Today’s Blog: The Disguised Babbler
TODAY’S PROVERB: A talebearer goes about, revealing secrets, so do not associate with a babbler. Proverbs 20:19, TLV
When we think of talebearers or blabbermouths, generally we think of a certain type of person. Women talking on the phone or over coffee. Actually, there are different types of talebearers. Some are disguised as people we respect. Here are a few I’ve run into.
The Babbler. We’ve all met them. Maybe they’re in our family, office, or are even our friends. The babbler fills the air with chatter — superfluous words that leave us exhausted and often times confused. Babblers are often looking for fodder to talk about which means they’re not always discreet or discerning about what they say. They’re not always aware when they’ve stepped over the line into gossip.
Juicy Jerk: This person can’t wait to blab a juicy secret. Once someone tells them a confidence, it becomes fair game in the gossip world. When we think of a blabbermouth, this is probably the person we think of.
Absent-minded Professor: This person treats information as a valuable resource — for themselves. The information outweighs the secrecy because it is useful for other purposes they deem important. These purposes include proving their point in an argument, teaching opportunities, and lessons they give to others. In many cases they honestly forget they were supposed to keep the information a secret.
The Prayer-Request Divulger: Yes, my friends, divulging a secret within a group of “intercessors” is still breaking a confidence. How many times has some soul sworn us to secrecy as they reveal a secret they were sworn to keep? All in the name of praying for this person? If this person goes into great detail about this secret, I must admit, I would doubt their sincerity.
A Sacred Trust
Keeping a secret is a sacred trust. Over the years, I’ve learned that it shouldn’t be based strictly on the heart — the emotions. If someone swears you to secrecy before revealing the information, I advise caution. Secrets are a responsibility, sometimes a great burden. If you can’t carry it, don’t receive it.
There are times when “blabbing” is necessary. When there is abuse or other legal issues involved. But to whom we “blab” is critical. It’s always best to encourage the person to go to the authorities — perhaps we can accompany them. Just be prepared to carry the burden and fallout of doing the right thing by revealing the confidence.
May we treat secrets as precious and treat them prayerfully, my friends.
Proverbs 20:19–Tree of Life Version – TLV #tlvbible
