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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/11.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/11.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/11.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/11.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/11.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/11.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />One who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, But one who is trustworthy conceals a matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/11.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is trustworthy conceals a matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is trustworthy conceals a matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, But he who is faithful in spirit conceals a matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He who goes about as a gossip reveals secrets, But he who is trustworthy <i>and</i> faithful keeps a matter hidden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A gossip goes around revealing a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A gossip goes around revealing a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/11.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He that goeth about as a tale-bearer revealeth secrets; But he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth a matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />A gossip tells everything, but a true friend will keep a secret. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/11.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Whoever gossips gives away secrets, but whoever is trustworthy in spirit can keep a secret.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/11.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />No one who gossips can be trusted with a secret, but you can put confidence in someone who is trustworthy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/11.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever spreads gossip betrays secrets, but the trustworthy person keeps a confidence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/11.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The one who goes about slandering others reveals secrets, but the one who is trustworthy conceals a matter. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />One who brings gossip betrays a confidence, but one who is of a trustworthy spirit is one who keeps a secret.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A tale-bearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/11.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />One who brings gossip betrays a confidence, but one who is of a trustworthy spirit is one who keeps a secret. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A busybody is revealing secret counsel, "" And the faithful of spirit is covering the matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A busybody is revealing secret counsel, And the faithful of spirit is covering the matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He going about tale-bearing reveals a secret: and he being faithful of spirit hides the word.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He that walketh deceitfully, revealeth secrets: but he that is faithful, concealeth the thing committed to him by his friend. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Whoever walks dishonestly reveals secrets. But whoever is of a faithful soul conceals what is confided by a friend.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/11.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />One who slanders reveals secrets, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />A gossip goes about telling secrets, but one who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a confidence.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />An adversary reveals secrets; but he who is faithful in his spirit conceals the matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/11.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />An adversary reveals a secret, and he who is faithful in his spirit will hide the matter.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/11.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets; But he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth a matter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/11.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A double-tongued man discloses the <i>secret</i> counsels of an assembly: but he that is faithful in spirit conceals matters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/11-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=1994" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/11.htm">Dishonest Scales</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">12</span>Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment, but a man of understanding remains silent. <span class="reftext">13</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7400.htm" title="7400: rā·ḵîl (N-ms) -- Slander. From rakal a scandal-monger.">A gossip</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: hō·w·lêḵ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1540.htm" title="1540: mə·ḡal·leh- (V-Piel-Prtcpl-ms) -- To uncover, remove. A primitive root; to denude; by implication, to exile; figuratively, to reveal.">reveals</a> <a href="/hebrew/5475.htm" title="5475: sō·wḏ (N-ms) -- Council, counsel. From yacad; a session, i.e. Company of persons; by implication, intimacy, consultation, a secret.">a secret,</a> <a href="/hebrew/539.htm" title="539: wə·ne·’ĕ·man- (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-Prtcpl-msc) -- To confirm, support. ">but a trustworthy</a> <a href="/hebrew/7307.htm" title="7307: rū·aḥ (N-cs) -- Breath, wind, spirit. From ruwach; wind; by resemblance breath.">person</a> <a href="/hebrew/3680.htm" title="3680: mə·ḵas·seh (V-Piel-Prtcpl-ms) -- To cover. A primitive root; properly, to plump, i.e. Fill up hollows; by implication, to cover.">keeps</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: ḏā·ḇār (N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">a confidence.</a> </span><span class="reftext">14</span>For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5-6</a></span><br />In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. / The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a></span><br />Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/19-16.htm">Leviticus 19:16</a></span><br />You must not go about spreading slander among your people. You must not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36-37</a></span><br />But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Proverbs 20:19</a></span><br />He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-13.htm">1 Timothy 5:13</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/15-1.htm">Psalm 15:1-3</a></span><br />A Psalm of David. O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy mountain? / He who walks with integrity and practices righteousness, who speaks the truth from his heart, / who has no slander on his tongue, who does no harm to his neighbor, who casts no scorn on his friend,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-8.htm">Colossians 3:8</a></span><br />But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-28.htm">Proverbs 16:28</a></span><br />A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-15.htm">1 Peter 4:15</a></span><br />Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-29.htm">Romans 1:29-30</a></span><br />They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, / slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful. They invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-8.htm">Proverbs 18:8</a></span><br />The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/3-2.htm">Titus 3:2</a></span><br />to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-20.htm">Proverbs 26:20-22</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-20.htm">2 Corinthians 12:20</a></span><br />For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">A talebearer reveals secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit conceals the matter.