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Proverbs 11:13
A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

Proverbs 18:8
The words of a talebearerare as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

Proverbs 26:20-22
Where no wood is,there the fire goeth out: so wherethere is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth…

meddle

Proverbs 24:21
My son, fear thou the LORD and the king:and meddle not with them that are given to change:

flattereth

Proverbs 16:29
A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the waythat is not good.

Romans 16:18
For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

is a constant gossip;
Gossip is frequently addressed in the Bible as a destructive behavior. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, gossip could lead to social discord and damage reputations, which were highly valued. The term "constant" suggests habitual behavior, indicating a lack of self-control, which is contrary to the fruit of the Spirit mentioned inGalatians 5:22-23. Gossip is also seen as a sin that can separate close friends, as noted inProverbs 16:28.

avoid the one who babbles with his lips.
This advice is a practical application of wisdom literature, emphasizing the importance of choosing one's associations carefully. The term "babbles" implies speaking without thought or purpose, which can lead to misunderstandings and conflict. In the New Testament,James 3:5-6 warns about the power of the tongue to cause great harm. The call to avoid such individuals is a protective measure, encouraging believers to seek relationships that promote edification and peace, reflecting the character of Christ, who is the embodiment of wisdom and truth.

– The verse opens by identifying a person who cannot keep confidential matters to himself.

– Scripture consistently portrays secret-spilling as a breach of trust (Proverbs 11:13, “A gossip reveals secrets, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence,”).

– Situations this covers:

• private counsel shared in friendship

• sensitive family matters

• information disclosed in ministry settings

– Breaking confidences dishonors both the one exposed and the listener; it also offends God, who calls His people to faithfulness in word and deed (Psalm 15:1-3).

– “Constant” shows a settled character trait, not a one-time slip.

– Habitual gossip stirs division and fuels suspicion (Proverbs 16:28;Proverbs 26:20-22).

– Gossip is sin because it:

• assassins reputations without due process (James 4:11)

• delights in what should shame us (Romans 1:29-30)

• corrupts the speaker, hearer, and absentee victim (Ephesians 4:31).

– Left unchecked, it spreads “like a scandalizing fire” (James 3:5-6).

– God’s counsel is simple: distance yourself.

– Association shapes character (1 Corinthians 15:33, “Bad company corrupts good character,”).

– Practical obedience:

• decline the invitation to listen

• change the subject politely

• limit close fellowship if the pattern persists

– This is not unkindness; it is wisdom that guards hearts and relationships (Proverbs 13:20).

– “Babbles” pictures uncontrolled, careless talk: words flow faster than thought.

– Scripture warns that “When words are many, sin is unavoidable” (Proverbs 10:19).

– Traits of babbling speech:

• hasty opinions (Proverbs 29:20)

• half-truths and exaggerations (Ephesians 4:25)

• empty chatter that distracts from godliness (2 Timothy 2:16).

– Christians are called to speak what is “good for building up” (Ephesians 4:29) and will answer for “every careless word” (Matthew 12:36).

Proverbs 20:19 exposes gossip as a persistent, character-revealing sin and instructs believers to keep a safe distance from those who indulge in it. Confidentiality honors both neighbor and God; gossip violates that honor, poisons community, and invites judgment. Wisdom listens to the warning, guards the tongue, and surrounds itself with companions committed to truthful, edifying speech.