Proverbs 25:9

Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself; and discover not a secret to another:
– Proverbs 25:9

Verse 9 continues from verse 8, which warned against being hasty to confront or accuse your neighbor. Wisdom here teaches to keep the controversy as private as possible, which principle Jesus taught in Matthew 18:15-17. The word for debate means to strive, or contend. It refers to taking up a cause or complaint with another. The word for discover means to expose. The point wisdom is teaching is to go directly to the person involved and not enter into the gossip of telling another about the matter (Proverbs 11:13; 20:19).

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