Personal Plagiarism

(Proverbs 25:9 KJV)  Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:

The previous verse reminds us that we should not be quick to enter a public disagreement.  In this verse we find more advice.  This verse assumes that you are going to “debate” (argue NASB) (7378) your “cause” (case NASB) (7379).

The advice given here is to not “discover” (reveal NASB) (1540) what others do not want you to reveal about what they have told you.  Be trustworthy.  As believers we should be the last bastion of honor and trust in our culture.  We should not be walking National Enquirers.  We should be Etruscan documents, indecipherable and still holding their secrets. 

Do people share with you?  You must be careful to guard their confidences.  Too often I find that, in my enthusiasm to make a point, I have revealed what was to be a “secret” (5475).  I am making progress but I should be able to reach perfection on this.  Even if it seems that it is no big deal we need to seek permission before we quote.  It slows us down, but is that a bad thing?

So?  Examine your conversations.  Examine your heart.  Make sure that people can trust you.  Bring glory to your Lord by being trustworthy.