Proverbs 11:13

Modern

A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.

Traditional

A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

Literal

One going about slandering is revealing secret counsel, and the one faithful of spirit conceals the matter.

Latin

Qui ambulat fraudulenter, revelat arcana; qui autem fidelis est animi, celat amici commissum.

Hebrew

English

A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.

This view on gossip is echoed in Proverbs 20:19.

Theme notes and profiles

Proverbs 20:19
He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips.
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.
Proverbs 25:9
Argue your case with your neighbor without betraying another’s confidence,
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.
Proverbs 26:20–22
Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a conflict ceases.
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.”
Proverbs 14:5
An honest witness does not deceive, but a dishonest witness pours forth lies.
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.
Joshua 2:20
And if you report our mission, we will be released from the oath you made us swear.”
Nehemiah 6:17–19
Also in those days, the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters kept coming to them.