Hare Kṛṣṇa,
The pastime of Sri Nārada disclosing the secret of Kṛṣṇa to Kaṁsa may be interpreted differently depending on one’s spiritual consciousness.
SB 10.36.17: [Nārada told Kaṁsa:] Yaśodā’s child was actually a daughter, and Kṛṣṇa is the son of Devakī. Also, Rāma is the son of Rohiṇī. Out of fear, Vasudeva entrusted Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma to his friend Nanda Mahārāja, and it is these two boys who have killed your men.
A neophyte devotee or even a non-devotee may interpret Sri Nārada as offensive because he is putting Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma in harm’s way. Their interpretation may not be misguided. The definition of pure devotional service the devotee must constantly serve Krsna favorably, as Krsna desires (I anyabhilasita-sunyam BRS 1.1.1)
Is revealing the secret of Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma to Kaṁsa favorable bhakti? This is one level of understanding.
The second (and higher) level of understanding is that Nārada acted like this because he wanted to get Kaṁsa quickly (as was the prophecy that he would be killed by Kṛṣṇa).
“Nārada Muni’s mission was to finish things quickly. Kṛṣṇa appeared to kill the demons, and Kaṁsa was the chief among them. Nārada wanted to expedite things; therefore, he immediately approached Kaṁsa with all the real information.” (Texts 16-26: Kṛṣṇa Book). From this perspective, Nārada action is legitimate as he is acting according to the plan of Kṛṣṇa.
The third (and highest) level of understanding is that this is the divine plan of providence and Nārada is just an instrument in Lord Kṛṣṇa’s divine arrangement. The Supreme Lord engages His pure devotees in his various missions, and the pure devotees are also always available to execute such mission. This constitutes favorable devotional service.
Therefore, these pastimes must be heard from right bonafide sources and interpreted accordingly. One must refrain from undue criticism of pure devotees such as Sri Nārada for their actions because their desires and actions are completely aligned with the Supreme Lord’s. Pure devotees such as Sri Nārada are always the best well-wishers of all living entities and always looking for ways to deliver them. Prime example is the deliverance of Nalakuvera and Manigriva. EVEN THE CURSE OF A SAINTLY PERSON IS INDIRECTLY A BLESSING AND ENABLES ONE TO RECEIVE THE GRACE OF THE LORD. MATURE DEVOTEES SOBERLY RECEIVE EVEN REVERSALS AND CURSES, BECAUSE THEY KNOW THAT NOTHING CAN HAPPEN WITHOUT GOD’S APPROVAL. THEY SEE DIFICULTIES AS RESULTS OF THEIR OWN PAST DEEDS AND TOLERATE THEM.
Nārada revelation about the whereabouts of Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma to Kaṁsa is also a blessing to him. By being killed by Kṛṣṇa, he would be delivered. All these are pastimes of the Lord meant to teach us important lessons.
Ultimately, this pastime teaches us the importance of seeing the Lord’s activities and the actions of His pure devotees through the lens of śāstra and guru, rather than through ordinary moral or material calculations. What appears externally as a danger to Kṛṣṇa is, in reality, part of His perfect divine arrangement for the protection of the devotees, the destruction of the demoniac, and the upliftment of all souls involved. Śrī Nārada did not act independently but as a transparent instrument of the Lord’s will. Thus, instead of finding fault in such exalted devotees, we should cultivate humility and faith, recognizing that the Lord’s plans often unfold in ways beyond our limited understanding. By hearing these pastimes submissively, we learn to trust divine providence, appreciate the compassion of the pure devotees, and deepen our conviction that everything connected with Kṛṣṇa ultimately culminates in the welfare and deliverance of all living beings.
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda!