Proverbs 11:13

KJV

A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

KJV (with Strong's)

A talebearer {H1980}{H7400} revealeth {H1540} secrets {H5475}: but he that is of a faithful {H539} spirit {H7307} concealeth {H3680} the matter {H1697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A gossip goes around revealing secrets, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.

Berean Standard Bible

A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.

American Standard Version

He that goeth about as a tale-bearer revealeth secrets; But he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth a matter.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 11:13 presents a profound ethical contrast, sharply distinguishing between the destructive nature of a "talebearer" who indiscriminately divulges confidential information and the commendable character of one possessing a "faithful spirit" who discreetly guards such matters. This proverb underscores the vital importance of trustworthiness and discretion in communication, portraying them as foundational virtues for fostering healthy relationships, preserving community integrity, and reflecting true wisdom. It highlights how the handling of private information directly impacts one's reputation and the well-being of those around them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 11:13 is situated within the broader wisdom literature of the Old Testament, specifically the book of Proverbs, which is a collection of pithy sayings offering practical guidance for living a righteous and discerning life. This particular verse forms part of a larger section (chapters 10-29) characterized by antithetical parallelism, where two contrasting lines highlight the difference between the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked. Immediately preceding this verse, Proverbs 11:12 speaks of despising one's neighbor versus a discerning person who remains silent, setting a thematic stage for the value of controlled speech. Following it, Proverbs 11:14 emphasizes the importance of counsel for safety, further reinforcing the societal impact of communication. Thus, Proverbs 11:13 is not an isolated maxim but an integral part of a discourse on the power of the tongue, the consequences of foolishness, and the cultivation of godly character within community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, as in many close-knit communities, reputation and social standing were paramount. Oral communication was the primary mode of information exchange, making the spoken word incredibly powerful, capable of building up or tearing down. Secrets, confidences, and private matters were often shared within trusted circles, and their betrayal could lead to severe social ostracism, family feuds, and even legal repercussions. The "gate" of the city was a central place for public discourse, legal proceedings, and the dissemination of news, emphasizing the public nature of reputation. The cultural emphasis on honor and shame meant that revealing secrets was not merely a social faux pas but a moral offense that could bring shame upon individuals, families, and the wider community. Therefore, the proverb's warning against talebearing and its commendation of a faithful spirit resonated deeply within a culture where integrity and communal harmony were highly valued.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 11:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs. Primarily, it addresses the **power of the tongue** and the **consequences of speech**, a recurring motif throughout the book. It illustrates how words can be instruments of destruction or preservation, emphasizing the moral responsibility associated with communication. The "talebearer" embodies the destructive potential of uncontrolled speech, while the "faithful spirit" exemplifies its constructive power. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **discretion versus foolishness**. Revealing secrets is portrayed as a mark of foolishness, lacking wisdom and discernment, whereas concealing them is the hallmark of a wise and trustworthy individual. This aligns with proverbs that warn against the dangers of gossip, such as [Proverbs 18:8](/proverbs/18-8 "Proverbs 18:8 - The Nature of Gossip"), which likens a talebearer's words to "choice morsels." Lastly, the proverb speaks to the theme of **character and integrity**. The "faithful spirit" is not merely about an action but about an internal disposition—a person's true nature as reliable and trustworthy. This virtue is essential for building strong, healthy relationships and contributing positively to society, echoing the call for integrity found throughout [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Talebearer (Hebrew, _râkîyl'_ from _hâlak'_):** The KJV translates "talebearer" from the Hebrew `H7400 (râkîyl)`, which refers to a "scandal-monger" or one who "carries tales." This word is derived from `H1980 (hâlak)`, meaning "to walk" or "to go about." The combination vividly paints a picture of someone who actively "walks about" spreading gossip, slander, or private information. It implies a person who is not merely a passive recipient of secrets but an active agent in their dissemination, often with malicious intent or a careless disregard for consequences.
