What does the Bible say about keeping a secret?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible commends keeping confidences with wisdom and love, while warning that no hidden sin or motive is concealed from God. Proverbs 11:13 and Proverbs 20:19 praise the trustworthy person who does not spread another’s private matters, and Proverbs 25:9 urges believers to settle disputes without betraying a neighbor’s confidence. Proverbs 12:23 and Proverbs 21:23 likewise commend restraint in speech. Yet secrecy must not become a cover for wrongdoing: Luke 8:17 and Ecclesiastes 12:14 remind us that God will bring all things into judgment. Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:3-4 that quiet, humble obedience seeks the Father’s approval rather than public praise.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Proverbs 11:13
One who brings gossip betrays a confidence, But one who is of a trustworthy spirit is one who keeps a secret.
- Proverbs 25:9
Debate your case with your neighbor, And don't betray the confidence of another;
- Proverbs 20:19
He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets; Therefore don't keep company with him who opens wide his lips.
- Proverbs 12:23
A prudent man keeps his knowledge, But the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness.
- Matthew 6:3-4
[3] But when you do merciful deeds, don't let your left hand know what your right hand does, [4] so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
- Amos 3:7
Surely the Lord Yahweh will do nothing, Unless he reveals his secret to his servants the prophets.
- Luke 8:17
For nothing is hidden, that will not be revealed; nor anything secret, that will not be known and come to light.
- Proverbs 21:23
Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue Keeps his soul from troubles.
- Proverbs 10:19
In the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience, But he who restrains his lips does wisely.
- Ecclesiastes 12:14
For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it is good, or whether it is evil.
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