Proverbs 11:13One who brings gossip betrays a confidence, but one who is of a trustworthy spirit is one who keeps a secret.
The setting
Ancient Israel, ~950 BC. The royal court where secrets could topple kingdoms and loose lips meant death. Modern Israel.
The emotion here: wise warning from hard experience
The original word
rakil (רָכִיל) — literally 'foot traffic', someone who walks around spreading news
Why it matters
In Solomon's court, revealing state secrets was punishable by death
Read with care
What most readers miss in Proverbs 11:13
This isn't about casual chatter — it's about betraying sacred trust
Common misconceptionPeople think this is just about not spreading rumors, but it's about being the kind of person others can entrust with their deepest struggles — becoming a safe harbor for broken hearts.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Proverbs 11:13
Bible Genome reading
Proverbs 11:13 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Proverbs 11:13 comes from the book of Proverbs, written during the United Kingdom period. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 50% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the wisdom genre of biblical literature. Key themes include trustworthiness, confidentiality. Notable phrases: gossip betrays; keeps secret.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same deciding
“"You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Deuteronomy 5:7
“"You shall not murder.”
— Exodus 20:13
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
“But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"”
— Acts 3:6
Your reflection
What does Proverbs 11:13 mean to you, today?
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