* **Revealeth (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** The Hebrew `H1540 (gâlâh)` means "to denude," "to uncover," or "to disclose." In this context, it signifies the act of making public what was intended to be private. It carries a sense of stripping away secrecy, often implying a disgraceful or harmful exposure. The talebearer does not simply "tell" but "reveals" in a way that exposes and makes vulnerable.
* **Faithful (Hebrew, _ʼâman'_):** The word `H539 (ʼâman)` is a foundational Hebrew term meaning "to build up or support," "to be firm or faithful," "to trust or believe," or "to be permanent or quiet." When applied to a "spirit," it denotes an inner character that is reliable, trustworthy, and steadfast. A "faithful spirit" is one that can be depended upon to uphold confidences and act with integrity, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to truth and loyalty.
* **Concealeth (Hebrew, _kâçâh'_):** The Hebrew `H3680 (kâçâh)` means "to cover," "to hide," or "to fill up hollows." In direct antithesis to `gâlâh` ("revealeth"), `kâçâh` describes the act of keeping something private, safeguarding it from exposure. It implies a deliberate and protective action, stemming from the "faithful spirit" that understands the value of discretion and the potential harm of disclosure.
* **Matter (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** The Hebrew `H1697 (dâbâr)` is a very broad term, encompassing "a word," "a matter," "a thing," "an affair," "a report," or "a business." In this proverb, "the matter" refers to any confidential information, private conversation, or sensitive situation that has been entrusted to someone. The breadth of `dâbâr` emphasizes that the principle applies to all forms of private information, not just scandalous secrets.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A talebearer revealeth secrets:"** This clause identifies the first type of individual: the "talebearer." This person is characterized by their tendency to `gâlâh` (reveal or uncover) `çôwd` (secrets or intimate counsel). The action is presented as a definitive characteristic, highlighting the destructive and untrustworthy nature of such an individual. The implication is that this revelation is often done carelessly, maliciously, or for personal gain, leading to the exposure of private information that should have remained confidential.
* **"but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter."** This clause introduces a stark contrast. "He that is of a faithful spirit" (`ʼâman rûwach`) describes a person whose inner character is marked by trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty. Such an individual acts in direct opposition to the talebearer, choosing to `kâçâh` (conceal or cover) `dâbâr` (the matter or word). This act of concealment is not about dishonesty but about discretion and the protection of confidences, demonstrating wisdom and a deep respect for others' privacy and well-being.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 11:13 masterfully employs **Antithetical Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew wisdom literature. This device presents two contrasting ideas or statements in parallel, with the second line directly opposing the first to highlight a moral or practical truth. Here, the "talebearer" who "revealeth secrets" is set in direct opposition to "he that is of a faithful spirit" who "concealeth the matter." This sharp contrast effectively emphasizes the moral and practical consequences of each behavior, making the wisdom clear and memorable. The proverb also uses a form of **Personification** by attributing "faithfulness" to a "spirit," suggesting that discretion is not merely an action but an inherent quality of one's inner being or disposition. This elevates the concept of trustworthiness from a simple behavior to a fundamental aspect of character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The wisdom of Proverbs 11:13 extends far beyond mere social etiquette, touching upon profound theological principles. It speaks to the very nature of God, who is Himself faithful and trustworthy, a God who keeps His covenants and whose word is truth ([Psalm 33:4](/psalm/33-4 "Psalm 33:4 - God's Faithful Word")). As image-bearers of God, humanity is called to reflect His character, which includes integrity, discretion, and reliability in speech. The act of revealing secrets is not just a breach of trust but a violation of the sacredness of human relationships, which are meant to be built on mutual respect and confidence. Conversely, a "faithful spirit" mirrors divine attributes, demonstrating a love for truth and a commitment to protecting the vulnerable. This proverb thus serves as a practical guide for living out a righteous life, where one's words and character align with God's own nature.

