Proverbs 11: 13 (NKJV)
A “talebearer” is defined as “one who spreads malicious stories or gossip,” and the definition of the adjective, “faithful” is: 1. Adhering firmly and devotedly, as to a person, cause, or idea; loyal. 2. Having or full of faith. 3. Worthy of trust or belief; reliable. 4. Consistent with truth or actuality. To “conceal” means to 1. to cover and hide 2. to keep secret.
With these definitions, we can see that this verse warn us not to trust people who “gossip” or “spread malicious stories” about others. If we DO choose to trust someone like that, it would be very foolish, for they will NOT keep the secrets that we have entrusted to them, but will reveal them to others in ways that will cause harm.
Conversely, we need to choose our friends carefully to be sure that they have a “faithful spirit,” for then we can be sure that they will be loyal, reliable, and truthful. These types of friends can be trusted to hold our secrets in the strictest confidence.
13 A talebearer reveals secrets,
But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.
A “talebearer” is defined as “one who spreads malicious stories or gossip,” and the definition of the adjective, “faithful” is: 1. Adhering firmly and devotedly, as to a person, cause, or idea; loyal. 2. Having or full of faith. 3. Worthy of trust or belief; reliable. 4. Consistent with truth or actuality. To “conceal” means to 1. to cover and hide 2. to keep secret. 
With these definitions, we can see that this verse warn us not to trust people who “gossip” or “spread malicious stories” about others. If we DO choose to trust someone like that, it would be very foolish, for they will NOT keep the secrets that we have entrusted to them, but will reveal them to others in ways that will cause harm.
Conversely, we need to choose our friends carefully to be sure that they have a “faithful spirit,” for then we can be sure that they will be loyal, reliable, and truthful. These types of friends can be trusted to hold our secrets in the strictest confidence.
Good post Linda. Informative and a thinking piece. Enjoyed it a lot. Keep 'em coming!
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