Proverbs 11:13
Proverbs 11:13 in Multiple Translations
A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.
A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
He that goeth about as a tale-bearer revealeth secrets; But he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth a matter.
He who goes about talking of others makes secrets public, but the true-hearted man keeps things covered.
A gossip goes around telling secrets, but trustworthy people keep confidences.
Hee that goeth about as a slanderer, discouereth a secret: but hee that is of a faithfull heart concealeth a matter.
A busybody is revealing secret counsel, And the faithful of spirit is covering the matter.
One who brings gossip betrays a confidence, but one who is of a trustworthy spirit is one who keeps a secret.
A tale-bearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
He that walketh deceitfully, revealeth secrets: but he that is faithful, concealeth the thing committed to him by his friend.
Those who ◄spread gossip/tell bad things about others► will tell your secrets to others, but if there is someone whom you can trust, you can trust him to not tell your secrets to others.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 11:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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Proverbs 11:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הוֹלֵ֣ךְ
רָ֭כִיל
מְגַלֶּה
סּ֑וֹד
וְ/נֶאֱמַן
ר֝֗וּחַ
מְכַסֶּ֥ה
דָבָֽר
הוֹלֵ֣ךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal
רָ֭כִיל
râkîyl
H7400
slander
N-ms
מְגַלֶּה
gâlâh
H1540
to reveal
V-Piel
סּ֑וֹד
çôwd
H5475
counsel
N-ms
וְ/נֶאֱמַן
ʼâman
H539
be faithful
Conj | V-Niphal
ר֝֗וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs
מְכַסֶּ֥ה
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
V-Piel
דָבָֽר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 11:13
הוֹלֵ֣ךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
רָ֭כִיל
râkîyl
H7400
"slander"
N-ms
This word means slander, referring to someone who spreads rumors or false information. In the Bible, it describes a person who carries tales and causes trouble. The KJV translates it as slander or talebearer.
Definition: slander, slanderer, tale bearer, informer
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: slander, carry tales, talebearer. See also: Leviticus 19:16; Jeremiah 6:28; Proverbs 11:13.
מְגַלֶּה
gâlâh
H1540
"to reveal"
V-Piel
This Hebrew word means to reveal or uncover something, often in a way that's embarrassing or shameful. It can also mean to exile someone, forcing them to leave their home. In some cases, it's used to describe God revealing himself to people.
Definition: : reveal[information] 1) to uncover, remove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to uncover 1a2) to remove, depart 1a3) to go into exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) (reflexive) 1b1a) to uncover oneself 1b1b) to discover or show oneself 1b1c) to reveal himself (of God) 1b2) (passive) 1b2a) to be uncovered 1b2b) to be disclosed, be discovered 1b2c) to be revealed 1b3) to be removed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to uncover (nakedness) 1c1a) nakedness 1c1b) general 1c2) to disclose, discover, lay bare 1c3) to make known, show, reveal 1d) (Pual) to be uncovered 1e) (Hiphil) to carry away into exile, take into exile 1f) (Hophal) to be taken into exile 1g) (Hithpael) 1g1) to be uncovered 1g2) to reveal oneself
Usage: Occurs in 167 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, appear, bewray, bring, (carry, lead, go) captive (into captivity), depart, disclose, discover, exile, be gone, open, [idiom] plainly, publish, remove, reveal, [idiom] shamelessly, shew, [idiom] surely, tell, uncover. See also: Genesis 9:21; Job 38:17; Psalms 18:16.
סּ֑וֹד
çôwd
H5475
"counsel"
N-ms
This word refers to a council or gathering of people for discussion, and can also mean a secret or intimate conversation with God.
Definition: 1) council, counsel, assembly 1a) council (of familiar conversation) 1a1) divan, circle (of familiar friends) 1a2) assembly, company 1b) counsel 1b1) counsel (itself) 1b2) secret counsel 1b3) familiar converse, intimacy (with God)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: assembly, consel, inward, secret (counsel). See also: Genesis 49:6; Proverbs 3:32; Psalms 25:14.
