He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

PROVERBS 20:19KJV
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Proverbs 20:19 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 20:19 mean?

Proverbs 20:19 describes a person whose flattering speech cannot be trusted with private information. The verse connects the harm done by a talebearer, who exposes secrets, with a warning not to associate with someone who flatters with the lips.

The picture is of someone who moves from place to place carrying other people’s private words. The second half shifts attention to that person’s own speech: pleasant words can accompany a habit of revealing what was meant to stay private.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 20:19

  • “talebearer” — רָכִיל (rakhil): This word refers to someone who goes about spreading reports. It suggests a person who carries information between people, rather than someone who speaks only once.
  • “flattereth” — פָּתָה (patah): This word can carry the sense of enticing or persuading. In the KJV’s phrase “flattereth with his lips,” it points to appealing speech as a means of drawing someone in.

Why Proverbs 20:19 matters

  • The verse treats a secret as something that can be exposed by speech. “Revealeth secrets” shows that the harm lies in making private information known.
  • The warning concerns association as well as words. “Meddle not with him” uses older English for avoiding involvement with the person described.
  • The two halves belong together. The word “therefore” makes the warning about flattering speech follow from the description of a talebearer.

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 11:13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
  • 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:

“meddle” Hebrew H6148 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 43:9 I will be surety for him; of my hand shalt thou require him: if I bring him not unto thee, and set him before thee, then let me bear the blame for ever:
  • Psalms 119:122 Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.
  • Proverbs 24:21 My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:

“flattereth” Hebrew H6601 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 9:27 God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant.
  • 1 Kings 22:22 And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so.
  • Proverbs 1:10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.