Proverbs 20:19

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

Proverbs 20:19 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
English Standard Version (ESV)
19 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.
New Living Translation (NLT)
19 A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers.
The Message Bible (MSG)
19 Gossips can't keep secrets, so never confide in blabbermouths.
American Standard Version (ASV)
19 He that goeth about as a tale-bearer revealeth secrets; Therefore company not with him that openeth wide his lips.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
19 Whoever goes around as a gossip tells secrets. Do not associate with a person whose mouth is always open.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
19 The one who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid someone with a big mouth.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
19 A person who talks about others tells secrets. So avoid anyone who talks 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 ) .


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 Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.
18 Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.
19 A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.
20 If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.
21 An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end.

Cross References 1

Scripture quoted by permission.  Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.  NIV®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica.  All rights reserved worldwide.