Bare means uncovered, exposed, or empty of the usual things. As a verb, it means to uncover something. Bear can name the animal, and as a verb it can mean to carry, support, or endure something.
Choose bare for what is uncovered
By November, the trees were bare. The adjective describes branches without leaves. In The outgoing tide bared the rocks, the verb tells what uncovered them.
Choose bear for support or patience
The posts bear the weight of the porch roof. Here bear means support. Please bear with me while I find the receipt asks someone to be patient. In A bear crossed the path, the word is a noun. Use the context to decide which meaning fits, and see born vs. borne for the two related participles.
