13 (A)A talebearer reveals secrets,
But he who is of a faithful spirit (B)conceals a matter.

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

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28 A perverse man sows strife,
And (A)a whisperer separates the best of friends.

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

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(A)He who covers a transgression seeks love,
But (B)he who repeats a matter separates friends.

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

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(A)The words of a [a]talebearer are like [b]tasty trifles,
And they go down into the [c]inmost body.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 18:8 gossip or slanderer
  2. Proverbs 18:8 A Jewish tradition wounds
  3. Proverbs 18:8 Lit. rooms of the belly

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

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Footnotes

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

19 (A)He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets;
Therefore do not associate with one (B)who flatters with his lips.

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

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20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out;
And where there is no [a]talebearer, strife ceases.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 26:20 gossip or slanderer, lit. whisperer

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

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22 The words of a [a]talebearer are like [b]tasty trifles,
And they go down into the [c]inmost body.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 26:22 gossip or slanderer
  2. Proverbs 26:22 A Jewish tradition wounds
  3. Proverbs 26:22 Lit. rooms of the belly

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

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Footnotes

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