Good morning people who know when it is appropriate to hold your tongue.

Proverbs 11:13 MEV A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals the matter.

In these days when everyone has access to everything, there is a prevailing spirit of exposure. Nothing is sacred and everything is up for discussion. Everybody’s business is now everybody’s business.

But this is not what the Bible teaches or instructs.

There is far too much gossip and slander and revealing of secrets going on. There is so much talk about what ‘he did’ or ‘she said’. Sensationalism is the new norm, and for many, it’s not even tried to be disguised as something spiritual. People just want to know stuff!

But again, this is not what the Bible says.

Talebearers and busybodies talk about things that shouldn’t be talked about. This needs to stop.

Our verse above tells us that he who is of a faithful spirit conceals the matter.

Now the Bible is not talking about ‘covering things up’, but rather, it is talking about ‘protecting, honouring and loving people enough to not share harmful information’.

The word faithful hear means to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse. There is love at the root of this word.

So, here’s a few questions we should ask ourselves before we talk about other people:

Even if it’s true, would I like this said about me to other people?

Is sharing this maximising the potential for the person to encounter and receive God’s mercy, grace and forgiveness?

Is sharing this helpful in any way and is it honouring God’s love for people?

May we be people whose words are in harmony with the Spirit of God.