Proverbs 20:19 “He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles…”

Proverbs 20:19

He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips.

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

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

American Standard Version

He that goeth about as a tale-bearer revealeth secrets; Therefore company not with him that openeth wide his lips.

Geneva Bible 1599

He that goeth about as a slanderer, discouereth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

Darby Translation

He that goeth about talebearing revealeth secrets; therefore meddle not with him that openeth 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.

Bible in Basic English

He who goes about talking of the business of others gives away secrets: so have nothing to do with him whose lips are open wide.

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Cross references

“that goeth”

Proverbs 11:13 Proverbs 18:8 Leviticus 19:16 Proverbs 26:20–22

Proverbs 11:13 · BSB

A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.

Proverbs 18:8 · BSB

The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.

Leviticus 19:16 · BSB

You must not go about spreading slander among your people. You must not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am the LORD.

Proverbs 26:20–22 · BSB

Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a conflict ceases.

“meddle”

Proverbs 24:21

Proverbs 24:21 · BSB

My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious.

“flattereth”

Romans 16:18 Proverbs 16:29

Romans 16:18 · BSB

For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

Proverbs 16:29 · BSB

A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good.

Also

Proverbs 13:3

Proverbs 13:3 · BSB

He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

18Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance.

20Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness.

Read Proverbs 20