Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips
    and spreads slander is a fool.

Proverbs 10:18

We all know the type. It’s just like that song once said: “All the time they want to take your place, smiling in your face.” But there is a sin problem here! In dealing with two faced people, we find people who would pretend not to hate while spreading false claims. This is the work of our spiritual Enemy. The Devil wants people to distrust and hate each other because it is in this kind of heart that his lies can take root. The innocent and the righteous do not credulously spread rumors and they treat their enemies fairly because they expect the same. Not from naivete but from a principled stand of behaving rightly toward everyone, indeed, even loving everyone!

So what do we do in response to haters and gossips?

Sin is not ended by multiplying words,
    but the prudent hold their tongues.

Proverbs 10:19

Don’t talk to them about their lies or spread their words to others! End the verbal chain letter when it gets to you. And save the gossips if you can! Even two-faced people need Jesus.

Ethan Kirl