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

PROVERBS 11:13KJV
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Proverbs 11:13 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 11:13 mean?

Proverbs 11:13 says that someone who spreads stories about others reveals things that should be kept private, but a trustworthy person keeps such matters to themselves. The verse draws a clear line between gossip and discretion, showing the value of being reliable with sensitive information.

In the book of Proverbs, these sayings are practical wisdom meant for everyday life, often directed to young people or anyone seeking to live wisely. Here, the focus is on how people handle secrets or private matters: the “talebearer” is someone who cannot be trusted, while the “faithful spirit” describes a person who protects others’ confidences. The verse highlights the importance of trustworthiness in relationships and community.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 11:13

  • רָכִיל (rakil, “talebearer”): This word refers to someone who goes around spreading stories or gossip. It’s not just casual talk, but the kind of speech that can harm reputations or relationships.
  • גָּלָה (galah, “revealeth”): This verb means to uncover or expose. It emphasizes the act of making something known that was meant to stay hidden.
  • סוֹד (sod, “secrets”): This word often means confidential or private matters, not just any information. It points to things shared in trust.
  • נֶאֱמָן (ne’eman, “faithful”): This describes someone who is reliable and trustworthy, the kind of person you can depend on to keep a confidence.
  • כָּסָה (kasah, “concealeth”): This verb means to cover or hide, but in this context, it’s about protecting someone’s privacy, not hiding wrongdoing.

Why Proverbs 11:13 matters

  • Proverbs 11:13 clears up the difference between harmful gossip and healthy discretion, showing that not every secret should be shared.
  • The verse emphasizes that trustworthiness is a key part of good character, especially in how we handle others’ private matters.
  • In the wider context of Proverbs, this verse fits into a series of sayings about honesty, integrity, and the impact of our words on community life.

Where else these words appear

“talebearer” Hebrew H7400 · used in 6 verses

  • 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.
  • Proverbs 20:19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
  • Jeremiah 9:4 Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders.

“secrets” Hebrew H5475 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 49:6 O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall.
  • Psalms 64:2 Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:
  • Proverbs 25:9 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:

“faithful” Hebrew H539 · used in 102 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • 2 Kings 10:5 And he that was over the house, and he that was over the city, the elders also, and the bringers up of the children, sent to Jehu, saying, We are thy servants, and will do all that thou shalt bid us; we will not make any king: do thou that which is good in thine eyes.
  • Psalms 106:12 Then believed they his words; they sang his praise.

“concealeth” Hebrew H3680 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 7:19 And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered.
  • Judges 4:19 And he said unto her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water to drink; for I am thirsty. And she opened a bottle of milk, and gave him drink, and covered him.
  • Proverbs 24:31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.