</p><p class="hdg">a tale bearer.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Proverbs 20:19</a></b></br> He that goeth about <i>as</i> a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/19-16.htm">Leviticus 19:16</a></b></br> Thou shalt not go up and down <i>as</i> a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I <i>am</i> the LORD.</p><p class="hdg">revealeth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/25-9.htm">Proverbs 25:9</a></b></br> Debate thy cause with thy neighbour <i>himself</i>; and discover not a secret to another:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/26-20.htm">Proverbs 26:20-22</a></b></br> Where no wood is, <i>there</i> the fire goeth out: so where <i>there is</i> no talebearer, the strife ceaseth… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/6-17.htm">Nehemiah 6:17-19</a></b></br> Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and <i>the letters</i> of Tobiah came unto them… </p><p class="hdg">he</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/14-5.htm">Proverbs 14:5</a></b></br> A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/2-14.htm">Joshua 2:14,20</a></b></br> And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/38-27.htm">Jeremiah 38:27</a></b></br> Then came all the princes unto Jeremiah, and asked him: and he told them according to all these words that the king had commanded. So they left off speaking with him; for the matter was not perceived.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/21-20.htm">Betrays</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-11.htm">Concealeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-18.htm">Conceals</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-32.htm">Confidence</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-14.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-18.htm">Covered</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-18.htm">Covering</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-8.htm">Faithful</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-10.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-20.htm">Gossip</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-17.htm">Hidden</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-12.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-5.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/psalms/64-5.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-17.htm">Others</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-16.htm">Public</a> <a href="/psalms/19-2.htm">Revealeth</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-7.htm">Revealing</a> <a href="/psalms/19-2.htm">Reveals</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-17.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-6.htm">Secrets</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-2.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-16.htm">Talebearer</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-16.htm">Tale-Bearer</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Talebearing</a> <a href="/psalms/145-6.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-1.htm">True-Hearted</a> <a href="/psalms/119-138.htm">Trustworthy</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Betrays</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-16.htm">Concealeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-16.htm">Conceals</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-26.htm">Confidence</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-14.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-9.htm">Covered</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-16.htm">Covering</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-17.htm">Faithful</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-19.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-28.htm">Gossip</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-24.htm">Hidden</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-26.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-15.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-20.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-25.htm">Others</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-7.htm">Public</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Revealeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-2.htm">Revealing</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Reveals</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-23.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Secrets</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-10.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-8.htm">Talebearer</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-28.htm">Tale-Bearer</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Talebearing</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-9.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-1.htm">True-Hearted</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-17.htm">Trustworthy</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 11</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/11-1.htm">On Deception</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/11.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/11.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>A gossip reveals a secret</b><br>In biblical times, the act of gossiping was seen as a serious moral failing. The Hebrew word for "gossip" can also be translated as "talebearer" or "whisperer," indicating someone who spreads rumors or secrets. This behavior is condemned throughout Scripture, as it can lead to discord and division within a community (<a href="/leviticus/19-16.htm">Leviticus 19:16</a>, <a href="/proverbs/16-28.htm">Proverbs 16:28</a>). The act of revealing secrets is often associated with betrayal and a lack of integrity. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, where community and family ties were paramount, maintaining confidentiality was crucial for preserving trust and unity. The New Testament also warns against gossip, emphasizing the importance of using speech to edify others (<a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a>).<p><b>but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence</b><br>The contrast here highlights the virtue of trustworthiness, which is highly valued in biblical teaching. A trustworthy person is one who can be relied upon to protect sensitive information and maintain the integrity of relationships. This quality is essential for leadership and is often associated with wisdom and righteousness (<a href="/proverbs/20-6.htm">Proverbs 20:6</a>, <a href="/1_timothy/3-11.htm">1 Timothy 3:11</a>). In the historical context, a trustworthy individual would be seen as a pillar of the community, someone who upholds justice and truth. This principle is exemplified in the life of Jesus Christ, who is described as faithful and true (<a href="/revelation/19-11.htm">Revelation 19:11</a>). The ability to keep a confidence is a reflection of one's character and alignment with God's standards of holiness and love.