This verse cautions against the damage caused by gossip and advises us to keep company with those who uphold integrity and respect for others.
When King Solomon writes that “He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with a gossip” (v.19), he pinpoints the destructive power of idle talk that can shatter relationships and sow discord. King Solomon reigned from around 970 to 931 BC, and his proverbs frequently caution against sins of the tongue, demonstrating that careless words can inflict significant damage on one’s reputation and trustworthiness. By warning his readers about the harm caused when someone “reveals secrets,” Solomon emphasizes the importance of confidentiality and the necessity of safeguarding another person’s private matters.
In this proverb, the slanderer erodes safe boundaries by spreading rumors or distorting another person’s words, often in pursuit of attention or influence. Such behavior can easily harm the people involved and prevent genuine fellowship among neighbors and friends. The second half of the verse, “Therefore do not associate with a gossip” (v.19), urges believers to maintain healthy connections by avoiding relationships that thrive on tearing others down. Like many other portions of scripture (Romans 1:29), this text underscores that slander and gossip are an affront to God’s desire for mutual respect and love within a community.
Do not be misled: associating with a gossip puts one at risk of complicity in spreading the very secrets that should remain sealed. Such alliances erode character and leave a trail of broken trust. It is no wonder this proverb provides an active strategy for avoiding needless conflict: we are to remove ourselves from the sphere of the slanderer and protect not only our own reputation but also the peace of those around us.
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Proverbs 20:19 meaning
When King Solomon writes that “He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with a gossip” (v.19), he pinpoints the destructive power of idle talk that can shatter relationships and sow discord. King Solomon reigned from around 970 to 931 BC, and his proverbs frequently caution against sins of the tongue, demonstrating that careless words can inflict significant damage on one’s reputation and trustworthiness. By warning his readers about the harm caused when someone “reveals secrets,” Solomon emphasizes the importance of confidentiality and the necessity of safeguarding another person’s private matters.
In this proverb, the slanderer erodes safe boundaries by spreading rumors or distorting another person’s words, often in pursuit of attention or influence. Such behavior can easily harm the people involved and prevent genuine fellowship among neighbors and friends. The second half of the verse, “Therefore do not associate with a gossip” (v.19), urges believers to maintain healthy connections by avoiding relationships that thrive on tearing others down. Like many other portions of scripture (Romans 1:29), this text underscores that slander and gossip are an affront to God’s desire for mutual respect and love within a community.
Do not be misled: associating with a gossip puts one at risk of complicity in spreading the very secrets that should remain sealed. Such alliances erode character and leave a trail of broken trust. It is no wonder this proverb provides an active strategy for avoiding needless conflict: we are to remove ourselves from the sphere of the slanderer and protect not only our own reputation but also the peace of those around us.