Proverbs 11:13 “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.”
The word BUT is used many times in Proverbs to provide a CONTRAST of a variety of actions. In Proverbs 11:13 you find the results of one who is a gossiper compared with one who is trustworthy. The gossipier garners the reputation of being a BETRAYER. Nothing is safe with them. Whereas the one who is trustworthy KEEPS even the most sensitive information secure.
Are you a gossiper?
To know if you are let’s consider a definition for a gossiper, A gossiper is one who tells someone something about you that they would never tell that person if you were standing right beside them. In other words, they will say something about you behind your back but not to your face.
Are you prone to gossip? Does it excite you to share tasty bits of information about people? Proverbs 18:8 says, “A gossip’s words are like choice food that goes down to one’s innermost being.” This verse speaks of two types of gossipers. There is one who talks and the one who listens. So, we should be asking not only do you enjoy spreading juicy information but are you prone to listening to someone sharing secrets, to gossip?
Now you should KNOW that someone who will share gossip WITH you will also share gossip ABOUT you!
We should listen to the INSTRUCTIONS of Proverbs 20:19 as it says, “The one who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid someone with a big mouth.”
In Proverbs 11:13 we have a verse that challenges us to be a TRUSTWORTHY person. As a trustworthy person, one is careful about what information is shared and with whom what information is shared about others.
Please commit today to not being a gossiper with two actions.
1. HOLD YOUR TONGUE! 2. GUARD YOUR EARS. Don’t listen to gossip! Commit today to be a TRUSTWORTHY person!
Oh, be careful little tongue what you say, especially about others!
A ministry/leadership note: Occasionally someone will come to you for HELP and they start by saying, “I need to tell you something but you have to promise me that you will not tell anyone.” Friends, don’t make that promise!!!
Listen close!! “Never tell a person you will never tell a person.” The only promise you make is that if you can’t help them with what they tell you is that you will only involve those who can help.
Listen again carefully: “Never tell a person you will never tell a person.”
Continue Strong holding your tongue!
And remember to DATE The Word