Together in Christ: 'Gossips Are Not Trusted!' — Proverbs 11:13

Thursday, July 16, 2026

A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.
— Proverbs 11:13 NLT

Key Thought

Are people reluctant to share their hearts, concerns, or secrets with you? Please think through the implications of this relationship proverb. Am I known as a gossip? Have I betrayed confidences shared with me? Do I talk about other people behind their backs? Do I associate with and listen to what gossips say?

We must prove ourselves trustworthy of the secrets and private burdens others need to share with a trustworthy friend. In a world of constant gossip, betrayal, and criticism, we must be an island of concern, character, and integrity. When we are trustworthy, people will be open with us about their burdens, and we can be a blessing to them in their time of need! [1]

[1] Luke 6:31; James 5:16.

Today's Prayer

Faithful Father, I ask for the Holy Spirit's help to be a person of integrity who proves trustworthy throughout my life and ministry. I want people to know that they can trust their hearts, secrets, and burdens with me and that I will bring them only to You - that I won't gossip or leak their concerns to others. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Proverbs 11:13
Devo: Daily Wisdom
"A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret."
Confidentiality
Article by Mike Barres
Can you be trusted with precious and dangerous information? Confidentiality is crucial to maintain when secrets have been entrusted to us.

Illustration

Illustration of Proverbs 11:13 NLT — A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.

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About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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