Proverbs 20:19 kjv

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

Proverbs 20:19 nkjv

He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.

Proverbs 20:19 niv

A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.

Proverbs 20:19 esv

Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.

Proverbs 20:19 nlt

A gossip goes around telling secrets,
so don't hang around with chatterers.

Proverbs 20 verses

Proverbs 20 19 Meaning

Proverbs 20:19 warns against the character type of a talebearer or gossip, who cannot be trusted with confidential information because they will inevitably disclose it. Therefore, the verse strongly advises against forming close relationships or associating with such individuals, emphasizing the importance of discretion and trustworthy companionship.

Proverbs 20 19 Context

Proverbs chapter 20 is part of a larger collection of wisdom sayings, primarily attributed to King Solomon. This chapter covers a variety of topics relevant to everyday life and ethical conduct, including the dangers of strong drink, dishonest gain, wise leadership, human accountability, and the importance of discretion. Verse 19 fits within this mosaic by focusing on the crucial theme of speech and its impact on personal relationships and integrity. It provides practical counsel for navigating social interactions by identifying a harmful character type – the slanderer or talebearer – and advocating for a policy of non-association. The historical and cultural context for ancient Israel emphasized community, reputation, and the sacredness of covenant relationships, making the betrayal of trust through gossip particularly damaging to the social fabric and one's standing within the community. Wisdom literature like Proverbs often used contrasts to highlight right and wrong conduct, and here it starkly contrasts trustworthy discretion with untrustworthy blabbing.

Proverbs 20 19 Word analysis

• Whoever goes about slandering (הֹלֵךְ רָכִיל - hōlēḵ rāḵîl):

  • הֹלֵךְ (hōlēḵ): "goes, walks, goes about." Implies habitual action, one whose life or conduct is characterized by this activity. It's not just a one-off mistake but a pattern.
  • רָכִיל (rāḵîl): "talebearer, slanderer, whisperer, gossip." The root word rakhal means to "peddle" or "traffic." A rakhil is therefore someone who trades in secrets, gossip, and information, often without verifying it or considering the harm it causes. They are purveyors of harmful speech, selling information as currency.

• reveals secrets (מְגַלֶּה־סּוֹד - məḡalleh-sōḏ):

  • מְגַלֶּה (məḡalleh): "reveals, uncovers, discloses." The Hiphil participle signifies causing something to be revealed or laid bare. It emphasizes the active intent or inherent tendency to expose.
  • סּוֹד (sōḏ): "secret, private counsel, confidential matter, intimate circle." In biblical usage, a "sod" can refer to God's intimate counsel, trusted advice between friends, or personal private matters. Betraying a "sod" is a profound breach of trust and intimacy.

• therefore (וְלַפּוֹתָא - wəlap̄pôṯāʾ):

  • This conjunctive adverb connects the observed behavior with the advised response. It indicates a logical consequence or a prescriptive deduction drawn from the preceding observation.

• do not associate (לֹא־תִתְחַמַּר - lōʾ-tiṯḥammar):

  • לֹא־ (lōʾ): "not." A strong negation, an absolute prohibition.
  • תִתְחַמַּר (tiṯḥammar): Derived from חָבַר (chabar), meaning "to join, bind together, associate, charm." The Hitpael form suggests reflexive action, "to join oneself." This is a strong warning against forming intimate alliances, close friendships, or deep connections. It's not just about avoiding casual conversation but about refraining from intimate fellowship or partnership.

• with a babbler (עִם־פּוֹתֶה - ʿim-pôṯeh):

  • עִם (ʿim): "with."
  • פּוֹתֶה (pôṯeh): "foolish, simple, naive, gullible, easily persuaded/enticed." Root פָתָה (pathah) means "to be open, broad, entice, deceive." This can imply someone easily deceived into speaking, or simply one who is open-mouthed, indiscreet, or undiscerning in their speech. Such a person is easily drawn into conversation that leads to revelation or is simply careless with what they say, thus revealing secrets even if not malicious.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets": This first clause establishes a causal link and identifies a character flaw. The slanderer's inherent nature of habitually carrying tales leads directly to the betrayal of confidences. It defines them by their characteristic action of trafficking in personal or sensitive information.
  • "therefore do not associate with a babbler": This second clause provides the divine instruction and protective wisdom. Because of the inherent untrustworthiness and damaging nature of the slanderer's character, the wise counsel is to create distance and not form deep ties. The "babbler" here reinforces the indiscreet and often simple-minded (in the sense of lacking wisdom or discernment) nature of the person who cannot hold a secret.

Proverbs 20 19 Bonus section

• The terms רָכִיל (rakhil) and פּוֹתֶה (pôṯeh) often highlight two aspects of the same problem: one is the intentional act of carrying tales, and the other is the lack of discernment that leads to such acts, sometimes innocently, sometimes foolishly.
• This verse underscores the value of אָמוֹן (ʾāmôn) - faithfulness or trustworthiness – a key attribute sought in Godly relationships. The opposite, rakhil, destabilizes communities and individual lives.
• In the ancient Near East, betrayal of confidences, especially within a king's court or inner circle, could have severe, even life-threatening, consequences. While Proverbs here applies it to general social interaction, the seriousness of betraying "secrets" would have resonated deeply.
• The advice to "not associate" (לֹא־תִתְחַמַּר) is very strong, indicating that this type of person poses a genuine threat to one's peace, security, and integrity, much like other warnings against associating with angry people (Prov 22:24-25) or scoffers (Prov 9:7-8).

Proverbs 20 19 Commentary

Proverbs 20:19 provides crucial insight into character judgment and relational wisdom. It reveals that the heart of a talebearer is fundamentally untrustworthy. Such individuals, whether motivated by malice, lack of discretion, or simply the thrill of spreading news, inevitably disclose confidential information, shattering trust. This disclosure is not accidental but is a direct consequence of their disposition. The counsel to "do not associate" is a practical application of wisdom, urging the reader to be discerning in choosing close companions. It's a preventative measure, protecting oneself from the relational damage and personal vulnerability that comes from befriending someone who is habitually indiscreet. This aligns with broader biblical teachings that emphasize purity of speech, loyalty, and the wise selection of influences in one's life. Practical examples include declining to listen to gossip, not sharing sensitive personal information with those known for indiscretion, and thoughtfully choosing one's closest confidantes based on their demonstrated trustworthiness rather than charm or social status.