Nature's Armored Car

The giant armadillo is nature’s armored car. Covered with a carapace—thick, horny plates that lap over each other—it looks impenetrable. But actually, only its head, back, and sides are covered.

Since it can’t roll into a ball to protect its stomach, this shy mammal runs away when danger approaches. It can run faster than most humans can.

A nighttime hunter, the armadillo digs burrows to sleep in during the day. It has five claws on its front feet. The middle claw, which is long, thick, and shaped like a sickle, helps the animal dig into hard termite nests. It then pokes its long, sticky tonque down the hallways to capture any insects there. After a meal it sometimes stands on its hind legs, propped up by its sturdy tail.

How easy is it for people to get through your armor and dig secrets out of you? Solomon said, “Gossips can’t keep secrets. So avoid people who talk too much” (ICB).

When someone tells you something in confidence, you should keep your lips closed as tightly as the armor fits the armadillo! (An exception would be if keeping the secret would put your friend in danger. Then you should tell a trusted adult.) Likewise, when someone wants to tell you someone else’s secret, you shouldn’t listen.

How do you like your secrets kept? Keep the confidences of others in just that way.

TRY IT: To avoid hearing gossip, politely say, “Im sure Joe doesnt want that shared.” Then leave the area.