Proverbs 20:19 - Meaning and Application

Two kinds of people are dangerous to spend time with.

The first are tale-bearers. They may seem friendly, and they often win trust with smooth talk and flattering words. But they are careless and untrustworthy people who go around spreading stories, stirring up trouble between neighbors and relatives, and planting doubts in people’s minds about their leaders, their ministers, and one another. They also reveal secrets that were given to them in trust, or that they found out by unfair means. Sometimes they even pretend to understand other people’s thoughts and intentions, then report things that are simply false. Do not become close to people like this. Do not even give them an eager hearing when they bring you tales and secrets, because they will likely betray your secrets too and spread stories about you.

The second are flatterers, because they are often tale-bearers as well. If a person flatters you, praises you, and speaks well of you in an overdone way, be suspicious and watch yourself. He may be trying to get something from you, or to collect something that he can repeat to others for your harm. So do not get too close to the person who flatters with his lips. People who love praise too much, and pay too high a price for it, are easily fooled when they trust someone with a secret or an important task just because that person flatters them.