19 The one who reveals secrets is a constant gossip;(A)
avoid someone with a big mouth.(B)

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19 A gossip betrays a confidence;(A)
    so avoid anyone who talks too much.

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Make your case with your opponent
without revealing another’s secret;(A)
10 otherwise, the one who hears will disgrace you,
and you’ll never live it down.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. 25:10 Lit and your evil report will not turn back

If you take your neighbor to court,
    do not betray another’s confidence,
10 or the one who hears it may shame you
    and the charge against you will stand.

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23 The north wind produces rain,
and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.

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23 Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain
    is a sly tongue—which provokes a horrified look.

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20 Without wood, fire goes out;
without a gossip, conflict dies down.(A)
21 As charcoal for embers and wood for fire,
so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.(B)
22 A gossip’s words are like choice food
that goes down to one’s innermost being.[a](C)

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Footnotes

  1. 26:22 Lit to the chambers of the belly

20 Without wood a fire goes out;
    without a gossip a quarrel dies down.(A)
21 As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire,
    so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.(B)
22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
    they go down to the inmost parts.(C)

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28 A lying tongue hates those it crushes,
and a flattering mouth causes ruin.

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28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts,
    and a flattering mouth(A) works ruin.

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