11. (a) How do elders and their wives show that they are dependable? (b) What lesson can we take to heart from an elder who handled a confidential congregation matter and later was with his family? (See the picture.)

¹¹ In the congregation. Elders who are known to keep a confidence are “a hiding place from the wind, a place of concealment” for their brothers. (Isa. 32:2) We know that we can talk freely to these men, certain that what we say to them will be kept confidential. We do not pressure them to tell us things that they should keep private.

One experienced elder is often asked to help other congregations with their challenging problems. Commenting on this, a fellow elder said, “He is always careful never to share sensitive information about other congregations.” The elder’s discernment has earned him the respect of the brothers with whom he serves on the body of elders. They are certain that he will not reveal their confidential matters to others.