IN CONFIDENCE

"A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret." ~Proverbs 11:13

"He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, therefore, do not associate with a gossip." ~Proverbs 20:19

"A faithful man will not disclose what he is trusted with, unless the honor of God and the real good of society require it." ~Matthew Henry

"How much of this nonsense does he believe, I wonder, and how much does he say just because he knows the value of dividing in order to conquer and to rule?" ~Octavia E. Butler

We all have people in whom we can confide. We've tested whether that is so. You learn over time that some people are wise, objective, solid, trustworthy, and loyal...Thank goodness....Sometimes you need someone to talk to; someone to check you; someone to whom you don't mind being accountable; someone who will tell you the truth. Who you choose really matters.

Unfortunately, we all know a chronic gossip. We all know a habitual liar. We all know those shady types who manage to operate with two faces. We all know those who are selective about when they are going to be neutral, and strangely incapable of taking a stand. We all know people who like to sow seeds of discord among friends and relations--and it's usually a desperate ploy to remain the star on everyone's stage. They seem to thrive on confusion, have very selective memories, and are self-centered. Don't be mad. Just pray for their minds.

Hopefully you've learned what to share and not to share with people whose lips are a bit loose--not just about their own business, but everything anyone has ever share with them as well. 

However, before you are swift to go and repeat what that gossipy acquaintance, relative, or mutual friend told you about someone else, under the guise of getting to the bottom of things, consider whether it is true, worthy of repetition, or potentially damaging to feelings or relationships. Moreover, consider if you really want to hear what was said about YOU. Sometimes, you're being spared great pain because others are more reluctant to repeat tales--particularly if they know they will be hurtful for you to hear. 

Know when you're a recipient of mercy. If they'll whisper about them, you'd better believe they'll whisper about you. 

#youdontwannaknow  

#wisdomistheprincipalthing