Proverbs 20:19

He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
– Proverbs 20:19

The word for talebearer means slanderer, or informer. The word for secrets means counsels, or closed deliberations. The talebearer uncovers such things that should be kept private. Sometimes the talebearer’s work is malicious and sometimes merely careless. Regardless, the work of talebearers does damage (Proverbs 18:8; 26:20-22). The word for flattereth means to open. This describes a person who is overly talkative, tells all they know, etc. Because they have no control over their mouth, they disclose private news to a public audience. The word for meddle means to braid, or intermix. Wisdom teaches to avoid such a person who is not trustworthy (Proverbs 20:16).

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