Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much. New Living Translation A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers. English Standard Version Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler. Berean Standard Bible He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips. King James Bible He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips. New King James Version He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips. New American Standard Bible One who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with a gossip. NASB 1995 He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with a gossip. NASB 1977 He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with a gossip. Legacy Standard Bible He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with one of loose lips. Amplified Bible He who goes about as a gossip reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with a gossip [who talks freely or flatters]. Christian Standard Bible The one who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid someone with a big mouth. Holman Christian Standard Bible The one who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid someone with a big mouth. American Standard Version He that goeth about as a tale-bearer revealeth secrets; Therefore company not with him that openeth wide his lips. Contemporary English Version Stay away from gossips--they tell everything. English Revised Version He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that openeth wide his lips. GOD'S WORD® Translation Whoever goes around as a gossip tells secrets. Do not associate with a person whose mouth is always open. Good News Translation A gossip can never keep a secret. Stay away from people who talk too much. International Standard Version Whoever spreads gossip betrays confidences; so don't get involved with someone who talks too much. NET Bible The one who goes about gossiping reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with someone who is always opening his mouth. New Heart English Bible He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets; therefore do not keep company with him who opens wide his lips. Webster's Bible Translation He that goeth about as a tale-bearer revealeth secrets; therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips. World English Bible He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets; therefore don’t keep company with him who opens wide his lips. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThe busybody is a revealer of secret counsels, "" And do not make yourself guarantor for a deceiver [with] his lips. Young's Literal Translation A revealer of secret counsels is the busybody, And for a deceiver with his lips make not thyself surety. Smith's Literal Translation He revealing a secret going about tale-bearing: and thou shalt not intermingle with him embracing his lips. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleMeddle not with him that revealeth secrets, and walketh deceitfully, and openeth wide his lips. Catholic Public Domain Version Do not become involved with him who reveals mysteries, and who walks deceitfully, and who enlarges his lips. New American Bible A slanderer reveals secrets; so have nothing to do with a babbler! New Revised Standard Version A gossip reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a babbler. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHe who reveals a secret causes slander; therefore do not meddle with him who is hasty with his lips. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated He that reveals a secret is a slanderer, and he that is faithful in his spirit hides a matter; and do not associate with one whose lips are hasty. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets; Therefore meddle not with him that openeth wide his lips. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Wine is a Mocker…18Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance. 19He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips. 20Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness.… Cross References James 3:5-8 In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. / The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. / All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, ... Proverbs 11:13 A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence. Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen. Proverbs 16:28 A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends. Matthew 12:36-37 But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Proverbs 26:20-22 Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a conflict ceases. / Like charcoal for embers and wood for fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. / The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being. 1 Timothy 5:13 At the same time they will also learn to be idle, going from house to house and being not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, discussing things they should not mention. Proverbs 18:8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being. 2 Corinthians 12:20 For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder. Proverbs 10:18 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool. Romans 1:29-30 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, / slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful. They invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents. Proverbs 17:9 Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but he who brings it up separates friends. Titus 3:2 to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone. Proverbs 25:9-10 Argue your case with your neighbor without betraying another’s confidence, / lest the one who hears may disgrace you, and your infamy never go away. Colossians 3:8 But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Treasury of Scripture He that goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flatters with his lips. that goeth Proverbs 11:13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. Proverbs 18:8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. Proverbs 26:20-22 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth… meddle Proverbs 24:21 My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: flattereth Proverbs 16:29 A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good. Romans 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. Jump to Previous Associate Avoid Betrays Business Busybody Company Confidence Counsels Deceiver Flattereth Foolishly Gives Goes Gossip Lips Meddle Open Openeth Opens Others Revealer Revealeth Reveals Secret Secrets Slanderer Speaks Talebearer Tale-Bearer Talebearing Talking Talks WideJump to Next Associate Avoid Betrays Business Busybody Company Confidence Counsels Deceiver Flattereth Foolishly Gives Goes Gossip Lips Meddle Open Openeth Opens Others Revealer Revealeth Reveals Secret Secrets Slanderer Speaks Talebearer Tale-Bearer Talebearing Talking Talks WideProverbs 20 1. Proper LivingHe who reveals secrets This phrase highlights the act of disclosing confidential information, which is often seen as a breach of trust. In biblical times, maintaining confidentiality was crucial for personal and communal relationships. The act of revealing secrets is condemned in various parts of Scripture, such as in Proverbs 11:13, which states that a trustworthy person keeps a secret. This aligns with the biblical principle of integrity and the importance of being a reliable confidant. is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs offer practical guidance for living a life that honors God. 2. Gossip The term refers to a person who reveals secrets or spreads rumors. In the Hebrew text, the word used is (rakil), which means a talebearer or slanderer. 3. The Audience The original audience of Proverbs was the people of Israel, but its teachings are applicable to all believers seeking wisdom and guidance. Teaching Points Guard Your TongueThe Bible consistently warns against the dangers of gossip. As believers, we must be vigilant in controlling our speech to prevent harm to others and ourselves. Seek Wisdom in Relationships Choose your companions wisely. Associating with those who gossip can lead to personal and spiritual harm. Promote Unity and Peace Instead of spreading secrets, focus on fostering an environment of trust and unity within your community. Reflect Christ in Your Speech Our words should reflect the character of Christ, who is truth and love. Avoiding gossip is a way to honor Him in our daily interactions. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 20What does the Bible teach about confidentiality? How should we handle others' secrets according to the Bible? How should we handle others' secrets according to the Bible? What does the Bible say about being nosy?(19) Flattereth with his lips.--Rather, is open with his lips, cannot keep them shut.Verse 19. - He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets. Almost the same proverb occurs in Proverbs 11:13, The gadding gossiper is sure to let out any secret entrusted to him; therefore, it is implied, be careful in what you say to him. Meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips; rather, that openeth wide his lips - that cannot keep his mouth shut, a babbler, as Proverbs 13:3 (where see note). The Vulgate erroneously makes one sentence of the verse, "With him who reveals secrets, and walketh deceitfully, and openeth wide his lips, have no dealings." Talmud, "When I utter a word, it hath dominion over me; but when I utter it not, I have dominion over it." Says the Persian poet, "The silent man hath his shoulders covered with the garment of security." Xenocrates used to say that he sometimes was "sorry for having spoken, never for having kept silence" (Cahen). Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew He who revealsגּֽוֹלֶה־ (gō·w·leh-) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 1540: To denude, to exile, to reveal secrets סּ֭וֹד (sō·wḏ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5475: A session, company of persons, intimacy, consultation, a secret is a constant הוֹלֵ֣ךְ (hō·w·lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk gossip; רָכִ֑יל (rā·ḵîl) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7400: A scandal-monger avoid תִתְעָרָֽב׃ (ṯiṯ·‘ā·rāḇ) Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 6148: To braid, intermix, technically, to traffic, give to be security the one who babbles וּלְפֹתֶ֥ה (ū·lə·p̄ō·ṯeh) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 6601: To open, be, roomy, to be, simple, delude with his lips. שְׂ֝פָתָ֗יו (p̄ā·ṯāw) Noun - fdc | third person masculine singular Strong's 8193: The lip, language, a margin Links Proverbs 20:19 NIVProverbs 20:19 NLT Proverbs 20:19 ESV Proverbs 20:19 NASB Proverbs 20:19 KJV Proverbs 20:19 BibleApps.com Proverbs 20:19 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 20:19 Chinese Bible Proverbs 20:19 French Bible Proverbs 20:19 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 20:19 He who goes about as a tale-bearer (Prov. 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