Proverbs 20:19

19 A gossip can never keep a secret. Stay away from people who talk too much.

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 ) .

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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 What you get by dishonesty you may enjoy like the finest food, but sooner or later it will be like a mouthful of sand.

18 Get good advice and you will succeed; don't go charging into battle without a plan.

19 A gossip can never keep a secret. Stay away from people who talk too much.

20 If you curse your parents, your life will end like a lamp that goes out in the dark.

21 The more easily you get your wealth, the less good it will do you.