Proverbs 20:19

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

He that goeth about {H1980} as a talebearer {H7400} revealeth {H1540} secrets {H5475}: therefore meddle {H6148} not with him that flattereth {H6601} with his lips {H8193}.

A gossip goes around revealing secrets, so don't get involved with a talkative person.

He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips.

He that goeth about as a tale-bearer revealeth secrets; Therefore company not with him that openeth wide his lips.

Commentary

Proverbs 20:19 offers a sharp warning about the dangers of untrustworthy people, specifically focusing on those who engage in gossip and flattery. It advises the reader to be discerning about who they associate with, highlighting the destructive nature of revealing secrets and the deceptive intent behind insincere praise.

Context

The book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings, offering practical guidance for living a righteous and successful life according to God's principles. Chapters 10 through 22 contain many short, pithy proverbs contrasting the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked. This verse fits within a section addressing various aspects of social conduct, emphasizing the importance of honest speech, trustworthiness, and choosing one's companions wisely.

Key Themes

  • Talebearing and Gossip: The verse identifies the "talebearer" as someone who spreads rumors and reveals confidential information, breaking trust.
  • Revealing Secrets: A direct consequence of talebearing is the betrayal involved in disclosing secrets shared in confidence.
  • Flattery: The verse links talebearing with flattery, suggesting both are characteristics of untrustworthy individuals who may use words deceptively, either to harm others through gossip or to manipulate through insincere praise.
  • Avoiding Harmful Company: The wisdom offered is to "meddle not" or avoid close association with such people, recognizing their potential for causing harm and deceit.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "talebearer" (*rakil*) implies someone who goes about, often peddling slander or gossip. The word translated "flattereth" (*patah*) means to entice, persuade, or deceive, often with smooth or flattering words. The pairing of these two terms in the verse highlights that individuals who are prone to gossip and revealing secrets are also often deceptive in their speech, using flattery for manipulation rather than genuine affirmation.

Reflection and Application

This proverb serves as a timeless caution regarding the company we keep and the words we speak. In an age of rapid communication and social media, the warning against talebearing and revealing secrets is more relevant than ever. Trust is easily broken by the careless or malicious spread of information. Likewise, we are warned against those whose words are not genuine, like him that flattereth with his lips, as their motives may be selfish or manipulative.

The practical application is twofold: Be trustworthy yourself, safeguarding the confidences placed in you and speaking truthfully. Secondly, exercise discernment in your relationships. Be cautious of those who readily share others' secrets or who use excessive, insincere flattery, as they may not be reliable friends or confidants. As the verse advises, He that goeth about [as] a talebearer revealeth secrets; therefore, it is wise to keep a healthy distance from such individuals.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 11:13 (8 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 18:8 (6 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 13:3 (6 votes)

    ¶ He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: [but] he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

  • Romans 16:18 (6 votes)

    For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

  • Leviticus 19:16 (5 votes)

    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.

  • Proverbs 24:21 (4 votes)

    ¶ My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: [and] meddle not with them that are given to change:

  • Proverbs 26:20 (3 votes)

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