וְ/נֶאֱמַן
ʼâman
H539
"be faithful"
Conj | V-Niphal
This Hebrew word means to be faithful or trustworthy, as seen in the KJV translations. It can also mean to support or confirm something, and is used in passages like Psalm 37:3 to describe trusting in God. The concept of faithfulness is central to the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to support, confirm, be faithful 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to support, confirm, be faithful, uphold, nourish 1a1a) foster-father (subst.) 1a1b) foster-mother, nurse 1a1c) pillars, supporters of the door 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be established, be faithful, be carried, make firm 1b1a) to be carried by a nurse 1b1b) made firm, sure, lasting 1b1c) confirmed, established, sure 1b1d) verified, confirmed 1b1e) reliable, faithful, trusty 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stand firm, to trust, to be certain, to believe in 1c1a) stand firm 1c1b) trust, believe Aramaic equivalent: a.man (אֲמַן "to trust" H0540)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: hence, assurance, believe, bring up, establish, [phrase] fail, be faithful (of long continuance, stedfast, sure, surely, trusty, verified), nurse, (-ing father), (put), trust, turn to the right. See also: Genesis 15:6; Job 24:22; Psalms 12:2.
ר֝֗וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
מְכַסֶּ֥ה
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
V-Piel
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
דָבָֽר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
Study Notes — Proverbs 11:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 11:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 11:13
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:13
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 11:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:13
- Sermons on Proverbs 11:13
Context — Dishonest Scales
11By the blessing of the upright a city is built up, but by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down.
12Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment, but a man of understanding remains silent.
13A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.
14For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance. 15He who puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but the one who hates indebtedness is secure.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 20:19 | He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips. |
| 2 | Proverbs 25:9 | Argue your case with your neighbor without betraying another’s confidence, |
| 3 | Leviticus 19:16 | You must not go about spreading slander among your people. You must not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am the LORD. |
| 4 | 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. |
| 5 | 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. |
| 6 | Joshua 2:14 | “Our lives for your lives!” the men agreed. “If you do not report our mission, we will show you kindness and faithfulness when the LORD gives us the land.” |
| 7 | Joshua 2:20 | And if you report our mission, we will be released from the oath you made us swear.” |
| 8 | Jeremiah 38:27 | When all the officials came to Jeremiah and questioned him, he relayed to them the exact words the king had commanded him to say. So they said no more to him, for no one had overheard the conversation. |
| 9 | Proverbs 14:5 | An honest witness does not deceive, but a dishonest witness pours forth lies. |
| 10 | Nehemiah 6:17–19 | Also in those days, the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came back to them. For many in Judah were bound by oath to him, since he was a son-in-law of Shecaniah son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullam son of Berechiah. Moreover, these nobles kept reporting to me Tobiah’s good deeds, and they relayed my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to intimidate me. |
Proverbs 11:13 Summary
This verse is saying that some people like to share secrets that they have been told, but this is not a good thing to do. A trustworthy person, on the other hand, keeps secrets and can be relied upon to keep confidences. This is important because it helps to build trust and strong relationships with others, as we see in Proverbs 3:3-4, where it is written that kindness and truth will be written on our hearts and will guide us. By being a trustworthy person, we can show that we value and respect the people around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a gossip and a trustworthy person?
According to Proverbs 11:13, a gossip reveals secrets, while a trustworthy person keeps confidences, as also seen in Proverbs 10:32 where it is written that the lips of the righteous know what is acceptable.
Why is it important to keep a confidence?
Keeping a confidence is crucial because it builds trust and shows that we value the other person's privacy, as stated in Proverbs 17:9, which says that he who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.
How can I know if I am a gossip or a trustworthy person?
You can know by examining your actions and words, asking yourself if you often share information that was told to you in confidence, and considering the warning in Proverbs 6:16-19, which lists seven things that the Lord hates, including a false witness who speaks lies.
What are the consequences of being a gossip?
