There are moments when keeping things private feels wise, but is that always the best choice? The Bible offers guidance on when to speak and when to stay silent. Today, let’s look at how Scripture helps us find balance in sharing with others.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Organized Religion
What Does The Bible Say About Keeping Things To Yourself
Proverbs 11:13
A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
This verse emphasizes the importance of being trustworthy and keeping things to yourself. It warns against the destructive nature of gossiping and reveals that betraying someone’s confidence can break trust and damage relationships.
By choosing to keep secrets and guarding confidential information, we can cultivate trust and demonstrate our integrity. It is crucial to remember that trust is a precious commodity and keeping things to ourselves shows respect for others and promotes healthy relationships.
Proverbs 25:9
Argue your case with your neighbor himself, and do not reveal another’s secret.
This verse advises us to address conflicts directly with the person involved rather than spreading their secrets. It emphasizes the importance of resolving issues in a respectful and confidential manner.
When we choose to keep the secrets of others, we demonstrate compassion, loyalty, and maturity. It is important to respect the privacy of others and maintain trust by avoiding the temptation to share secrets with others.
Matthew 6:6
But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
This verse reminds us to have a personal and intimate prayer life with God. It encourages us to seek solitude and privacy when communicating with our Heavenly Father, reinforcing the power of a private and confidential connection with Him.
By keeping our conversations with God private, we invite a deeper level of vulnerability, transparency, and intimacy in our relationship with Him. It is in these secret moments of communion that we can experience His presence, guidance, and reward.
Proverbs 10:19
When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
This verse highlights the importance of self-control and discretion in our speech. It teaches us to think before we speak and to carefully choose our words.
Keeping things to ourselves involves knowing when to speak and when to remain silent. By exercising restraint, we avoid saying things we may regret and prevent unnecessary conflicts or transgressions.
Proverbs 17:27
Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
This verse teaches us the value of self-discipline in our speech. It encourages us to restrain our words, ensuring that we communicate with wisdom and understanding.
By keeping our thoughts to ourselves and carefully choosing our words, we demonstrate maturity and intelligence. It is through exercising self-control and discernment that we can foster healthy relationships and effective communication.
Proverbs 12:23
A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly.
This verse highlights the wisdom in keeping knowledge and information to ourselves. It reminds us that not everything we know needs to be shared, and by exercising discretion, we can avoid foolishness and unnecessary confrontation.
Keeping things to ourselves requires discernment and understanding the appropriate times and circumstances in which to share information. This verse encourages us to be prudent and refrain from broadcasting knowledge that may lead to negative outcomes.
Proverbs 25:23
The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.
This verse illustrates the destructive power of gossip and slander. It suggests that just as the north wind brings rain, a malicious tongue brings anger and strife.
Keeping things to ourselves means refraining from engaging in gossip or spreading harmful information. By avoiding backbiting, we can contribute to a peaceful atmosphere and maintain healthy relationships.
Ecclesiastes 3:7
a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
This verse acknowledges that there is a time to keep silence and a time to speak. It teaches us the importance of discerning when it is appropriate to share information and when it is better to remain silent.
By recognizing the right moments to keep things to ourselves, we demonstrate wisdom and discretion. This verse encourages us to be mindful of the timing and context of our words.
Proverbs 29:11
A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.
This verse highlights the difference between a fool and a wise person in controlling their emotions and words. It emphasizes the value of self-restraint and avoiding impulsive outbursts.
Keeping things to ourselves involves exhibiting emotional intelligence and choosing not to unleash every feeling or thought. Practicing self-control allows us to respond thoughtfully and maturely in various situations.
Proverbs 20:19
Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.
This verse cautions against associating with those who habitually spread secrets or engage in gossip. It warns of the consequences of being connected to someone who lacks discretion.
Keeping things to ourselves means avoiding relationships with people who have a tendency to betray confidences. By surrounding ourselves with trustworthy individuals, we create an environment that fosters integrity and confidentiality.
