Matthew Poole and continuators on Proverbs 20:19

19 He that goeth about as a tale-bearer, revealeth secrets , therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips .

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.

To prevent that mischief. Heb. and. So the following Sentence is not inferred from the former, but onely added to it.

Avoid frequent and familiar society and conversation with him.

By which artifice he seeks to gain thy affections, and so to fish out all thy secrets, which he may impart to others whom he may oblige hereby, and so render his company more acceptable.

Marginal references: Ch. 11. 13.; Or, inticeth.