From The Collected Works of Watchman Nee, Volume 37

Should we bear testimony? Yes, but with care and purpose. Paul and many believers have testified, but there is a difference between sharing for others’ benefit and delighting in talking about oneself. Our goal should be to help others, not to enjoy hearing our own voice or to turn testimony into casual conversation. When the Lord leads, we should testify to help, not to boast. Paul, for example, hid his extraordinary experience for fourteen years and revealed only the essentials. Even then, he kept details hidden. The third heaven remains a mystery, emphasizing the value of keeping some experiences private.

Our spiritual treasure—what we gain from God, the cross, our struggles, and the work He gives—are not just teachings, but deep experiences from our walk with God. These should not be shared carelessly. While testimony can help others, many experiences are best kept private. Discretion is a vital part of Christian living.

Even Jesus gave testimony without being talkative. Often, He instructed people to keep miracles secret. Sharing what God has done for us is good, but publicizing everything exposes us and shows a lack of depth. Some experiences should stay hidden; revealing all can mean losing all.

If we display all our spiritual treasures, we risk loss and spiritual dryness. Exposure can invite attacks or pride. Sometimes, after public testimonies, people suffer setbacks because they exposed too much. God protects what we keep private before Him. Only when God leads should we testify, but many things are best hidden.

The same principle applies to our work for God. What He accomplishes through us is not for self-promotion. When we publicize God’s work, we risk loss and spiritual decline, as seen when David numbered Israel. We must avoid this exposure.

We must keep our secrets with the Lord unless He leads us to share. When He prompts us to share with others for their benefit, we should obey, as this is part of fellowship in the Body of Christ. However, talkativeness and self-focus make us vulnerable. We need both fellowship and a hidden life with God. As we grow deeper roots, we can share from our inner life to help others in a real way. Only what is deep within us can touch the deep places in others.