Proverbs 20:19
Proverbs 20:19 in Multiple Translations
He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips.
He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
He that goeth about as a tale-bearer revealeth secrets; Therefore company not with him that openeth wide his lips.
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.
A gossip goes around revealing secrets; stay away from people who talk a lot.
He that goeth about as a slanderer, discouereth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
A revealer of secret counsels is the busybody, And for a deceiver [with] his lips make not thyself surety.
He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets; therefore don’t keep company with him who opens wide his lips.
He that goeth about as a tale-bearer revealeth secrets; therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
Meddle not with him that revealeth secrets, and walketh deceitfully, and openeth wide his lips.
Those who go around telling gossip are always telling secrets to others; so stay away from people who foolishly talk too much.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 20:19
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 20:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גּֽוֹלֶה
סּ֭וֹד
הוֹלֵ֣ךְ
רָכִ֑יל
וּ/לְ/פֹתֶ֥ה
שְׂ֝פָתָ֗י/ו
לֹ֣א
תִתְעָרָֽב
גּֽוֹלֶה
gâlâh
H1540
to reveal
V-Qal
סּ֭וֹד
çôwd
H5475
counsel
N-ms
הוֹלֵ֣ךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal
רָכִ֑יל
râkîyl
H7400
slander
N-ms
וּ/לְ/פֹתֶ֥ה
pâthâh
H6601
to open wide
Conj | Prep | V-Qal
שְׂ֝פָתָ֗י/ו
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fd | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִתְעָרָֽב
ʻârab
H6148
to pledge
V-Hithpael-Imperf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 20:19
גּֽוֹלֶה
gâlâh
H1540
"to reveal"
V-Qal
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.
סּ֭וֹד
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.
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.
רָכִ֑יל
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.
וּ/לְ/פֹתֶ֥ה
pâthâh
H6601
"to open wide"
Conj | Prep | V-Qal
To patah means to entice or deceive someone, often by making something seem simple or appealing.
Definition: 1) to be spacious, be open, be wide 1a) (Qal) to be spacious or open or wide 1b) (Hiphil) to make spacious, make open
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: allure, deceive, enlarge, entice, flatter, persuade, silly (one). See also: Genesis 9:27; Job 31:9; Psalms 78:36.
שְׂ֝פָתָ֗י/ו
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
N-fd | Suff
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִתְעָרָֽב
ʻârab
H6148
"to pledge"
V-Hithpael-Imperf-2ms
This verb means to pledge or exchange something, often in the context of giving security or taking on a responsibility. It can also mean to occupy or undertake something, such as going surety for someone or giving pledges.
Definition: 1) to pledge, exchange, mortgage, engage, occupy, undertake for, give pledges, be or become surety, take on pledge, give in pledge 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take on pledge, go surety for 1a2) to give in pledge 1a3) to exchange 1a4) to pledge 1b) (Hithpael) 1b1) to exchange pledges 1b2) to have fellowship with, share
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: engage, (inter-) meddle (with), mingle (self), mortgage, occupy, give pledges, be(-come, put in) surety, undertake. See also: Genesis 43:9; Proverbs 17:18; Psalms 106:35.
Study Notes — Proverbs 20:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 20:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 20:19
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:19
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 20:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:19
- Sermons on Proverbs 20:19
Context — Wine Is a Mocker
17Food gained by fraud is sweet to a man, but later his mouth is full of gravel.
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. 21An inheritance gained quickly will not be blessed in the end.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 11:13 | A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence. |
| 2 | Romans 16:18 | 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. |
| 3 | Proverbs 13:3 | He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. |
| 4 | Proverbs 18:8 | The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being. |
| 5 | 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. |
| 6 | Proverbs 24:21 | My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious. |
| 7 | Proverbs 16:29 | A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good. |
| 8 | 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. |
Proverbs 20:19 Summary
[Proverbs 20:19 teaches us that it's very important to keep secrets and not spread rumors or gossip about others, just like it says in Proverbs 11:13. When we keep confidences, we show that we are trustworthy and care about the people around us. On the other hand, if we are always talking about others behind their backs, we can cause a lot of harm and damage relationships, as warned against in Ephesians 4:29-32. By being mindful of our words and actions, we can build stronger, more loving relationships with those around us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of person is being described in Proverbs 20:19 as a 'constant gossip'?