* [Proverbs 20:19](/proverbs/20-19 "Proverbs 20:19 - Warning Against Gossip"): "He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips."
* [Leviticus 19:16](/leviticus/19-16 "Leviticus 19:16 - Prohibition Against Slander"): "Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour; I am the LORD."
* [Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Edifying Speech"): "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world saturated with instant communication and the pervasive nature of social media, the ancient wisdom of Proverbs 11:13 remains remarkably pertinent. This verse challenges us to critically examine our own communication habits and the character we project. Are we quick to share private information, gossip, or rumors, perhaps under the guise of "sharing news" or "being transparent"? Or do we cultivate a "faithful spirit," demonstrating discretion, loyalty, and trustworthiness in our interactions? Living out this proverb means understanding the profound impact of our words—that they can either build up or tear down, foster trust or sow discord. It calls us to be guardians of confidences, recognizing that true wisdom involves not just knowing what to say, but knowing when to remain silent and protect the privacy and reputation of others. This principle applies to all spheres of life, from intimate friendships and family dynamics to professional environments and public discourse, urging us to be people of integrity whose words reflect a Christ-like character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I most tempted to act as a "talebearer," and what are the underlying motivations for this tendency?**
* **How can I intentionally cultivate a "faithful spirit" in my daily interactions, both online and offline?**
* **What steps can I take to become a more trustworthy individual, someone others feel safe confiding in?**
* **How does my handling of private information reflect my understanding of Christian love and respect for others?**

### FAQ

**What constitutes a "secret" in the context of this proverb, and why is revealing it so detrimental?**

Answer: In Proverbs 11:13, a "secret" (Hebrew: `çôwd`) refers to any private or confidential information, intimate counsel, or sensitive matter that has been shared in trust. It's not necessarily about scandalous or illicit information, but anything intended for a limited audience. Revealing such information is detrimental because it fundamentally breaches trust, which is the bedrock of healthy relationships and community. It can cause significant harm to individuals (shame, embarrassment, damage to reputation), disrupt social harmony, and erode the very fabric of mutual confidence. The act of revelation often implies a lack of respect for the other person's privacy and dignity, demonstrating a self-serving or careless disposition that prioritizes personal gratification (e.g., feeling important by sharing news) over the well-being of others. This aligns with other proverbs that warn against the destructive power of the tongue, such as [Proverbs 16:28](/proverbs/16-28 "Proverbs 16:28 - A Whisperer Separates Friends").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 11:13 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb contrasts the talebearer with the faithful spirit, Jesus embodies perfect faithfulness and discretion. He was entrusted with the deepest secrets of God's heart and faithfully revealed only what the Father willed, never betraying the divine counsel ([John 8:26](/john/8-26 "John 8:26 - Jesus Speaks What He Hears From the Father")). Unlike the talebearer who exposes for personal gain or malice, Jesus always spoke truth in love, discerning when to speak plainly and when to veil truth in parables, protecting those who were not yet ready to receive it ([Matthew 13:10-13](/matthew/13-10 "Matthew 13:10-13 - Why Jesus Spoke in Parables")). His life demonstrates a Spirit of absolute trustworthiness, never once betraying the confidence of His disciples or the will of His Father. Furthermore, through the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to cultivate this "faithful spirit" that conceals the matter. The Spirit guides us into all truth, not into gossip or slander, enabling us to speak words that build up rather than tear down ([Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Edifying Speech")) and to guard confidences as an act of love and obedience to Christ, who Himself is the faithful and true witness ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - Jesus, the Faithful and True Witness")). Thus, the call to be of a faithful spirit is ultimately a call to be conformed to the image of Christ, reflecting His perfect integrity and discretion in all our interactions.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 20:19

¶ He that goeth about [as] a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

Proverbs 25:9

Debate thy cause with thy neighbour [himself]; and discover not a secret to another:

Leviticus 19:16

Thou shalt not go up and down [as] a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I [am] the LORD.

1 Timothy 5:13

And withal they learn [to be] idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

Proverbs 26:20

¶ Where no wood is, [there] the fire goeth out: so where [there is] no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

Proverbs 26:22

The words of a talebearer [are] as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

Joshua 2:14

And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee.