The Talebearer

Kids Bible Devotional for September 24, 2026

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Focus Verse

Proverbs 11:13 A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence. (NLT)

Jump Start

“Psst… I have a juicy secret. Do you want to hear it?"

What is it about people that they enjoy a bit of gossip more than boring facts? Sadly, research suggests that one of the reasons that people spread rumors is that by putting others down, it boosts one’s own self esteem. But gossip often leads to hurt feelings and broken trust.

In our story today entitled, “The Talebearer,” Naomi learns the hard way that spreading misinformation can hurt friendships.  

Today's Devotion

Naomi, Violet, Ella, and Amelia clustered around their favorite table during lunch period. Amelia got up to throw away her trash. When she did, Naomi leaned into the group and whispered, “So, you know I live across the street from Amelia, right? Well, last night, I saw Amelia’s dad come home drunk.”

Violet gasped. Ella slowly stirred her drink with a straw, unfazed by the news.

“Yep,” Naomi said, grinning impishly. “When he got out of his car, he could barely walk. Mrs. Matherson had to help him inside. The whole scene gave me the ick.”

Violet waved Naomi to quiet down. “Shh! She’s coming back.”

Amelia walked back to the table and dropped into her seat. The girls avoided eye contact.

“What? Did I miss something? You guys are acting weird.”

Ella spoke up. “So, how’s your dad’s vertigo, Amelia?”

Naomi shot Ella a look. “Vertigo?! What’s vertigo?”

“It’s a medical condition that causes a person to get really dizzy. They have a hard time walking or keeping their balance.” Ella gave Naomi a long stare. “You know, like someone who’s too drunk to walk.”

“Yeah, dad had another episode yesterday on the way home from work,” Amelia said. “He’s lucky he made it home without an accident. Mom had to help him into the house.  But he took some medicine and did these exercises his doctor taught him to do until it all passed. He’s better today.”

The lunch bell rang and Amelia jumped to her feet. “I gotta run. I want to catch Mr. Hopkins before class starts about band rehearsal next week. Thanks for asking about Dad.”

When Amelia was a safe distance away, Ella turned angrily to Naomi. “Maybe next time you’ll check your facts before you start spreading rumors, especially about a friend.”  She snatched up her backpack, flung it across her shoulder, and marched out of the cafeteria.

Naomi’s face grew hot from embarrassment as Ella stormed off.

Wrap Up

Spreading gossip is a quick way to lose friends and damage your own reputation. If it isn’t true, helpful, inspiring, needful, or kind, it’s best to keep quiet.

Proverbs 20 verse 19 says, “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.”

True friends can be trusted to know when to keep private matters private and speak up when it’s in a friend’s best interest to do so.