The person being described is someone who reveals secrets, similar to what is warned against in Proverbs 11:13, and is characterized by their inability to keep confidences, making them untrustworthy.
Why is it important to avoid someone who 'babbles with his lips'?
Avoiding someone who 'babbles with his lips' is important because their loose talk can lead to harm and division, as seen in Proverbs 6:16-19, where the Lord hates those who sow discord among brothers.
How does Proverbs 20:19 relate to the importance of keeping confidences in relationships?
Proverbs 20:19 highlights the importance of keeping confidences in relationships, as seen in Proverbs 17:9, where love covers all offenses, and a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.
What are the consequences of being a gossip or associating with one?
The consequences of being a gossip or associating with one can be severe, leading to damaged relationships, loss of trust, and even spiritual harm, as warned against in Ephesians 4:29-32, where corrupting talk is contrasted with edifying speech.
Reflection Questions
- What are some secrets that I have been entrusted with, and how can I ensure that I keep them confidential?
- In what ways can I be more mindful of my own speech, avoiding gossip and loose talk that can harm others?
- How can I identify and avoid people who 'babble with their lips', and instead surround myself with trustworthy and edifying influences?
- What are some practical steps I can take to cultivate a reputation as a trustworthy and confidential friend or family member?
Gill's Exposition on 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:19
He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:19
He that goeth about as a tale-bearer revealeth secrets; he that delighteth in and accustometh himself to the practice of spreading tales or evil reports, will not forbear to publish the greatest secrets which are committed to his trust. Or, as others render it, and as the words lie in the Hebrew text, He that revealeth secrets, ( contrary to his promise or the trust reposed in him, you may by that token be assured that,) he doth and will go about as a tale-bearer. He who divulgeth secrets cannot or will not forbear to publish other things, and so is not fit to be trusted with any thing. Therefore, to prevent that mischief Heb. and. So the following sentence is not inferred from the former, but only added to it. Meddle not with him, avoid frequent and familiar society and conversation with him, that flattereth with his lips; by which artifice he seeks to gain thy affections, and to fish out all thy secrets, which he may impart to others, whom he may oblige hereby, and so render his company more acceptable.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:19
Proverbs 20:19 He that goeth about [as] a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.Ver. 9. He that goeth about as a talebearer.] Therefore make not such of thy counsel: for if they can give counsel, yet they can keep none. Therefore meddle not with him that flattereth.] Tale carriers and flatterers are neither of them fit counsellors. These will say as you say, be it right or wrong; those will tell abroad all that you say, and more too, to do you a mischief. The good Emperor Aurelius was even bought and sold by such evil counsellors; and Augustus complained when Varus was dead, that he had none now left that would deal plainly and faithfully with him.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 20:19
(19) Flattereth with his lips.—Rather, is open with his lips, cannot keep them shut.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:19
19. flattereth with] Rather, openeth wide, R.V.; dilatat labia sua, Vulg.; has his mouth always open as a tattling gossip. Comp. the prohibition of the Law, Leviticus 19:16, and St Paul’s rebuke of “tattlers” and “busybodies,” 1 Timothy 5:13.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 20:19
Flattereth - literally, “The man who opens his lips,” who has no reticence; such a man, with or without intending it, does the work of a talebearer.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:19
19. A talebearer — A scandalmonger. Comp. Proverbs 11:13. Meddle not with him that flattereth — Associate not with a man who cannot keep his mouth shut; a contemptible blabber. Comp. Proverbs 13:3.
Sermons on Proverbs 20:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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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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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Epistle 187 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about dwelling in the love of God together to be built up, warning against enmity, discord, and worldly wisdom that lead to disobedience and questioning. He emp |