Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 20:19
What does Proverbs 20:19 mean?
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Proverbs 20:19
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The verse actually links two distinct, though related, warnings: first, that a gossip reveals secrets they hear, and second, to avoid someone whose mouth is always open and cannot keep quiet. The subtle point is that someone habitually gossiping is untrustworthy not just because they share your secrets, but because they are simply incapable of discretion, making them a constant risk.
Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb warns against loose talkers by observing that those who spread gossip inevitably reveal confidences. It advises against associating with such babblers, especially those who might use flattery to draw out secrets, implying they'll then use that information to spread more gossip or gain advantage.
Ever feel like a secret you shared came back to haunt you? This verse cuts right to the heart of why that happens.
Solomon warns us about the 'talebearer' – someone who goes around spreading gossip and information.
Secrets Revealed
The core issue is that a talebearer, by their very nature, cannot be trusted with confidences. They 'reveal secrets.' This isn't just about carelessly blabbing; it's about betraying trust. Information given in confidence becomes fodder for their gossip mill.
The Cycle of Betrayal
This behavior doesn't just harm others; it also marks the talebearer. They are untrustworthy, unreliable, and likely to cause division and hurt wherever they go. Their actions breed suspicion and break down relationships.
We're told not just to avoid a behavior, but a person. Why such a strong directive?
The second part of the verse gives us direct, practical advice: 'therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.'
Who is a 'Simple Babbler'?
The Hebrew word here describes someone whose lips are constantly open, who can't control what they say. It’s not just about being talkative, but about a lack of discretion and wisdom in speech. They might seem harmless, even friendly, but their words can cause immense damage.
The Importance of Association
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Solomon isn't saying to shun everyone who makes a mistake. He's warning against habitual looseness with words. Associating with such people, even casually, can:
True wisdom involves recognizing these individuals and maintaining a healthy distance.
Understand the original words
rakil · Hebrew Noun
The act of speaking maliciously or falsely about others to ruin their reputation, characterized by spreading private information.
pethi · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
A naive person who lacks wisdom, discernment, or moral fortitude, often easily swayed or prone to foolish behavior.
patah · Hebrew Noun
A person who speaks excessively, foolishly, or without restraint, often lacking control over their tongue.
This passage echoes the same sentiment, stating that a gossip reveals a secret but one who is trustworthy keeps it hidden, highlighting the danger of loose lips.
Leviticus 19:16This verse from the Law directly prohibits going about as a slanderer or a talebearer among the people, reinforcing the ancient and ongoing concern with such destructive behavior.
Romans 16:17-18Paul warns believers to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the teaching of Christ, often using smooth talk and flattery to deceive the innocent, much like the flatterer described in Proverbs.
1 Timothy 5:13Here, Paul addresses idle women who become gossips and busybodies, speaking what they ought not, which connects directly to the negative portrayal of those who spread rumors and secrets.
ellicottProverbs 20:19: "He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips."
(19) Flattereth with his lips.— Rather, is open with his lips, cannot keep them shut.
pulpitProverbs 20:19: "He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips."
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 shu…
The verse actually links two distinct, though related, warnings: first, that a gossip reveals secrets they hear, and second, to avoid someone whose mouth is always open and cannot keep quiet. The subtle point is that someone habitually gossiping is untrustworthy not just because they share your secrets, but because they are simply incapable of discretion, making them a constant risk.
This proverb warns against loose talkers by observing that those who spread gossip inevitably reveal confidences. It advises against associating with such babblers, especially those who might use flattery to draw out secrets, implying they'll then use that information to spread more gossip or gain advantage.
This proverb warns against loose talkers by observing that those who spread gossip inevitably reveal confidences. It advises against associating with such babblers, especially those who might use flattery to draw out secrets, implying they'll then use that information to spread more gossip or gain advantage.
"Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler." — The verse actually links two distinct, though related, warnings: first, that a gossip reveals secrets they hear, and second, to avoid someone whose mouth is always open and cannot keep quiet. The…
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Last reviewed October 2026