Proverbs 20:19

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

גּֽוֹלֶה revealeth H1540
גּֽוֹלֶה revealeth
Strong's: H1540
Word #: 1 of 8
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
סּ֭וֹד secrets H5475
סּ֭וֹד secrets
Strong's: H5475
Word #: 2 of 8
a session, i.e., company of persons (in close deliberation); by implication, intimacy, consultation, a secret
הוֹלֵ֣ךְ He that goeth about H1980
הוֹלֵ֣ךְ He that goeth about
Strong's: H1980
Word #: 3 of 8
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
רָכִ֑יל as a talebearer H7400
רָכִ֑יל as a talebearer
Strong's: H7400
Word #: 4 of 8
a scandal-monger (as travelling about)
וּלְפֹתֶ֥ה not with him that flattereth H6601
וּלְפֹתֶ֥ה not with him that flattereth
Strong's: H6601
Word #: 5 of 8
to open, i.e., be (causatively, make) roomy; usually figuratively (in a mental or moral sense) to be (causatively, make) simple or (in a sinister way)
שְׂ֝פָתָ֗יו with his lips H8193
שְׂ֝פָתָ֗יו with his lips
Strong's: H8193
Word #: 6 of 8
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 7 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִתְעָרָֽב׃ therefore meddle H6148
תִתְעָרָֽב׃ therefore meddle
Strong's: H6148
Word #: 8 of 8
to braid, i.e., intermix; technically, to traffic (as if by barter); also or give to be security (as a kind of exchange)

Analysis & Commentary

The 'talebearer' (Hebrew 'rachil,' one who goes about spreading gossip) reveals secrets and sows discord. Such a person cannot be trusted; they will expose confidences for entertainment or manipulation. Therefore, 'meddle not'—avoid close association with gossips. This protects both your secrets and your soul from the corrupting influence of slander. Gossip violates love of neighbor and often constitutes bearing false witness. It destroys reputations, fractures relationships, and dishonors God. The godly person guards confidences, speaks truth in love, and refuses to participate in destructive speech. Wise friendship requires discretion and trustworthiness.

Historical Context

In close-knit ancient communities, gossip could destroy reputations and social standing. The law's prohibition against slander (Leviticus 19:16) recognized speech's power to harm.

Questions for Reflection