What does the Bible say about keeping secrets?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible commends faithful discretion and trustworthiness, while warning that hidden sin and deceit will ultimately be exposed before God. Proverbs 11:13 and 20:19 praise those who keep a confidence rather than spreading another person's affairs, and Proverbs 25:9 urges settling disputes without betraying a neighbor's secret. Yet secrecy must not shield wrongdoing: Luke 12:2 and Luke 8:17 teach that what is concealed will be revealed, and Ecclesiastes 12:14 reminds us that God will bring every deed into judgment. Christians should therefore guard entrusted confidences, speak cautiously, confess their own sins to God and wise believers as James 5:16 teaches, and place their deepest trust in the Lord.
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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.
- Luke 12:2
But there is nothing covered up, that will not be revealed, nor hidden, that will not be known.
- Matthew 10:26-28
[26] Therefore don't be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed; and hidden that will not be known. [27] What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim on the housetops. [28] Don't be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.
- 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 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 25:9
Debate your case with your neighbor, And don't betray the confidence of another;
- Ecclesiastes 12:14
For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it is good, or whether it is evil.
- James 5:16
Confess your offenses to one another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effective, earnest prayer of a righteous man is powerfully effective.
- Micah 7:5
Don't trust in a neighbor. Don't put confidence in a friend. With the woman lying in your embrace, Be careful of the words of your mouth!
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