13 A gossip goes around revealing a secret,
but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.(A)

Read full chapter

13 Whoever spreads gossip betrays secrets,
    but the trustworthy person[a] keeps a confidence.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 11:13 Lit. trustworthy in spirit

28 A contrary man spreads conflict,
and a gossip separates close friends.(A)

Read full chapter

28 A deceitful man stirs dissension,
    and anyone who gossips separates friends.

Read full chapter

Whoever conceals an offense promotes love,(A)
but whoever gossips about it separates friends.(B)

Read full chapter

Anyone who overlooks[a] an offense promotes love,
    but someone who gossips separates close friends.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 17:9 Lit. covers

A gossip’s words are like choice food
that goes down to one’s innermost being.[a](A)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 18:8 Lit to the chambers of the belly

The words of a gossip are like choice morsels
    as they descend to the innermost parts of the body.

Read full chapter

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

Read full chapter

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

Read full chapter

20 Without wood, fire goes out;
without a gossip, conflict dies down.(A)

Read full chapter

On Gossip and Backbiting

20 Without wood, the fire goes out.
    Without a gossip, contention stops.

Read full chapter

22 A gossip’s words are like choice food
that goes down to one’s innermost being.[a](A)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

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

22 The words of a gossip are like delicate morsels;
    they sink down deep within.

Read full chapter