How can we cultivate trustworthiness in our relationships as Proverbs 11:13 suggests? Setting the Stage Proverbs 11:13 – “A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.” Why Trustworthiness Matters • God’s character is perfectly faithful (Lamentations 3:22-23); His people are called to mirror that faithfulness. • Integrity marks those who dwell in God’s presence (Psalm 15:1-2). • Jesus ties trustworthiness to discipleship: “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’” (Matthew 5:37). Guard the Tongue • Refuse gossip—stop it before it starts (James 1:26; Proverbs 20:19). • Ask, “Will these words honor Christ and protect my neighbor?” • Replace idle talk with words that build up (Ephesians 4:29). Honor Confidentiality • Keep entrusted information private unless safety or sin issues require wise counsel. • Clarify expectations: “Is this shared in confidence?” • When counseling is needed, involve only those who can help (Matthew 18:15-16). Be Faithful in Small Things • Fulfill minor promises—return calls, repay loans, meet deadlines (Luke 16:10). • Practice honesty in finances, taxes, and time cards. • Let consistency over time build a reliable reputation. Speak Truth in Love • Truth and love travel together (Ephesians 4:15). • Avoid flattery; choose gracious candor that seeks another’s good. • Correct privately first, not publicly (Proverbs 27:5-6). Cultivate Integrity Habits • Daily Scripture intake shapes convictions (Psalm 119:11). • Pray for self-control before speaking (Proverbs 13:3). • Invite accountability—trusted friends who can challenge and encourage. Choose Relationships Wisely • “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Corinthians 15:33). • Surround yourself with people committed to truth and discretion. Reflect God’s Faithfulness • Our reliability points others to Christ, “the Amen” (Revelation 3:14). • Each kept promise becomes a living testimony of the Gospel’s transforming power. Growing trustworthy isn’t complicated, but it is intentional: guard your words, honor every commitment, love others enough to protect their confidences, and let the Spirit shape you into someone others instinctively trust. |
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