Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 11:13
What does Proverbs 11:13 mean?
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Proverbs 11:13
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The original Hebrew vividly portrays the "talebearer" as someone who "goes about as a trader," hawking gossip like wares from place to place. This means a trustworthy person isn't just quiet; they actively "cover" or conceal matters, showing faithfulness not only in what they do but in how they manage what they hear.
Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb is part of a larger collection within Proverbs that contrasts the ways of the wise with the ways of fools, the righteous with the wicked. It sits among verses that explore integrity, truthfulness, and the consequences of our words. The verses immediately before and after deal with the dangers of gossip, the importance of careful speech, and the value of trustworthiness in relationships and business dealings.
Ever felt like your secrets weren't safe? This verse warns against a specific type of person whose very movement is a danger to trust.
The Hebrew word for 'talebearer' (holech rachil) literally means 'one who walks as a peddler' or 'one who walks about.' Imagine someone going from town to town, or house to house, not with goods to sell, but with secrets and scandals! This isn't just casual gossip; it's a deliberate 'trading in scandal.' Such a person's character is unreliable because their constant movement and chatter make them a conduit for betrayal. They see secrets not as sacred trusts, but as currency for social currency or the simple urge to be 'in the know' and share it.
In a world quick to spill secrets, what does it truly mean to be a person of 'faithful spirit'?
The contrast to the gossip is the person described as 'trustworthy in spirit' or 'of a faithful spirit.' This isn't just about what you say, but who you are. It speaks to an inner integrity, a steadfastness that can be relied upon. While the gossip 'goes about,' the faithful person 'keeps a thing covered.' This means discretion, loyalty, and the wisdom to know when silence is the most loving and responsible action. They guard what is entrusted to them, whether it's a deep personal secret or simply information shared in confidence. Their faithfulness builds bridges of trust, while the gossip tears them down.
Understand the original words
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rakil · Hebrew Noun/Verb
To go about as a gossip or talebearer; one who reveals confidential matters, causing strife and damaging reputations.
emun · Hebrew Adjective
One who is faithful, loyal, and reliable in their inner disposition. It describes a person of integrity whose character can be trusted with secrets or responsibilities.
This verse directly warns against going about spreading slander among your people, directly paralleling the 'talebearer' described in Proverbs.
Proverbs 16:28This passage highlights how a twisted person stirs up conflict and a gossip separates close friends, underscoring the destructive nature of the talebearer's actions.
Proverbs 20:19Here, the proverb warns that a gossip betrays a confidence, reinforcing the idea that a talebearer cannot be trusted with secrets.
1 Timothy 5:13This New Testament passage describes younger widows becoming idle and gossips, warning against their harmful speech and behavior, which echoes the warnings in Proverbs.
James 3:5-6James powerfully illustrates the destructive potential of the tongue, comparing it to a small fire that can set a whole forest ablaze, much like how a talebearer's words can ruin reputations and relationships.
clarkeProverbs 11:13: "A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter."
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.
pulpitProverbs 11:13: "A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter."
Verse 13. - A tale-bearer. The word implies one who goes about chattering, gossiping, and slandering (Leviticus 19:16); Vulgate, qui ambulat fraudulenter; Septuagint, "the man of double tongue." To such a man it is safe to trust nothing; he revealeth secrets (Proverbs 20:19). He that is of a faithful spirit; a steadfast, trusty man, not a gadder about; he retains what is committed to him…
The original Hebrew vividly portrays the "talebearer" as someone who "goes about as a trader," hawking gossip like wares from place to place. This means a trustworthy person isn't just quiet; they actively "cover" or conceal matters, showing faithfulness not only in what they do but in how they manage what they hear.
This proverb is part of a larger collection within Proverbs that contrasts the ways of the wise with the ways of fools, the righteous with the wicked. It sits among verses that explore integrity, truthfulness, and the consequences of our words. The verses immediately before and after deal with the dangers of gossip, the importance of careful speech, and the value of trustworthiness in relationships and business dealings.
This proverb is part of a larger collection within Proverbs that contrasts the ways of the wise with the ways of fools, the righteous with the wicked. It sits among verses that explore integrity, truthfulness, and the consequences of our words. The verses immediately before and after deal with the dangers of gossip, the importance of careful speech, and the value of trustworthiness in relationships and business dealings.
"Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered." — The original Hebrew vividly portrays the "talebearer" as someone who "goes about as a trader," hawking gossip like wares from place to place. This means a trustworthy person isn't just quiet; they ac…
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Last reviewed October 2026