Proverbs 16:28
A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.
This verse reminds us that spreading strife and causing division is the result of dishonesty and whispering. It reveals the destructive nature of sharing secrets or engaging in malicious gossip.
Keeping things to ourselves involves choosing to diffuse tension and preserve friendships. By refraining from whispering and spreading discord, we can promote unity, trust, and healthy relationships.
Proverbs 26:20
For lack of wood, the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.
This verse illustrates that without fuel, a fire dies down. In the same way, without a whisperer, quarreling comes to an end.
Keeping things to ourselves means refusing to add fuel to conflicts and disputes. By choosing not to engage in gossip or divulge private information, we contribute to peace and reconciliation.
Proverbs 19:11
Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
This verse emphasizes the virtue of patience and the willingness to let go of offenses. It suggests that instead of spreading grievances, it is honorable to forgive and move on.
Keeping things to ourselves involves choosing to overlook and forgive the offenses of others. By extending grace and practicing forgiveness, we can prevent unnecessary conflicts and promote healing.
Proverbs 15:2
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
This verse highlights the contrast between wise individuals, who speak with knowledge and wisdom, and fools who utter foolishness.
Keeping things to ourselves means refraining from sharing information or opinions that lack wisdom and understanding. By choosing to speak thoughtfully and purposefully, we can contribute positively to conversations and build up others.
Matthew 12:36
I tell you, on the day of judgment, people will give account for every careless word they speak.
This verse serves as a reminder of the accountability we have for our words. It indicates that our speech has eternal consequences and should be chosen wisely.
Keeping things to ourselves involves being aware of the weight of our words and recognizing the impact they can have. By thinking before we speak, we can avoid regret and fulfill our responsibility to use our words for good.
Proverbs 11:12
Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.
This verse suggests that those who ridicule or belittle others lack wisdom, while those who possess understanding stay silent.
Keeping things to ourselves means avoiding demeaning or hurting others with our words. By choosing to remain silent instead of engaging in destructive speech, we can demonstrate empathy and kindness.
Proverbs 13:3
Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
This verse reveals that those who are careful with their words preserve their lives, while those who are quick to speak bring about their own downfall.
Keeping things to ourselves involves being cautious and intentional with our speech. By guarding our words, we can avoid unnecessary harm and protect ourselves from the negative consequences of careless speech.
Proverbs 10:11
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
This verse highlights the life-giving nature of the words spoken by the righteous, while the wicked hide their violent intentions.
Keeping things to ourselves involves choosing to speak life-giving words that uplift and encourage others. By withholding harmful or violent speech, we can contribute to a positive and inspiring atmosphere.
Proverbs 15:14
The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
This verse contrasts the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge with the indulgence in foolish talk and opinions.
Keeping things to ourselves embraces the desire for knowledge and wisdom. By listening and seeking to understand, we can refrain from feeding on foolishness and foster growth in ourselves and others.
Proverbs 17:9
Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.
This verse underscores the importance of forgiveness and choosing not to repeat offenses. It acknowledges that dwelling on past wrongs can lead to the breakdown of friendships.
Keeping things to ourselves involves letting go of offenses and refusing to share them with others. By covering offenses with love and seeking reconciliation, we can preserve and strengthen our relationships.
Ecclesiastes 5:2
Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.
This verse encourages us to be cautious and deliberate with our words, particularly when it comes to speaking before God. It reminds us of our place in relation to the divine and urges us to use our words sparingly.
Keeping things to ourselves involves recognizing the need for silence and humility. By choosing our words carefully and respecting the presence of God, we foster reverence and maintain a proper perspective.
Proverbs 15:28
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
This verse highlights the contrast between the considerate responses of the righteous and the rash and harmful speech of the wicked.
Keeping things to ourselves involves thoughtful reflection before responding. By pondering and considering our words, we can avoid speaking evil and instead contribute to positive and fruitful conversations.