Sermon Central
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When And When Not To Keep Secrets Series
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 12, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Secrets are a part of life. People confide in one another for support, safety, and counsel. In relationships, ministry, and leadership, the ability to keep or disclose a secret appropriately is a sign of wisdom and maturity.
WHEN AND WHEN NOT TO KEEP SECRETS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Proverbs 11:13
"A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret."
Supporting Texts: Ecclesiastes 3:7, Proverbs 25:9, Luke 12:2-3, James 5:16, Matthew 18:15
INTRODUCTION:
Secrets are a part of life. People confide in one another for support, safety, and counsel. In relationships, ministry, and leadership, the ability to keep or disclose a secret appropriately is a sign of wisdom and maturity. However, not all secrets should be kept, especially when silence supports sin or harm.
In Scripture, we are cautioned both to guard confidences and to bring things into the light. There is a time to remain silent and a time to speak. Balancing discretion with responsibility is crucial. What we hide and what we reveal must always align with godly wisdom and love.
This teaching helps us understand the boundaries and purposes of keeping secrets—when it is godly and honourable, and when silence can become dangerous or even sinful. It equips believers to navigate sensitive issues with discernment.
1. KEEP SECRETS WHEN THEY PROTECT TRUST AND CONFIDENCE
Confidentiality is a mark of integrity and respect.
a) Confidentiality Builds Trust.
Trust grows when people know their private matters are safe with us (Proverbs 11:13).
b) Protecting Reputations Matters.
Not every detail of someone’s weakness or failure needs to be shared (Proverbs 17:9).
c) Love Covers a Multitude of Sins.
Discretion in speech reflects God’s grace and mercy (1 Peter 4:8).
d) Silence Can Prevent Unnecessary Conflict.
Sharing everything can escalate matters and damage relationships (Proverbs 29:11).
Biblical Example: Joseph protected Mary’s honour by planning to divorce her quietly (Matthew 1:19).
2. DO NOT KEEP SECRETS THAT COVER SIN OR HARM
Silence is wrong when it allows evil to thrive.
a) Hidden Sin Destroys.
Sin covered in secrecy grows stronger and more damaging (Luke 12:2-3).
b) Accountability Leads to Healing.
Confessing faults helps bring deliverance and restoration (James 5:16).
c) Exposing Evil Is Biblical.
God calls us to reprove works of darkness, not hide them (Ephesians 5:11).
d) Silence Can Be a Form of Complicity.
Remaining quiet in the face of abuse or injustice makes us guilty by association (Leviticus 5:1).
Biblical Example: Achan’s secret sin brought judgment upon Israel until it was exposed (Joshua 7:1-26).
3. KEEP SECRETS WHEN THEY RELATE TO PRIVATE COUNSEL
Honouring private conversations preserves dignity.
a) Wise People Guard Counsel.
Mature believers know when to speak and when to hold their peace (Proverbs 25:9).
b) Counselling Requires Confidentiality.
Trust is essential in spiritual mentorship and pastoral care (Proverbs 20:19).
c) Not All Matters Are for Public Discussion.
Some issues are personal and not meant for wide disclosure (Ecclesiastes 3:7).
d) Protecting Emotional Boundaries.
Sharing too much of others' burdens can hurt more than help (Proverbs 10:19).
Biblical Example: Jesus kept many things between Himself and the disciples, revealing them only when the time was right (John 16:12).
4. DO NOT KEEP SECRETS WHEN THEY ENDANGER OTHERS
Life and safety must always take priority.
a) Speak Up Against Abuse or Harm.
Protecting the vulnerable requires action, not silence (Proverbs 31:8-9).
b) Truth Saves Lives.
Concealing danger could result in loss or suffering (Ezekiel 33:6).
c) Leaders Must Be Accountable.
Covering up misconduct leads to greater scandal and damage (1 Timothy 5:20).
d) Seek Help Where Necessary.
When situations are beyond you, involve wise counsel or authorities (Matthew 18:15-17).
Biblical Example: Esther revealed the plot against her people at the right time to save lives (Esther 7:3-6).
5. BE LED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT IN HANDLING SECRETS
Discernment is key to knowing when to speak and when to be silent.
a) The Spirit Gives Wisdom.
He guides us to act in truth and love, not emotion (John 16:13).
b) Timing Is Important.
Some truths are for later disclosure, not immediate release (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
c) Motive Matters.
We must check our hearts: are we protecting or manipulating? (Jeremiah 17:10).
d) Pray Before You Speak.
God can help us say the right thing at the right time (Luke 12:12).
Biblical Example: Jesus often kept certain truths hidden from the public until the appointed time (Mark 1:44; Matthew 16:20).
CONCLUSION:
Keeping secrets is not always right or wrong—it depends on the motive, the content, and the consequences. Secrets that protect trust, uphold love, or preserve dignity are godly. But when secrecy shields sin, harm, or injustice, it becomes a tool of the enemy.
As believers, we are called to walk in the light and in love. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we must learn to discern when to speak and when to be silent. In all things, our goal should be to glorify God and bless others.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me wisdom to handle secrets with integrity and love.
2. Help me to speak when I should and to be silent when necessary.
