Strong’s #4021) and can be interpreted as “curious arts.” In the neuter plural form of this word, the definition is “magic.” This suggests that a person can weave a spell over another person by being a busybody. While we often think of a female as being a busybody, the Bible does not differentiate by sex. A male as well as a female can fall into this trap and become a tool of pain and suffering (see also 2 Thessalonians 3:11).
3. The Complainer: one who finds fault
This type of person often uses a personal situation as a platform for his or her complaint. “I was treated unfairly.” “Do you know what this person did?” “You think that’s bad, let me tell you what happened to me.” Because the complainer shares from a personal perspective, the story embraces the emotions and creates an atmosphere of sympathy for the speaker’s cause. Then we rush headlong down the track of foolishness, our willingness to listen leading us to a greater opportunity to be defiled and contaminated by this person. We must untangle our emotional connections to the complainer and recognize the violation of our spirits by the complaining individual. “Now when the people complained, it displeased the LORD; for the LORD heard it, and His anger was aroused” (Numbers 11:1). God will neither condone nor bless the complaining spirit. The complainer’s motivation is to gain an advantage, be it spiritual, emotional, or mental. Be aware of this subtle (and not so subtle) way of drawing you in (see also Jude 16).
This person is generally unhappy and wants to “share the wealth,” so to speak. He or she is not fun to be around, and we often feel discouraged or depressed after being around this person. Hold up a mirror and evaluate your own attitude and actions. Do you look like you have been sucking on lemons? If I was having a rough day, are you someone I would want to be around to lift my spirit?
4. The Murmurer: one who grumbles
We find that this person is usually complaining but only loud enough for those in close proximity to hear. In fact, it may be so soft that a nearby person inadvertently asks him to repeat the offensive comment. The murmuring person is seldom happy or pleased with the outcome of situations. Like the complainer, he looks for faults and then justifies a bad attitude with his comments. Consistent with His focus, God speaks clearly to this type of behavior: “Do all things without murmurings and disputings” (Philippians 2:14 KJV).
One of the clearest examples in Scripture of grumbling and murmuring is found in Numbers 16. This is the story of Korah and his rebellion against Moses. How did Korah get hundreds of people to agree with him that Moses was simply exalting himself over the other Israelites? The Bible tells us that these were not just people of the congregation, but they were “leaders . . . men of renown” (verse 2). Can you see it happening? Perhaps Korah was jealous of Moses and Aaron. Perhaps Korah wanted more authority, recognition or power. Regardless of his motives, his methods are easily discerned. “Moses never treats us fairly.” A person walking by might say, “What was that, Korah?” A few more comments about Moses thinking he was better than everyone, and people began to see Moses in a different way. How quickly they forgot the rescue out of Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, the cloud by day and fire by night, manna from heaven, and quail provided as food.
Once we identify these people, their methods and their intent, their ways become clear to us. Korah simply went about poisoning the people and contaminating as many leaders as would listen to him. The end result was death to all those who opposed the positions that God had given to Moses and Aaron and, therefore, opposed God. How grateful and relieved the people must have been who said, “Korah, you are murmuring and I will not be a party to that type of conversation”—especially after Korah and his group were destroyed! They were as relieved as you will be after you face an encounter with a murmurer and turn from his foolishness (see also Jude 16).
5. The Slanderer: an individual who tries to injure someone’s reputation or character by false and defamatory statements
“And the men, which Moses sent to search the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander upon the land” (Numbers 14:36 KJV). The word used in this Scripture for slander is the Hebrew word dibbah (Strong’s #1681), which specifically means “evil report.” Jeremiah speaks of those who slander in referring to the neighboring lands: “They are all stubborn rebels, walking as slanderers” (Jeremiah 6:28). This particular word means “scandal monger.” An individual who slanders people is scandalous in God’s eyes. This type of person may want to destroy or defame a reputation in order to be elevated in business, recognition, or honor. The slanderer cannot be trusted to give accurate information, as his or her sole purpose appears to be self-serving. It is easy to see how slanderers defile and contaminate those who listen to their speech. It is for this reason that Paul includes them in his admonition about the qualifications of a deacon: “Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things” (1 Timothy 3:11). Solomon, the wisest man in the land, wrote about the slanderer in Proverbs 10:18. He did not mince words: “Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool” (see also Psalm 101:5; Jeremiah 9:4).