The consequences of being a gossip can be severe, including damaging relationships and losing the trust of others, as seen in Proverbs 22:1, which says that a good name is to be more desired than great riches, and in Proverbs 11:13 itself, where it is written that a gossip reveals a secret.
Reflection Questions
- What secrets have I been entrusted with, and how can I ensure that I keep them confidential?
- How can I balance the need to share information with the need to keep confidences?
- What are some ways that I can build trust with others by being a trustworthy person?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of keeping confidences in my relationships with family, friends, and colleagues?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:13
A talebearer revealeth secrets,.... The Arabic version adds, in the congregation, openly and publicly; that goes about with tales from place to place, who is like a walking merchant or peddler, as
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:13
A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. A talebearer [Hebrew, one walking as a detractor, raakiyl (H7400)] revealeth secrets.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:13
A tale-bearer, or, he that goeth about (from one place or person to another, as the manner of such is) telling tales, making it his business to scatter reports, revealeth secrets; this tattling humour is so prevalent with him, that he cannot forbear to publish, either his neighbour’ s secret faults, or such things as were committed to his trust with a charge of secrecy. He that is of a faithful spirit, that hath a sincere, and constant, and faithful mind, which both can and will govern his tongue, concealeth the matter, so far as he can lawfully do.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:13
Proverbs 11:13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.Ver. 13. A talebearer revealeth secrets.] Heb., A pedlar. Si sapis arcano vina reconde cado. God forbids us to chaffer with these petty chapmen. Concealeth the matter.] Tacitus to him is the best historian - primus in historia. He is a rare friend that can both give counsel and keep counsel. One being hit in the teeth with his stinking breath, wittily excused it, that it was by reason of the many secrets committed to him, and concealed by him so long, till they were even rotten in his bosom.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 11:13
Verse 13. A talebearer] הולך רכיל holech rachil, the walking busybody, the trader in scandal. Revealeth secrets] Whatever was confided to him he is sure to publish abroad. The word means a hawker, or travelling chapman. Such are always great newsmongers; and will tell even their own secrets, rather than have nothing to say.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:13
13. A talebearer] Rather, He that goeth about as a talebearer. This, as indicated in A.V. marg. (He that walketh being a talebearer), is the literal and more forcible rendering. It also brings out the warning more clearly, q.d. Don’t trust such a man.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 11:13
The man who comes to us with tales about others will reveal our secrets also. Faithfulness is shown, not only in doing what a man has been commissioned to do, but in doing it quietly and without garrulity.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:13
13. A talebearer — δεμκְ ψλιμ, holekh rakhil. The root of the first word means to walk, of the second, to go about as a trader, a pedler.
Sermons on Proverbs 11:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
New Covenant- the First Body of Christ -Part 7 by Zac Poonen | This sermon focuses on the theme of righteousness as seen in the story of Joseph in Matthew chapters 1 and 2. It emphasizes the importance of not hastily judging or speaking evil a |
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Step 10 on Slander or Calumny. by St. John Climacus | St. John Climacus preaches about the dangers of slander, highlighting how it stems from hatred and malice, draining the blood of charity and leading to the ruin of chastity. He emp |
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Stop Talking About Evil by Bakht Singh | Bakht Singh emphasizes the importance of using words that build up and provide what is needed, rather than harmful words that can cause damage. He warns against the dangers of unre |
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A Series of Proverbs Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the inevitability of death and the inability to escape it. He also discusses the misuse of authority and how those in power often suff |
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Dangerous and Scandalous Association With Maidens by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome addresses the congregation, warning them about the evil rumors and reports circulating regarding shameless individuals who misuse their association with maidens und |
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(One Body in Christ) 4. Helping One Another by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of speaking the truth in love and growing in all aspects into Christ, emphasizing the responsibility of every believer to minister life to the |
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The Ministry of the Church by R. Edward Miller | In this sermon, the pastor shares a story about a new pastor who constantly hears comparisons to the previous pastor's sermons and services. One day, the new pastor visits a young |