Proverbs 20:19

19 He who 1goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with 2a gossip *.

Proverbs 20:19 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 20:19

He that goeth about [as] a talebearer revealeth secrets
Or, "he that revealeth secrets goeth about as a talebearer"; a man that has really got the secrets of others out of them respecting themselves and families, and the affairs of them, or however pretends he master of them; goes about telling his tales from house to house, to the great prejudice of those whose secrets he is entrusted with, or pretends to be; and to the great prejudice of those to whom he tells them, as well as to his own; this is contrary to the law of Moses, and the rules of Christianity, ( Leviticus 19:16 ) ( 1 Timothy 5:13 ) ; therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips;
or "mingle not with him" F7; do not associate with him, do not keep him company, have nothing to say to him or do with him; for when he flatters you, and highly praises and extols you, he has a design upon you to get what he can out of you, in order to expose you elsewhere; therefore suspect him, be upon your guard, shun him and avoid him. It may be applied to false teachers, and their deceptions with good words and fair speeches; the word used signifies to deceive with the lips; see ( Romans 16:18 ) ; and well agrees with the parasites of Rome, ( Revelation 18:23 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F7 (brett al) "non miscebis te", Pagninus, Montanus; "ne misceas te", Baynus, Mercerus; "ne admisceto te", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator; "ne commiscearis", Michaelis; "ne admisceas te", Schultens.

Proverbs 20:19 In-Context

17 Bread obtained by falsehood is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.
18 Prepare plans by consultation, And make war by wise guidance.
19 He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with a gossip .
20 He who curses his father or his mother, His lamp will go out in time of darkness.
21 An inheritance gained hurriedly at the beginning Will not be blessed in the end.

Cross References 2

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Lit "one who opens his lips"
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