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>- Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often provide practical guidance for living a life that honors God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>- The cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written. Understanding the societal norms of ancient Israel can help us grasp the significance of wisdom literature.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/gossip.htm">Gossip</a></b><br>- In the context of this verse, a gossip is someone who spreads secrets or private information, often causing harm to relationships and communities.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/trustworthy_person.htm">Trustworthy Person</a></b><br>- This refers to an individual who is reliable and can be trusted to keep confidences, reflecting integrity and faithfulness.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/secrets.htm">Secrets</a></b><br>- In the biblical context, secrets can refer to private matters that are not meant to be shared indiscriminately, highlighting the importance of discretion.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_destructive_nature_of_gossip.htm">The Destructive Nature of Gossip</a></b><br>Gossip can destroy trust and relationships. It is important to recognize the harm that spreading secrets can cause within a community or church.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_trustworthiness.htm">The Value of Trustworthiness</a></b><br>Being a trustworthy person is a reflection of Christ-like character. It involves being reliable and maintaining the confidences of others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_our_speech.htm">Guarding Our Speech</a></b><br>As Christians, we are called to be mindful of our words. We should strive to speak in ways that build up rather than tear down.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_discretion.htm">The Importance of Discretion</a></b><br>Discretion is a valuable trait that involves knowing when to speak and when to remain silent. It is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_christ_in_our_interactions.htm">Reflecting Christ in Our Interactions</a></b><br>Our interactions with others should reflect the love and integrity of Christ. This includes being careful with the information we share and how we share it.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 11</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_the_bible_say_to_keep_secrets.htm">How should we handle others' secrets according to the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_wisdom_of_the_world_to_god.htm">How should we handle others' secrets according to the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_confidentiality.htm">What does the Bible teach about confidentiality?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_bible's_stance_on_gossip.htm">What is the Bible's stance on gossip?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 13.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A tale-bearer.</span> The word implies one who goes about chattering, gossiping, and slandering (<a href="/leviticus/19-16.htm">Leviticus 19:16</a>); Vulgate, <span class="accented">qui ambulat fraudulenter</span>; Septuagint, "the man of double tongue." To such a man it is safe to trust nothing; he <span class="cmt_word">revealeth secrets</span> (<a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Proverbs 20:19</a>). <span class="cmt_word">He that is of a faithful spirit;</span> a steadfast, trusty man, not a gadder about; he retains what is committed to him (Ecclus. 27:16, "Whoso discovereth secrets luseth his credit, and shall never find friend to his mind"). Septuagint, "He that is faithful in spirit [<span class="greek">πνοῇ</span>, as in <a href="/proverbs/20-27.htm">Proverbs 20:27</a>, where see note] concealeth matters." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/11-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">A gossip</span><br /><span class="heb">רָ֭כִיל</span> <span class="translit">(rā·ḵîl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7400.htm">Strong's 7400: </a> </span><span class="str2">A scandal-monger</span><br /><br /><span class="word">reveals</span><br /><span class="heb">מְגַלֶּה־</span> <span class="translit">(mə·ḡal·leh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1540.htm">Strong's 1540: </a> </span><span class="str2">To denude, to exile, to reveal</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a secret,</span><br /><span class="heb">סּ֑וֹד</span> <span class="translit">(sō·wḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5475.htm">Strong's 5475: </a> </span><span class="str2">A session, company of persons, intimacy, consultation, a secret</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but a trustworthy</span><br /><span class="heb">וְנֶאֱמַן־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ne·’ĕ·man-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_539.htm">Strong's 539: </a> </span><span class="str2">To confirm, support</span><br /><br /><span class="word">person</span><br /><span class="heb">ר֝֗וּחַ</span> <span class="translit">(rū·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7307.htm">Strong's 7307: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">keeps</span><br /><span class="heb">מְכַסֶּ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(mə·ḵas·seh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3680.htm">Strong's 3680: </a> </span><span class="str2">To plump, fill up hollows, to cover</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a confidence.</span><br /><span class="heb">דָבָֽר׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḏā·ḇār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/11-13.htm">Proverbs 11:13 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/11-13.htm">Proverbs 11:13 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/11-13.htm">Proverbs 11:13 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/11-13.htm">Proverbs 11:13 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/11-13.htm">Proverbs 11:13 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/11-13.htm">Proverbs 11:13 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/11-13.htm">Proverbs 11:13 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/11-13.htm">Proverbs 11:13 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/11-13.htm">Proverbs 11:13 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/11-13.htm">Proverbs 11:13 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/11-13.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 11:13 One who brings gossip betrays a confidence (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/11-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 11:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 11:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/11-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 11:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 11:14" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>