6. The Talebearer (or Gossip): a person who elaborates and exaggerates so as to make a story more dramatic (or “juicy”)
“A talebearer revealeth secrets; but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter” (Proverbs 11:13 KJV). Just as God speaks seriously about the consequences and repercussions for those involved in an evil report, so He gives us specific guidelines to follow in our lives so as to avoid the pitfalls of the above behavior. Leviticus 19:16, in speaking about the covenantal laws of morality, states: “You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people; nor shall you take a stand against the life of your neighbor: I am the LORD.”
If we associate with gossips and talebearers, we will become loose with our own tongues. The willingness to “discuss” other people becomes more a matter of habit than conscious choice. The more we are exposed to this, the more we contaminate our spirits. The Hebrew word for gossip and talebearer is closely associated with the word used for a whisperer (see number 7 below). (See also Proverbs 18:8; 20:19; 26:20, 22; 1 Timothy 5:13.)
7. The Whisperer: an individual who talks about other people privately, secretly, and covertly in order to hurt them
Most of us have experienced the pain of association with the whisperer. This person uses the soft, hushed voice of secrecy to plot another’s demise. Proverbs 16:28 states, “A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends.” A whisper seems so innocent, so casual, even innocuous, yet it can destroy a person as it spreads like wildfire. One use of the word whisperer can be found in Psalm 41:7 when David writes, “All who hate me whisper together against me; against me they devise [plot] my hurt.” The Hebrew word lachash is used in this context for whisperer. It means to “mumble a spell (as a magician)—a charmer” (Strong’s #3907).
Not long ago I had dinner at a Chinese restaurant. At the end of the meal I opened my fortune cookie and read the inscription on the paper inside: “Speak only well of people and you need never whisper.” While I do not put any merit in the fortune part of the cookie, I do think the person who wrote this particular statement was very wise.
The Pitfalls of Foolishness
Notice how many of the words from the previous seven examples are linked together by their Greek or Hebrew roots. Take note in particular of the words that are connected to the idea of spells or magic—manipulation, curses, subtle innuendos, and accusations. We must avoid the pitfalls the enemy has placed before us. These pitfalls may not be adultery, gambling, alcohol, drugs, pornography, or divorce—they are simply the words spoken by those around us; however, they are potentially every bit as dangerous and deadly as any other pitfall that may be placed in our paths.
It is imperative for us to remember how susceptible we are in the midst of a runaway conversation. We are not always innocent lambs being attacked by the big “evil report” wolf. I remember a few years back when I was the one doing the defiling.
It was a time when I was involved in coaching in the school system. One of the teacher/coaches I worked with was lacking in some areas of responsibility, which made working with him rather tiresome. It was well-known among the staff (and even the district) that Jim had an anger problem and was not the most responsible or organized individual. During the course of one week as I was talking with a supervisor about my coaching experience, we began to talk about Jim and, in a joking manner, went through a few of his escapades in the past months and years. As we continued, I began to recount some of my most recent frustrations with Jim, and the supervisor, likewise, shared his frustrations.
Later that evening, as I mulled over my part of the conversation, I realized that I had polluted the supervisor due to my speaking negatively about Jim. Now, everything I said was true. He was usually late for practice; he was disorganized; he left early; and he did lack certain people skills. However, it was not my place, nor my responsibility, to systematically address each of his shortcomings with the clear intent to injure his reputation. Again, I am called to be a light, to speak with a spirit of truth and humility.
