Proverbs 20:19 - He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets; therefore don’t keep company with him who opens wide his lips.
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What does "Proverbs 20:19" mean?
Proverbs 20:19 is a warning against associating with people who gossip and spread rumors. Let's break down the meaning:
"He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets...": This part describes someone who actively seeks out and shares private or confidential information about others. The word "tale-bearer" implies not just someone who shares secrets accidentally, but someone who enjoys spreading stories, often with a hint of malice or exaggeration.
"...therefore don’t keep company with him who opens wide his lips.": This is the advice or instruction based on the previous observation. "Opening wide his lips" is a figure of speech for someone who talks a lot and without discretion. The advice is to avoid close relationships or frequent interaction with such individuals.
In essence, the verse advises us to avoid associating with gossips because:
They are untrustworthy: They can't keep secrets, meaning they'll likely reveal your secrets as well.
They create drama and conflict: Spreading rumors leads to misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and broken relationships.
Their words can be damaging: Gossip can harm someone's reputation and cause lasting damage.
Association implies approval: By keeping company with a gossip, you indirectly endorse their behavior, and it can make you appear untrustworthy to others.
In modern terms, this proverb warns against surrounding yourself with those who engage in gossip, trash-talking, and the sharing of private information without consent. It's a caution to protect yourself, your relationships, and the reputations of others by being discerning about who you associate with.
Proverbs 20:19 - He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets; therefore don’t keep company with him who opens wide his lips.
What does "Proverbs 20:19" mean?
Proverbs 20:19 is a warning against associating with people who gossip and spread rumors. Let's break down the meaning:
"He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets...": This part describes someone who actively seeks out and shares private or confidential information about others. The word "tale-bearer" implies not just someone who shares secrets accidentally, but someone who enjoys spreading stories, often with a hint of malice or exaggeration.
"...therefore don’t keep company with him who opens wide his lips.": This is the advice or instruction based on the previous observation. "Opening wide his lips" is a figure of speech for someone who talks a lot and without discretion. The advice is to avoid close relationships or frequent interaction with such individuals.
In essence, the verse advises us to avoid associating with gossips because:
They are untrustworthy: They can't keep secrets, meaning they'll likely reveal your secrets as well.
They create drama and conflict: Spreading rumors leads to misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and broken relationships.
Their words can be damaging: Gossip can harm someone's reputation and cause lasting damage.
Association implies approval: By keeping company with a gossip, you indirectly endorse their behavior, and it can make you appear untrustworthy to others.
In modern terms, this proverb warns against surrounding yourself with those who engage in gossip, trash-talking, and the sharing of private information without consent. It's a caution to protect yourself, your relationships, and the reputations of others by being discerning about who you associate with.