Online Resource Library
Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadMatthew Poole Commentary - Proverbs 20:19 - 20:19
(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)
This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
He that goeth about as a tale-bearer revealeth secrets; he that delighteth in and accustometh himself to the practice of spreading tales or evil reports, will not forbear to publish the greatest secrets which are committed to his trust. Or, as others render it, and as the words lie in the Hebrew text,
He that revealeth secrets, ( contrary to his promise or the trust reposed in him, you may by that token be assured that,)
he doth and will go about as a tale-bearer. He who divulgeth secrets cannot or will not forbear to publish other things, and so is not fit to be trusted with any thing.
Therefore, to prevent that mischief Heb. and. So the following sentence is not inferred from the former, but only added to it.
Meddle not with him, avoid frequent and familiar society and conversation with him, that flattereth with his lips; by which artifice he seeks to gain thy affections, and to fish out all thy secrets, which he may impart to others, whom he may oblige hereby, and so render his company more acceptable.