Article By EEW Magazine Editors // Lifestyle // Spiritual Advice

According to Proverbs 2:11, discretion is a good thing. The Bible says it protects and guards you. But many people overshare daily and get hurt in the process.

As a rule of thumb, do not disclose too much about yourself – especially when dealing with individuals you don’t know very well. Revealing too many intimate details about your life could be a huge mistake!

If you are a naturally garrulous, friendly, open, and outgoing person, exercising restraint may challenge you. But pray and ask God to help you be wise and cautious when forging bonds.

Vet them first.

If politicians are vetted before being allowed to take office, there should be a personal vetting process before you grant others access into your life. Disloyal people will exploit your openness, put your business in the street and wound you. Judas types will prey upon your desire for love and affection and your need for acceptance in order to get close to you.

My grandmother taught me at an early age, “Just because someone is smiling in your face does not mean they love you. Just because they say nice things to you doesn’t mean they won’t turn around and talk about you.”

There are many people in the world that are unhappy, bitter and toxic. Very often, they hide this toxicity behind deceptive grins and words of flattery. Don’t fall for it. Keep a safe distance until you have enough insight into who they are to make an informed decision about them.

The Front Page Rule

When you’re in the initial stages of any relationship - whether romantic or platonic, apply “The Front Page Rule,” which says, “Never reveal anything you wouldn’t want to show up on the front page of your local newspaper the very next day.”

If what you said to someone you barely know would embarrass you if the general public heard about it, don’t say it. This is a surefire way of safeguarding yourself. After all, unless God reveals it, you have no way of knowing whether or not someone is trustworthy immediately. Character assessments take time and testing.

Even then, you won’t always be right.

Nevertheless, you can minimize the amount of drama you endure, as well as the damage you sustain, if you simply shush and observe.

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