What is the meaning of Proverbs 20:19? He who reveals secrets – The verse opens by identifying a person who cannot keep confidential matters to himself. – Scripture consistently portrays secret-spilling as a breach of trust (Proverbs 11:13, “A gossip reveals secrets, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence,”). – Situations this covers: • private counsel shared in friendship • sensitive family matters • information disclosed in ministry settings – Breaking confidences dishonors both the one exposed and the listener; it also offends God, who calls His people to faithfulness in word and deed (Psalm 15:1-3). is a constant gossip – “Constant” shows a settled character trait, not a one-time slip. – Habitual gossip stirs division and fuels suspicion (Proverbs 16:28; Proverbs 26:20-22). – Gossip is sin because it: • assassins reputations without due process (James 4:11) • delights in what should shame us (Romans 1:29-30) • corrupts the speaker, hearer, and absentee victim (Ephesians 4:31). – Left unchecked, it spreads “like a scandalizing fire” (James 3:5-6). avoid the one – God’s counsel is simple: distance yourself. – Association shapes character (1 Corinthians 15:33, “Bad company corrupts good character,”). – Practical obedience: • decline the invitation to listen • change the subject politely • limit close fellowship if the pattern persists – This is not unkindness; it is wisdom that guards hearts and relationships (Proverbs 13:20). who babbles with his lips – “Babbles” pictures uncontrolled, careless talk: words flow faster than thought. – Scripture warns that “When words are many, sin is unavoidable” (Proverbs 10:19). – Traits of babbling speech: • hasty opinions (Proverbs 29:20) • half-truths and exaggerations (Ephesians 4:25) • empty chatter that distracts from godliness (2 Timothy 2:16). – Christians are called to speak what is “good for building up” (Ephesians 4:29) and will answer for “every careless word” (Matthew 12:36). summary Proverbs 20:19 exposes gossip as a persistent, character-revealing sin and instructs believers to keep a safe distance from those who indulge in it. Confidentiality honors both neighbor and God; gossip violates that honor, poisons community, and invites judgment. Wisdom listens to the warning, guards the tongue, and surrounds itself with companions committed to truthful, edifying speech. |
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