Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 20:19

Two sorts of people are dangerous to be conversed with:?1. Tale-bearers, though they are commonly flatterers, and by fair speeches insinuate themselves into men's acquaintance. Those are unprincipled people that go about carrying stories, that make mischief among neighbours and relations, that sow in the minds of people jealousies of their governors, of their ministers, and of one another, that reveal secrets which they are entrusted with or which by unfair means they come to the knowledge of,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 20:19

He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets ,.... Or, "he that revealeth secrets goeth about as a talebearer"; a man that has really got the secrets of others out of them respecting themselves and families, and the affairs of them, or however pretends he master of them; goes about telling his tales from house to house, to the great prejudice of those whose secrets he is entrusted with, or pretends to be; and to the great prejudice of those to whom he tells them, as well as to his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 20:12-19

Religion, industry, prudence, and honesty I. GOD THE SOURCE OF ALL GOOD . 1 . Of all bodily good. The eye, the ear, with all their wondrous mechanism, with all their rich instrumentality of enjoyment, are from him. 2 . Of all spiritual faculty and endowment, the analogues of the former, and "every good and perfect gift" ( James 1:16 ). The new heart, the right mind, should, above all, be recognized as his gifts. 3 . In domestic and in public life. Good counsels of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 20:19

He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets. Almost the same proverb occurs in Proverbs 11:13 , The gadding gossiper is sure to let out any secret entrusted to him; therefore, it is implied, be careful in what you say to him. Meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips; rather, that openeth wide his lips— that cannot keep his mouth shut, a babbler, as Proverbs 13:3 (where see note). The Vulgate erroneously makes one sentence of the verse, "With him who reveals... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 20:1-30

Honesty (20:1-30)Wise people will not become drunkards, will not needlessly anger those in authority, will avoid quarrelling and will work to support themselves (20:1-4). They will also have the ability to draw out the deepest feelings and intentions of those with whom they deal (5). Many people boast of their loyalty but few practise it. To live honestly is the best way to guarantee a good future for one’s children (6-7). A king learns by experience to discern between right and wrong in cases... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 20:19

meddle = mingle, mix thyself up. Not the same word as in Proverbs 20:3 . lips. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause) for the flattery spoken by them. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 20:19

"He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets; Therefore company not with him that openeth wide his lips."Similar proverbs are Proverbs 11:13 and Proverbs 18:8. See comments there. The meaning here is simple enough. "The talebearer will not keep confidences, so do not associate with him."[14] read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Proverbs 20:19

19. Those who love to tell news will hardly keep secrets. flattereth . . . lips—(compare Margin; :-). meddle . . . him—literally, "join," or "associate with." read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 20:1-30

1. Raging] RV ’a brawler.’ Is deceived] RM ’reeleth.’ It makes a man sneer, quarrel and reel about. 2. Fear] the ’terror’ which he causes. Soul] RV ’life.’4. Read, ’In the autumn.. therefore when he seeketh,’ etc.: the first season begins about October, the second about April. 5. A clever cross-questioner elicits one’s plans. 8. Scattereth away] RM ’winnoweth’ (1 Kings 3:28).9. ’What mortal when he saw,Life’s voyage done, his heavenly Friend,Could ever yet dare tell Him fearlessly:“I have kept... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Proverbs 20:19

(19) Flattereth with his lips.—Rather, is open with his lips, cannot keep them shut. read more

Group of Brands