Topical Bible: Faithfulness: Exhibited in Keeping Secrets

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Faithfulness, a core attribute of God's character, is a virtue that believers are called to emulate in their daily lives. One of the ways faithfulness is manifested is through the ability to keep secrets, a practice that reflects integrity, trustworthiness, and discretion. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the importance of maintaining confidentiality as an expression of faithfulness.

Biblical Examples of Keeping Secrets

1. Joseph's Discretion: In Genesis 37, Joseph, the son of Jacob, is given dreams that foretell his future rise to power. Although he initially shares these dreams with his brothers, leading to jealousy and strife, his later life in Egypt demonstrates a more mature discretion. As Pharaoh's trusted advisor, Joseph is entrusted with the secrets of Egypt's future prosperity and famine. His ability to manage this knowledge wisely and discreetly underscores his faithfulness to God and to Pharaoh.

2. Esther's Concealment of Her Identity: The Book of Esther provides a profound example of keeping secrets for a greater purpose. Esther, a Jewish woman, becomes queen of Persia but initially conceals her Jewish identity at the advice of her cousin Mordecai. Esther 2:10 states, "Esther had not revealed her people or her lineage, because Mordecai had instructed her not to do so." Her faithfulness in keeping this secret ultimately positions her to save her people from destruction.

3. Jesus' Instruction on Secrecy: In the New Testament, Jesus often instructs His followers to practice discretion. In Matthew 6:3-4 , He teaches, "But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." This teaching emphasizes the value of keeping certain actions and intentions private, reflecting a heart of faithfulness to God rather than seeking human approval.

Theological Insights on Keeping Secrets

The act of keeping secrets is not merely about withholding information but is deeply connected to the biblical understanding of faithfulness. Proverbs 11:13 states, "A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence." This proverb highlights the contrast between gossip, which is destructive, and the faithfulness of a person who can be trusted with confidential matters. Keeping secrets, therefore, is an expression of love and respect for others, aligning with the biblical command to love one's neighbor as oneself (Mark 12:31).

Practical Implications for Believers

For believers, the call to keep secrets is a call to embody the faithfulness of God in their relationships and communities. It requires discernment to know when to speak and when to remain silent, always guided by the principles of truth and love. In a world where information is easily shared and often misused, the ability to keep confidences is a powerful testimony to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life.

In summary, faithfulness in keeping secrets is a vital aspect of Christian character, reflecting the trustworthiness and integrity that God desires in His people. Through biblical examples and teachings, believers are encouraged to cultivate this virtue, honoring God and serving others with a faithful heart.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 11:13
A talebearer reveals secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit conceals the matter.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

His First Residence in Germany.
... them the word of life, is exhibited in several ... appointed his lot, provided in his
faithfulness the needful ... the advantage which he derived from keeping a diary. ...
/.../chapter iv his first residence.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... let him not become uncircumcised. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision
is nothing: but the keeping of the commandments of God. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... In fact, however, you consider the honor and glory of keeping the one no way ... that
the promise might, in those who trust in the divine faithfulness, be brought ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... to Ancona, having lost his way, sought direction from a wretched lad keeping
hogs"deserted ... or a thief on the cross, his case may be exhibited to encourage ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... man are equally faithful and striking"when guilt and conviction take hold on
him"when pestilence threatens to break up his house-keeping"and death takes ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... and sustenance." But the most pious penetration is exhibited in the ... of Jesus Christ;
light, to see the truth and faithfulness of God, in keeping promise and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire ...
... Noble men of approved faithfulness were selected, men of well-known learning, to ...
These secrets of the divine Scriptures we investigate as we can;(171) some in ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period ii the church from.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... against my resolution and even my vows, to make reply, lest by keeping silence I ...
on each point, and declare to the ears of mortals all the secrets of the ages ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /