Key scripture – “He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy conceals a matter” (Proverbs 11:13)

Pastor, Charles Swindol asks some important questions: Can you keep a secret? When privileged information passes through one of the gates of your senses, does it remain within the walls of your mind, or is it only a matter of time before a leak occurs? Do you respect a person’s trust or ignore it, either instantly or ultimately?

The longer I live, the more I realize the scarcity of people who can be fully trusted with confidential information and the more I value those rare souls who fall into that category! As a matter of fact, if I were asked to list the essential characteristics that mark a person of integrity and trust, the ability to maintain confidences would rank very near the top.

A portion of the physician’s Hippocratic Oath comes to mind: “And whatsoever I shall see or hear in the course of my profession . . . if it be what should not be published abroad, I will never divulge, holding such things to be holy secrets.”

We would be justly offended by a doctor who treated our “holy secrets” lightly. The same applies to a minister or an attorney, a counselor or a parent, a teacher or a secretary, a colleague or a friend. Especially a close friend.

Solomon wrote some strong words concerning this subject in his Proverbs. Listen to his wise counsel and remember it the next time you are tempted to run off at the mouth:

“When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19)

“The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; the one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” (Proverbs 13:3)

“He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, therefore do not associate with a gossip.” (Proverbs 20:19)

“Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.” (Proverbs 26:20)

“A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.” (Proverbs 26:28).

In light of these scriptural admonitions, we need to establish four practical ground rules:

Whatever you’re told in confidence, do not repeat.
Whenever you’re tempted to tell a secret, do not yield.
Whomever you’re talking about, do not gossip.
However you’re prone to disagree, do not slander.

Be honest now, can you keep a secret? Then prove it.

What marks a person of integrity? Ability to keep a secret ranks near the top. A confidence kept gives others confidence in you.

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, help me to always remember to do unto others as I would have them do unto me. I want to be a true friend and confidant and never repeat in public what I have been told by someone in secret. When I speak to or about other people I want to glorify You with what I say to them and about them. Help me to always remember how much damage and how much good I can do with my words. Let my words be pleasant because those type of words are like a honeycomb, sweet and delightful to the soul and healing to the body. (Proverbs 16:24). Give me the wisdom to understand and apply in my life what You tell us in the Book of James about the tongue. “”Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” (James 1:26). It is not right that with the tongue I praise You, our Lord and Father, and with it I curse human beings, who have been made in Your likeness. It is not right that out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. It is like both fresh water and salt water flowing from the same spring. Or a salt spring producing fresh water. (James 3:3-12). Father, I cannot tame my tongue only You can. I give all my thoughts and words to the Holy Spirit so that they are used to build people up and not to tear them down. Put a guard over my mouth so that I speak words that are pleasing to You. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.