Proverbs 11:13
New International Version
A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.

New Living Translation
A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.

English Standard Version
Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.

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

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

New King James Version
A talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.

New American Standard Bible
One who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, But one who is trustworthy conceals a matter.

NASB 1995
He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is trustworthy conceals a matter.

NASB 1977
He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is trustworthy conceals a matter.

Legacy Standard Bible
He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, But he who is faithful in spirit conceals a matter.

Amplified Bible
He who goes about as a gossip reveals secrets, But he who is trustworthy and faithful keeps a matter hidden.

Christian Standard Bible
A gossip goes around revealing a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
A gossip goes around revealing a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.

American Standard Version
He that goeth about as a tale-bearer revealeth secrets; But he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth a matter.

Contemporary English Version
A gossip tells everything, but a true friend will keep a secret.

English Revised Version
He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Whoever gossips gives away secrets, but whoever is trustworthy in spirit can keep a secret.

Good News Translation
No one who gossips can be trusted with a secret, but you can put confidence in someone who is trustworthy.

International Standard Version
Whoever spreads gossip betrays secrets, but the trustworthy person keeps a confidence.

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

NET Bible
The one who goes about slandering others reveals secrets, but the one who is trustworthy conceals a matter.

New Heart English Bible
One who brings gossip betrays a confidence, but one who is of a trustworthy spirit is one who keeps a secret.

Webster's Bible Translation
A tale-bearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

World English Bible
One who brings gossip betrays a confidence, but one who is of a trustworthy spirit is one who keeps a secret.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
A busybody is revealing secret counsel, "" And the faithful of spirit is covering the matter.

Young's Literal Translation
A busybody is revealing secret counsel, And the faithful of spirit is covering the matter.

Smith's Literal Translation
He going about tale-bearing reveals a secret: and he being faithful of spirit hides the word.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He that walketh deceitfully, revealeth secrets: but he that is faithful, concealeth the thing committed to him by his friend.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Whoever walks dishonestly reveals secrets. But whoever is of a faithful soul conceals what is confided by a friend.

New American Bible
One who slanders reveals secrets, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.

New Revised Standard Version
A gossip goes about telling secrets, but one who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a confidence.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
An adversary reveals secrets; but he who is faithful in his spirit conceals the matter.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
An adversary reveals a secret, and he who is faithful in his spirit will hide the matter.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets; But he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth a matter.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
A double-tongued man discloses the secret counsels of an assembly: but he that is faithful in spirit conceals matters.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Dishonest Scales
12Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment, but a man of understanding remains silent. 13A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence. 14For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance.…

Cross References
James 3:5-6
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.

Ephesians 4:29
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.

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.

Matthew 12:36-37
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.”

Proverbs 20:19
He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips.

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.

Psalm 15:1-3
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,

Colossians 3:8
But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

Proverbs 16:28
A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends.

1 Peter 4:15
Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler.

Romans 1:29-30
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.

Proverbs 18:8
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.

Titus 3:2
to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.

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.

2 Corinthians 12:20
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.


Treasury of Scripture

A talebearer reveals secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit conceals the matter.

a tale bearer.

Proverbs 20:19
He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

Leviticus 19:16
Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD.

revealeth

Proverbs 25:9
Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:

Proverbs 26:20-22
Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth…

Nehemiah 6:17-19
Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them…

he

Proverbs 14:5
A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.

Joshua 2:14,20
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…

Jeremiah 38:27
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.

Jump to Previous
Betrays Concealeth Conceals Confidence Counsel Covered Covering Faithful Goes Gossip Hidden Keeps Makes Matter Others Public Revealeth Revealing Reveals Secret Secrets Spirit Talebearer Tale-Bearer Talebearing Talking True-Hearted Trustworthy
Jump to Next
Betrays Concealeth Conceals Confidence Counsel Covered Covering Faithful Goes Gossip Hidden Keeps Makes Matter Others Public Revealeth Revealing Reveals Secret Secrets Spirit Talebearer Tale-Bearer Talebearing Talking True-Hearted Trustworthy
Proverbs 11
1. On Deception














A gossip reveals a secret
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 (Leviticus 19:16, Proverbs 16:28). 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 (Ephesians 4:29).

but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence
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 (Proverbs 20:6, 1 Timothy 3:11). 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 (Revelation 19:11). The ability to keep a confidence is a reflection of one's character and alignment with God's standards of holiness and love.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
- 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.

2. Ancient Israel
- 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.

3. Gossip
- In the context of this verse, a gossip is someone who spreads secrets or private information, often causing harm to relationships and communities.

4. Trustworthy Person
- This refers to an individual who is reliable and can be trusted to keep confidences, reflecting integrity and faithfulness.

5. Secrets
- In the biblical context, secrets can refer to private matters that are not meant to be shared indiscriminately, highlighting the importance of discretion.
Teaching Points
The Destructive Nature of Gossip
Gossip can destroy trust and relationships. It is important to recognize the harm that spreading secrets can cause within a community or church.

The Value of Trustworthiness
Being a trustworthy person is a reflection of Christ-like character. It involves being reliable and maintaining the confidences of others.

Guarding Our Speech
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.

The Importance of Discretion
Discretion is a valuable trait that involves knowing when to speak and when to remain silent. It is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships.

Reflecting Christ in Our Interactions
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.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 (Ecclus. 27:16, "Whoso discovereth secrets luseth his credit, and shall never find friend to his mind"). Septuagint, "He that is faithful in spirit [πνοῇ, as in Proverbs 20:27, where see note] concealeth matters."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
A gossip
רָ֭כִיל (rā·ḵîl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7400: A scandal-monger

reveals
מְגַלֶּה־ (mə·ḡal·leh-)
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1540: To denude, to exile, to reveal

a secret,
סּ֑וֹד (sō·wḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5475: A session, company of persons, intimacy, consultation, a secret

but a trustworthy
וְנֶאֱמַן־ (wə·ne·’ĕ·man-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular construct
Strong's 539: To confirm, support

person
ר֝֗וּחַ (rū·aḥ)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit

keeps
מְכַסֶּ֥ה (mə·ḵas·seh)
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3680: To plump, fill up hollows, to cover

a confidence.
דָבָֽר׃ (ḏā·ḇār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 11:13 One who brings gossip betrays a confidence (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 11:12
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