When someone confides in you, how do you handle it? Do you guard their words with wisdom, or do you run and share their business with others?
Being trustworthy is a character trait of integrity. If you want to have good friends, you need to be a good friend—and that starts with how you handle what people share with you.
Four Ways People Handle Confided Information
1. Do You Gossip About It?
• Do you tell others what was shared with you in confidence?
• Do you twist or exaggerate the story for attention?
• Do you act like you’re “concerned” while secretly spreading their business?
Proverbs 16:28 – “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
→ Gossip destroys relationships. If you can’t be trusted, don’t expect deep friendships.
2. Do You Take It to God?
• Do you pray for the person instead of talking about them?
• Do you ask God for wisdom on how to help them?
• Do you intercede for them in private without making it about yourself?
Galatians 6:2 – “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
→ A real friend takes things to God before taking them to anyone else.
3. Do You Just Keep It to Yourself?
• Do you hold on to what they told you without telling anyone?
• Do you respect their privacy even when it’s hard?
• Do you know that sometimes, the best thing you can do is just listen?
Proverbs 11:13 – “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
→ Being a safe place for others is a sign of maturity and wisdom.
4. Do You Offer Wise Counsel?
• If they ask for advice, do you give godly wisdom?
• Do you help rather than judge?
• Do you encourage them to seek God for direction?
Proverbs 27:9 – “The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.”
→ A good friend offers wisdom without spreading drama.
Be the Friend You Want to Have
If you want strong, trustworthy friendships, you need to be a trustworthy person.
• Don’t gossip.
• Pray for your friends.
• Be a safe space.
• Offer wise counsel when needed.
Friendship is a gift, but trust is earned. Let’s be the kind of friends that others can trust without fear.
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