Yet as I examined my motivation and my heart, I realized there was some malice and frustration in my conversation. I had defiled the supervisor and defrauded Jim. I was a whisperer, a complainer, and a slanderer. Worse, I had failed to be a witness of Christianity in the midst of a secular system.
The next day I contacted the supervisor. I asked for his forgiveness for saying negative things about Jim. His response was one of shock and confusion. You see, in his eyes we did nothing wrong; we were part of a social setting in which cutting one another down and picking each other apart like vultures was fairly commonplace. He told me there was no need to say I was sorry, but I knew better. I explained that my speaking was not Christlike and did not create a positive environment—nor did it help Jim. After further discussion and testimony, the supervisor thanked me for my willingness to “take a stand.” My honesty and intentions to create a godly atmosphere in the workplace were well received. I also developed a new prayer burden for Jim.
This incident took place many years ago, yet I will never forget it. I saw myself in a way that embarrassed me and that, I know, must have grieved the Holy Spirit. Sadly, this was not the last time I caught myself in this type of scenario, but the times of my defiling others are diminishing. I recently saw Jim, and the above incident was brought back to my memory. Gratefully, I am increasing in my self-control and not allowing the devil to use me as a tool of his torture.
We must properly prepare our spirits and minds to protect ourselves from these traps. In the same way that touching something diseased will defile one’s hand, listening to an evil report will defile one’s mind. Look at these additional scriptures:
You shall not circulate a false report. Do not put your hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.
Exodus 23:1
And the men, which Moses sent to search the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander upon the land, even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the land, died by the plague before the LORD.
Numbers 14:36–37 KJV
Obviously, this last scripture uses several of the key words and examples that we have previously discussed. Even the people who did not bring the evil report, but merely listened and did not speak out against it, were killed.
The third track of defilement, foolishness, occurs when we are exposed to the negative aspects and attitudes of others, become confused and contaminated in our spirits and enter into foolish practices and responses. The Bible reveals this pattern over and over again and, notably, refers to the lives of all people—those who are believers in God and those who are not.
The Cyclical Pattern of Foolishness
The subtle seduction of an individual’s life is indeed a tragedy, and unless we study and learn from it, this pattern will continue among the people of God. Remember, God loves all people and desires to have each one of us drawn toward Him. In Exodus we have a prime example in Aaron and his tendency to become confused and contaminated and to move into areas of foolishness. Aaron had seen firsthand the faithfulness and power of God. He was able to partake in God’s miracles and be a testimony to the certainty of the Word of God. Despite the constant haranguing of Pharaoh, Aaron was able to support Moses steadfastly in the deliverance of the Hebrew people.
Unfortunately, once the people were out of Egypt, doubt began to creep into their spirits and things began to change.
And when Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians marched after them. So they were very afraid, and the children of Israel cried out to the LORD. Then they said to Moses, “Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt? Is this not the word that we told you in Egypt, saying, ‘Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness.”
Exodus 14:10–12
Aaron heard the complaints of the people. Was he also fearful? I believe some aspect of this negativity lingered in Aaron, planting a seed of confusion that would come to fruition.
It was not long before the children of Israel again began to murmur.
Then the whole congregation of the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. And the children of Israel said to them, “Oh, that we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and when we ate bread to the full! For you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”
Exodus 16:2–3
Did this murmuring and whining affect Aaron? Certainly he loved God and was strengthened by the miracles constantly unfolding in front of him. When the manna continued to bless the people for forty years, for example, should this not have quieted the complaints of the people and shown Aaron that negative reports and comments carried no validity in the sight of God? Somewhere along the line these words of doubt, complaining, and murmuring had an impact on Aaron. He became confused and contaminated and, eventually, allowed the pressures from the people to move him into the level of foolishness. When did this happen, you might be thinking? Two words will remind you: golden calf!
