Denny answers:
It depends on what the secret is about.
Keeping secrets is often okay, especially fun ones about birthday presents or surprises. You don't have to tell everyone everything just because they ask you about something - you can tell them some information and still be truthful. For example, you could tell a stranger that your parents can't come to the phone, but you don't have to say that your parents aren't home; that wouldn't be safe.
However, keeping secrets is wrong if it means someone else could get hurt or get into big trouble. For example, if you know that a kid says he is going to beat someone up or steal something, then that's a secret you should tell to an adult who can help. Parents, teachers, coaches, pastors, Sunday school teachers, and school counselors are all good people to get help from if you know a dangerous secret. Don't agree to keep secrets from your parents.
Some kids like to make up secrets or tell secret stories to each other to make other kids jealous or mad. Stay away from kids like that and don't listen to them if they say they know a secret about you. These kids of secrets only hurt other kids.
Bible Truth
- "Would not God have discovered it, since he knows the secrets of the heart?" (Psalm 44:21).
- "Gossips can't keep secrets, so avoid people who talk too much" (Proverbs 20:19, NCV).
- "'Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?' declares the LORD. 'Do not I fill heaven and earth?' declares the LORD" (Jeremiah 23:24).
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