Proverbs 11:13

13 A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.

Proverbs 11:13 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
English Standard Version (ESV)
13 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.
New Living Translation (NLT)
13 A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.
The Message Bible (MSG)
13 A gadabout gossip can't be trusted with a secret, but someone of integrity won't violate a confidence.
American Standard Version (ASV)
13 He that goeth about as a tale-bearer revealeth secrets; But he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth a matter.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
13 Whoever gossips gives away secrets, but whoever is trustworthy in spirit can keep a secret.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
13 A gossip goes around revealing a secret, but the trustworthy keeps a confidence.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
13 Those who talk about others tell secrets. But those who can be trusted keep things to themselves.

Proverbs 11:13 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 11:13

A talebearer revealeth secrets
The Arabic version adds, in the congregation, openly and publicly; that goes about with tales from place to place, who is like a walking merchant or peddler, as the word F12 signifies; who takes up his wares at one place, and exposes them to sale, and vends them at another; so a talebearer, he goes from house to house, and picks up tales at one place and carries them to another and tells them; and as by his going about he gets into the secrets of persons and families, or is intrusted with them, his character not being known, he reveals them to others, and so breaks the trust committed to him see ( 1 Timothy 5:13 ) . The Targum and Syriac version render it "an accuser"; and the same name is given to the devil in the New Testament, and indeed such a man is no better; but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter;
that is "faithful" to his friend, that trusts him with his secrets, of which there are but few; he "conceals the matter" he is entrusted with: "the things", as the Septuagint version; the secrets which are imparted to him; or "the word" F13 that he has heard, and has been spoken to him in privacy, and in strict friendship: or he "covers the matter" F14 or thing; he hides the infirmities of his friend and neighbour, and does not expose them as the talebearer does; see ( 1 Peter 4:8 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F12 (lykr Klwh) "obambulat ut mercator", Tigurine version; "qui incedit nundinator", Schultens.
F13 (rbd) "verbum", Pagninus, Montanus, Mercerus, Baynus.
F14 (rbd hokm) "tegit rem", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator; "velat negotium", Schultens.

Proverbs 11:13 In-Context

11 Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.
12 Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.
13 A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
14 For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.
15 Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe.

Cross References 2

  • 1. Leviticus 19:16; Proverbs 20:19; 1 Timothy 5:13
  • 2. S Proverbs 10:14
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