{"id":45340,"date":"2020-12-19T20:13:07","date_gmt":"2020-12-19T17:13:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=45340"},"modified":"2025-05-11T23:34:32","modified_gmt":"2025-05-11T20:34:32","slug":"what-kind-of-person-is-described-as-having-kitango-in-the-bible","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2020\/12\/19\/what-kind-of-person-is-described-as-having-kitango-in-the-bible\/","title":{"rendered":"What Kind of Person is Described as Having \u201cspreads secret” in the Bible?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Though not common in modern usage, conveys the idea of someone who spreads secrets a gossip or tale-bearer. Biblically, this kind of person is seen as untrustworthy and even dangerous to the health of relationships and the unity of the community.<\/p>\n

1. Biblical References to Gossip and Tale-bearing<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Bible warns explicitly about people who reveal secrets or stir up strife with their words:<\/p>\n

\n

Proverbs 20:19 (NKJV)<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cHe who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Proverbs 11:13 (NIV)<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cA gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/blockquote>\n

The person with kitango<\/em> is not just talkative they are unfaithful with what is entrusted to them. They break trust and disrupt peace. The Hebrew word translated as “talebearer” or “gossip” (rakil<\/em>) literally means someone who travels about spreading stories, often with harmful consequences.<\/p>\n

2. The Character of a Gossip<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In today’s terms, a person with kitango<\/em> is a gossip <\/strong>someone who cannot keep private matters to themselves. They often speak out of turn about things they’ve seen or heard, even if those things were meant to be kept confidential. This kind of person does more harm than good.<\/p>\n

For example, if someone is welcomed into a home as a guest and later exposes the private matters of that household, they are being ungrateful and dishonorable. Such actions show a lack of integrity and compassion. The Bible calls us to a higher standard:<\/p>\n

\n

Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cLet no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

3. Why Gossip is Spiritually Dangerous<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Gossip is not just socially harmful it is a spiritual sin that God detests:<\/p>\n

\n

Proverbs 6:16-19 (NIV)<\/strong> lists seven things God hates, including \u201ca false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

James 3:6 (NIV)<\/strong> warns that \u201cThe tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body…\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Those who speak carelessly destroy friendships, families, and even churches. Paul warns Timothy about people who \u201cgo about from house to house, and not only idlers but also gossips and busybodies\u201d<\/em> (1 Timothy 5:13, ESV).<\/p>\n

4. God\u2019s Desire: Trustworthiness and Discretion<\/strong><\/h3>\n

God calls His people to be trustworthy, discreet, and peacemakers. The ability to keep a matter private is a sign of maturity and spiritual wisdom:<\/p>\n

\n

Proverbs 17:9 (NIV)<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cWhoever would foster love covers over an<\/em>offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Matthew 5:9 (ESV)<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cBlessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Being a person who keeps others’ secrets, avoids spreading rumors, and chooses peace over drama reflects the very character of God, who is our perfect example:<\/p>\n

\n

Matthew 5:48 (NKJV)<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cTherefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

5. Guarding Your Own Tongue<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We often sabotage our own peace and blessings through careless speech. Scripture strongly urges believers to control their words:<\/p>\n

\n

1 Peter 3:10 (ESV)<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cWhoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Proverbs 21:23 (NIV)<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cThose who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

A controlled tongue brings life, but a reckless one leads to ruin:<\/p>\n

\n

Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV)<\/strong> \u2013 \u201cDeath and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Final Encouragement<\/h3>\n

Choose to be a person who brings healing and peace through your words. Don’t be a kitango<\/em>. Instead, reflect the heart of God in how you speak and listen. Honor others’ privacy. Encourage rather than expose. Be someone others can trust.<\/p>\n

May the Lord give you wisdom and grace to use your words wisely, and may your life be marked by peace, integrity, and blessing.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n