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Day 212 Proverbs 20:19 Proverbs 20:19 He that goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flatters with his lips. Can you be trusted? If someone tells you something in confidence, can you keep it confidential? Everyone knows at least one person among their friends and acquaintances who cannot be trusted to keep a secret. Someone once said the best way to keep a secret is not to tell anyone. Some people are so closed about their lives, no one knows anything about them. They are the ones everyone whispers about in the workplace, making conjectures about what kind of person they are. You know one thing about that person, they aren’t going to tell any secrets about anyone. Solomon needed to know whom he could trust when it came to the affairs of the kingdom. He could not have someone telling secrets to other countries, making them vulnerable to attacks by their enemies. Not only secrets, but telling lies about someone else to form friendships with the ‘in’ crowd. In the middle between secrets and lies, are tales told about someone or something to make it sound good to the itching ear and people will readily buy into the propaganda being proposed. Cult religions are formed from such propaganda. You need to dig deep into what you’ve been told about what you hear so you can discern the truth from the lie. Paul had good advice about people who would tell tales about the doctrine of the church. Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. (KJV) Paul told Timothy what to look for in people who spread those kinds of tales. 2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. Paul said their folly would be made manifest – everyone would know the truth behind the lies they tell. When you hear something, do not take it for granted that it is the unvarnished truth. Consider the person telling you, and even then, do some digging to discern for yourself whether it is the truth or some cleverly masked lies. Let’s pray: Father, help me discern the truth in everything people tell me. Put a check in my spirit, letting me know something is not right and show me the truth. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen. Copyright © 8 April 2017 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay