19 Whoever (A)goes about slandering reveals secrets;
    therefore do not associate with (B)a simple babbler.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 20:19 Hebrew with one who is simple in his lips

19 Whoever spreads gossip betrays confidences;
    so don’t get involved with someone who talks too much.

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(A)Argue your case with your neighbor himself,
    and do not reveal another's secret,
10 lest he who hears you bring shame upon you,
    and your ill repute have no end.

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Instead, take up the matter with your neighbor,
    and don’t betray another person’s confidence.
10 Otherwise, anyone who hears will make you ashamed,
    and your bad reputation will never leave you.

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

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23 The north wind brings rain,
    and a backbiting tongue an angry look.

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20 For lack of wood the fire goes out,
    and where there is no (A)whisperer, (B)quarreling ceases.
21 As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire,
    so is (C)a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
22 (D)The words of (E)a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
    they go down into the inner parts of the body.

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On Gossip and Backbiting

20 Without wood, the fire goes out.
    Without a gossip, contention stops.
21 Charcoal is to hot coals
    as wood is to fire;
        so also a quarrelsome man fuels strife.
22 The words of a gossip are like delicate morsels;
    they sink down deep within.

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28 A lying tongue hates its victims,
    and a flattering mouth works ruin.

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28 A lying tongue hates its victims,
    and a flattering mouth causes ruin.

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