The Betraying Tongue {Day 12}

30 Days to Taming Your Tongue - What you say (and don't say) will improve your relationships by Deborah Smith Pegues

Day Twelve - The Betraying Tongue

A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret - Proverbs 11:13

Betrayal is a more blatant act than gossip.  A gossip may not necessarily harbor any ill will toward his victims: however, a betrayer divulges information to the "enemy" and commits relational treason by violating the trust someone has placed in him.  This ungodly use of the tongue is designed to hurt or disadvantage.

Judas was able to betray Jesus with very little effort because he was familiar with His comings and goings.  Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples - John 18:2  Judas used his inside knowledge of Jesus' habits to hurt Him.  Later, his betrayal caused Judas such self-loathing that he committed suicide.  Such an act must surely eat away at one's self-esteem and sense of dignity. 

Have you ever betrayed someone's confidence?  Be honest.  Why did you do it?  What was your payoff?  Did you gain some advantage because of it?  Were you feeling envious at the time?  Was there an unresolved conflict between the two of you?  Have you repented for this sin?

On the other hand, has someone betrayed your confidence?  Were you reaping what you had sown?  What valuable lesson did you learn from the incident?  Have you released the offender in your heart and no longer desire vengeance?  If not, you are still bound to him and he is still controlling your life.  Let it go.  God saw the betrayal before it happened and while  it was happening.  Since He chose not to intervene, accept it as part of His sovereign plan for your life.  Learn from the burn, but forgive to live.  Remind yourself that in the final analysis, the incident will work together for your good because you love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Decide today to strive to be a trustworthy person whom others can depend upon to guard their secrets.  If you are blessed to have a trustworthy friend, thank God for such a rare jewel.

Today's Affirmation:

I am a trustworthy person and can be depended upon to keep a confidence.