Attributed commentary excerpt
John Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:13
A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.
Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
A talebearer revealeth secrets, etc.] The Arabic version adds, in the congregation, openly and publicly; that goes about with tales from place to place, who is like a walking merchant or peddler, as the wordf300 signifies; who takes up his wares at one place, and exposes them to sale, and vends them at another; so a talebearer, he goes from house to house, and picks up tales at one place and carries them to another and tells them; and as by his going about he gets into the secrets of persons and families, or is intrusted with them, his character not being known, he reveals them to others, and so breaks the trust committed to him (see <540513>1 Timothy 5:13). The Targum and Syriac version render it “an accuser”; and the same name is given to the devil in the New Testament, and indeed such a man is no better; but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter; that is “faithful” to his friend, that trusts him with his secrets, of which there are but few; he “conceals the matter” he is entrusted with: “the things”, as the Septuagint version; the secrets which are imparted to him; or “the word”f301 that he has heard, and has been spoken to him in privacy, and in strict friendship: or he “covers the matter”f302 or thing; he hides the infirmities of his friend and neighbour, and does not expose them as the talebearer does; (see <600408>1 Peter 4:8).
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