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Day 41 Proverbs 11:13 Proverbs 11:13 A talebearer reveals secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit conceals the matter. 14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. Nobody liked being called a tattle tale when they were growing up. People soon learned to distrust that person. However, if you could keep a secret, people could trust you. In the world of law enforcement, officers look for informants so they can find the guilty party. However, being an informant could be life-threatening. Officers promise protection for those who come forward in serious situations. Solomon knew both the tale bearer and the person who could keep secrets. He would keep those he could trust close by, and even use them as counselors when necessary. He probably also used those who could not keep secrets as informants when trouble was brewing, which often did, though we know that during Solomon’s reign it was known as a time of peace. Israel didn’t go to war during his forty years as king. Though you don’t need war to have trouble brewing in the kingdom. As Christians, the best attribute we can have is for someone to be able to trust us because we can keep matters to ourselves. Even Jesus had a betrayer in his midst, who sold him out to the Sanhedrin for thirty pieces of silver, who crucified him. No one wants to be called a Judas, yet we know there are people who will betray us even among Christians. Instead, we should be known as honest men and women as we go about the work of the kingdom of God. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (KJV) When you practice these virtues, you will be men and women of honor and people will respect you and look up to you, even seeking you for counsel in sensitive matters. Let’s pray: Father, help me be a person of integrity and honesty that people can look to when situations are sensitive in nature. Help me not to be untrustworthy and a tale bearer no one can trust. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen. Copyright © 17 October 2016 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay