DAY 51 IN THE 91-DAY NEW HABIT CHALLENGE! #ProverbsChallenge


Proverbs 20--When we think of talebearers or blabbermouths, generally we think of a certain type of person. Actually, there are different types of talebearers:

Juicy Jerk: This person can't wait to blab a juicy secret. Once someone tells them a confidence, it becomes fair game in the gossip world. When we think of a blabbermouth, this is probably the person we think of.

Absent-minded Professor: This person treats information as a valuable resource--for themselves. The information outweighs the secrecy because it is useful for other purposes they deem important. These purposes include proving their point in an argument, teaching opportunities, and lessons they give to others. In many cases they honestly forget that our confidence was a secret.

The Prayer-Request Divulger: Yes, my friends, divulging a secret within a group of "intercessors" is still breaking a confidence. How many times has some well-intentioned soul sworn us to secrecy as they reveal a secret they were sworn to keep? All in the name of praying for this person? If this person goes into great detail about this secret, I must admit, I would doubt their sincerity.

Keeping a secret is a sacred trust. Over the years, I've learned that it shouldn't be based strictly on the heart--the emotions. If someone swears you to secrecy before revealing the information, I advise caution. 

Secrets are a responsibility, sometimes a great burden. If you can't carry it, don't receive it.

There are times when "blabbing" is necessary. When there is abuse or other legal issues involved. But to whom we "blab" is critical. It's always best to encourage the person to go to the authorities--perhaps we can accompany them. Just be prepared to carry the burden and fallout of doing the right thing by revealing the confidence.

May we treat secrets as precious and treat them prayerfully, my friends.

Proverbs 20:19--A talebearer goes about, revealing secrets, so do not associate with a babbler. Tree of Life Bible Society Tree of Life Version - TLV
#tlvbible #tlvproverbs

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