The situation with the golden calf shows us Aaron’s susceptible spirit. Remember what took place? Moses was on Mount Sinai, in the midst of the glory of God, receiving the Ten Commandments. With Moses gone, the people became impatient. An interesting note here: When people become impatient, confusion often enters into the thinking process. They feel they must solve the problem and avoid God’s timing and the direction of the Holy Spirit. The more Moses delayed in coming down, the more nervous the people became. Finally they decided they wanted an idol built so they could worship. Aaron relented, gathered up the gold, and made the idol of the calf. The gold they had was all from Egypt. They had been slaves there and had no possessions other than the gifts of gold, silver, and clothing the Egyptians gave them upon their departure (see Exodus 12:35–36). The people of Israel were using the treasures of Egypt to erect an idol like the ones that the Egyptians had worshiped.
Moses came down from Mount Sinai and saw the people dancing and praying to the calf.
And Moses said to Aaron, “What did this people do to you that you have brought so great a sin upon them?” So Aaron said, “Do not let the anger of my lord become hot. You know the people, that they are set on evil. For they said to me, ‘Make us gods that shall go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’”
Exodus 32:21–23
Notice that Moses asked, “What did the people do to you?” He recognized that Aaron had been defiled by the interactions with the people, and with the usual defensiveness of a guilty person, Aaron responded by blaming the people and their evil nature. The first words out of Aaron’s mouth should have been, “God, will You forgive me? And, Moses, will you forgive me?” Aaron had become contaminated by the previous interactions, and when confronted by the negative reports in Moses’ absence, he was unable to endure their caustic nature.
This is how the level of foolishness occurs. We allow previous experiences to influence us: “Sandy has been having a rough time, and last week she was mad at me. So this time I won’t confront her; I’ll go along with her. What she said wasn’t very nice, but it doesn’t happen too often. I’ll just love her.” Loving her means not going along with her. Most incidents involving evil reports will likely be repeated unless there is intervention.
It would be nice if Aaron could be a testimony and an example of one who learned his lesson. It would be wonderful to say that Aaron was never confused or contaminated again, that in the future he did not endure foolishness and made wise decisions. Unfortunately, as it so often occurs in our lives, it takes multiple encounters with pain and sin to truly teach us that when you play with fire, it is easy to get burned. Let’s look briefly at one other episode in Aaron’s life.
There were many times when the people complained to Moses (and Aaron). In Numbers 11 we find a time when God was so displeased with the complaining that He created fire to consume some of the people in the outskirts of the camp. Once again, this murmuring and complaining created a questionable spirit within Aaron. We find this statement in the next chapter of Numbers:
Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married; for he had married an Ethiopian woman. So they said, “Has the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us also?” And the LORD heard it. (Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth.)
Numbers 12:1–3
In verse 1, the word spoke means “to subdue or to destroy.” Aaron was making an evil report against Moses. Having been affected by the congregation of Israel, he now took up his own offense and defiled others. This is the pattern of evil reports—cyclical. In my foolishness, I share something of an evil nature and you become contaminated. In your foolishness, you share a negative report and someone else gets contaminated. This repeats itself until the enemy has sufficiently divided a place of business, a family, friends, and the Body of Christ.
As happened to Aaron, people who are involved in defiling others often seek to glorify self and flesh. This self-serving focus is a constant stumbling block to fellowship with God, as we see throughout history. Look at Cain, Jacob, King Saul, Absalom, Samson, Martha, and Judas. Of course, the names could be more contemporary. The list could read: Mike, Tom, Sarah, Mary, Jim, Carol, Sandy, Brian . . . Our attempts to elevate self at the expense of others only lead to foolishness and prevent us from growing in our relationship with Christ.
It is essential that we are wise concerning the strategies of those who would draw us in by evil reports. Will your life be memorialized by a monument you built with negative words or by the godly character and actions of your life—prayer, servanthood, grace, mercy, compassion, godly standards, and uncompromising integrity? Take a moment and ask God if you have any self-made monuments that have been erected in the name of foolishness and need to be destroyed. Repentance and willingness to submit to Christ will bring about purification in our lives.