Proverbs 11 has more wisdom for dealing with others...
“A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue. A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.” (Proverbs 11:12-13, NIV)
“Loose lips sink ships,” the old saying goes. Loose lips sink relationships too.
Of all the difficulties you’ve had with family members, how many could’ve been avoided had you kept your mouth shut? Most, right? But you keep talking. (I do too.) You speak more freely than you ought. You speak about others negatively. You slander folks thinking it will never get back to them. But it almost always does. And then you’ve got a relationship to fix. You’ve betrayed a friend. The wounds are deep. They will not heal quickly. Trust will not return overnight.
Jonathon and David were fast friends. Problem is Jonathon’s dad hated David. Didn’t just hate him. Saul wanted David dead. Jonathon’s lips were sealed though. He could keep a secret. Even when he knew David’s whereabouts, he remained silent. He would not betray his friend.
What you know about another is not to be given away lightly. Do not make public your friend’s problems. Talk only with her about what troubles her heart. Say nothing to anyone else, not even as a matter for prayer. Be trustworthy and your relationships will be deep and satisfying.
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