Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 11:13, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
American Standard Version
He that goeth about as a tale-bearer revealeth secrets; But he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth a matter.
World English Bible version
One who brings gossip betrays a confidence, but one who is of a trustworthy spirit is one who keeps a secret.
Proverbs 11:13 Meaning & Commentary
This verse in Proverbs shows us the quality of character of someone who keeps secrets and the quality of character of someone who reveals secrets. The verse says that someone who is a slander reveals secrets. The most obvious understanding is that when someone reveals secrets, this is them slandering someone. However, it runs a little deeper than this. If someone is a slandering person, they cannot be trusted with secrets. Slandering is more than just spilling secrets about someone; it is speaking badly about someone. It may not necessarily be a secret that is being spoken about.
So, Proverbs 11:13 warns us that if someone is a slanderer, they also cannot be trusted with secrets! Slandering reveals the heart condition of someone, and it shows a lack of love or compassion. If some slanders, they could just as easily spill someone’s secrets out because they show themselves to lack love and compassion. Proverbs 11:13 also teaches us that a trustworthy person is a person who can be trusted with secrets. I am sure most of us know a trustworthy person. They are the sort of people who are dependable. They arrive when they say they will arrive, do what they say they will do, and keep their word.
An untrustworthy person may not yet have proved they cannot be trusted with our secrets, but they may have shown that they cannot be trusted to arrive on time, do what they said they would do, or follow through with their words and actions! Red flags of a person who cannot be trusted show up long before someone’s secrets leak out of their mouth; it is seen in their actions and manner of speech!
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 11:13 to our lives?
There is a two-fold application here. Firstly, whom we trust our secrets with, but secondly, being a person who can be trusted with other people’s secrets. The first bit of wisdom from Proverbs 11:13 is recognizing a trustworthy person and identifying someone who cannot be trusted. If we observe that someone lacks the fruit of The Spirit in their lives, it is a red flag that we should be cautious with that person, particularly when it comes to sharing our secrets with them.
Before we share out secrets with someone – We should watch their lifestyle and see if they are trustworthy; do they do what they say they will do, and when they say they will do it. Are they dependable? Can they be counted on? If we observe trustworthiness in their lives, we can feel more comfortable that they will keep secrets. If we see none of the fruit of The Spirit in their lives as detailed in the book of Galatians, this is a red flag: Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentlenesses, self-control; against such things there is no law. We need to watch out specifically for slander, as Proverbs 11:13 says.
Slander is what comes out of someone’s mouth, but as The Bible teaches us, what comes out of someone’s mouth reflects what is in their heart! Luke 6:45 ….for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Secondly, we need to be people who can be trusted, whom other people feel confident sharing their secrets. This is built into our lives little-by-little. By doing what we say we will do and being consistent in it. As we grow closer to God, we will begin to be Christlike in all that we do and say, and the fruit of The Spirit will be developed into our lives. Eventually, people will be drawn to us for help and will begin to share secrets with us so they can find healing and help because of Christ in us!
Prayer
Mighty God, thank you for this nugget of Wisdom in Your Word. Help me to discern accurately those of a trustworthy spirit, and those who cannot be trusted with my secrets. Help me to grow and become more Christlike in all things, so that I can be a source of help and healing to others who are crying out for help. I desire to be a trustworthy person of Godly character who can be trusted with the secrets of others. I pray and ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!
