Proverbs 11: 13 Gossip vs. A Faithful Spirit

Proverbs 11: 13 (NKJV)

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.

Proverbs 8: 12 & 13

In today’s verses, “Wisdom” continues to speak, using words that show contrasts to bring out the differences between being wise and being foolish. They contrast knowledge, discretion and being prudent with pride, arrogance and a perverse mouth.

Proverbs 8: 12 & 13 (NKJV)
12 “ I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,

And find out knowledge and discretion.

13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil;

Pride and arrogance and the evil way

And the perverse mouth I hate.

The first of today’s verses, names three attributes of wisdom. Prudence, is an attribute that we looked at in our last study. Verse 12 also says that wisdom brings knowledge and discretion. In past studies, we noted that knowledge is NOT the same as wisdom, for many people have a lot of “knowledge” but they never put it into proper action. For example, we can “know” that peroxide can help to disinfect and heal wounds, but it would not be wise to treat all wounds with peroxide automatically.

We can “know” that a friend is doing something wrong, and we might even have a really good idea on how the problem can be fixed, BUT wisdom will act with discretion, and wait for God’s timing (through prayer) to give an opening for a gentle nudge in the proper direction instead of jumping in with both feet and making enemies that won’t listen anyway. We need to learn to control our tongues (one of MY big problems!!!)

Verse 13 speaks of the “Fear of the Lord,” and we have discussed in previous studies how this “fear” is more of a respectful, awe of His power, than a quaking terror of being hurt or injured by Him. If we respect His power and are in awe of His love for us, then we start to understand that His ways and rules are for our protection, and we will stay on His paths and not be drawn to evil ones.

If we are too prideful and arrogant to have respect and awe for God, (I will do it MYSELF, because I KNOW ME BEST) then we are putting ourselves above Him, and will tend listen to “our” friends that have “perverse lips” (peer pressure) that will, too often, lead us down wrong paths.

The Bible tells us to be very careful of who we choose to be close to for this reason. I leave you with these two verses: Proverbs 16:28 (NKJV) 28 A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends AND Proverbs 11:13 (NKJV) 13 A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.