A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbour, but a man of understanding holds his tongue. A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret (Proverbs 11:12-13 NIV).
A wise person is characterised by their ability to know how to safeguard others by keeping things that could ruin another person in their heart. On the contrary, a fool discloses everything even to their own detriment. Becoming someone who is trustworthy requires insight and understanding and this takes time to develop. It is during the development phase that the true character of the individual is revealed.
foot in mouth
An essential part of becoming a pillar in the community is to be someone who is trustworthy. People will soon know who they can and cannot trust by the way word goes around. You can try it. Tell someone who you know cannot keep a secret and sure enough it will make its way back to you sooner than you could imagine.
Being wise enables you to hold your tongue, it is the fool that speaks and condemns themselves; that is, they open their mouths and put their foot in it!
Today, practice the art of silence. Remember there are three things that cannot be retracted viz; a spent arrow a spoken words and a missed opportunity. Weigh your words and keep what has been entrusted to you, this is wisdom.
Read Proverbs 11
Pastor Bell's Words To Live By 
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