https://odb.org/2026/04/16/hollow-willow
Proverbs 11:11–13 (NIV): 11 Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,
but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed. 12 Whoever derides their neighbour has no sense, but he who has understanding holds their tongue. 13 A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
When explaining how valuable he found time with an older advisor who regularly listened to his concerns, Tomáš said, “He is my hollow willow.” Tomáš explained that the phrase is a Slovak expression signifying someone who keeps your secrets. In essence, the person is like a willow tree holding confidential information safely within its trunk.
It’s a treasure to have someone to whom we can confide our deepest fears and longings. Perhaps speaking from his own experience, in a section of Proverbs highlighting the power of our words, King King Solomon commended the individual who displays discretion or can “[hold] their tongue” (Proverbs 11:12). He also contrasted two people: “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret” (v. 13). The comparison is a helpful reminder to carefully steward private conversations, though we shouldn’t remain silent if we’re genuinely concerned for someone’s safety. (Lisa M. Samra, Our Daily Bread 16th April 2026)
This is one of the dilemmas faced by the contemporary believer these days. Do you trust another believer or your cell leader or pastor with your deepest secrets? Granted, most secrets need not be shared. Some secrets can even be taken to the grave. But there are some struggles like fears and anxieties or an illness or affliction or family issues that may need to be shared for prayer covering or supplication. The problem with the latter is that some things once shared will somehow have legs of their own. News travel fast, rumours travel even faster!
A good brother or sister in Christ not only listens, understands, emphatises and counsels, but is one who doesn’t transmit things shared in confidence. In other words, they keep secrets and don’t become human broadcasters, for lack of a better expression. Human tendency is to share juicy stuff and that is why office extra-marital affairs are a big no-no as people will talk and speculate, and harmony will be impacted. That is why Solomon teaches in Proverbs 11:13 that a gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret. Surely as people carrying the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we don’t want to be branded as a betrayer but a trustworthy person? Are we someone who may be trusted not only with money but also confidential information? Sensational or intriguing news is perhaps like fine music to the ear but the person being talked about will surely not feel the same! That is possibly why some believers don’t open up on their lives in church or worse, even avoid church altogether.
I feel that sometimes when we inquire about someone’s well-being, we should question our own motives. Do we genuinely care or are we just making conversation to dig for juicy details? We may invariably be pulled into in a fishing expedition like a malicious phishing email. Perhaps, we harbour no ill intentions at the start, but there could be times when we unintentionally become vessels of gossip and malice. I think a prudent approach is always only share good stuff that make us beam with pride and leave out the sordid and less flattering details when talking about other people!
Ronnie's Thoughts 