Proverbs 20:19
A gossip betrays a confidence;
so avoid anyone who talks too much.
Be a realist when it comes to confiding in certain people. The proverb does not advise that we be careful how we tell something confidential to a babbler. We are not given tips on how to assure that the babbler will not reveal our secrets. We are simply to stay away from him. We are to keep our secrets to ourselves when in his presence.
The motive of the babbler is irrelevant. He may want to hurt you or even think he is helping you. The result is the same. Information that should not have been passed on was and will cause hurt. Do not try to reform the babbler by entrusting him with private information; don’t try to come up with ways to make him keep your confidence. Keep silent.
You will find this simple counsel very helpful in the workplace, home, church, and other areas where there is a web of relationships. You cannot control what others say, but you can control what you say. You can also control avoiding situations that lead to compromise. If you are in a room where gossip is being spoken, excuse yourself and leave the room. Again, focus on what you can control and avoid what you cannot.
Psalm 11
In the Lord I take refuge.
How then can you say to me:
“Flee like a bird to your mountain.
2 For look, the wicked bend their bows;
they set their arrows against the strings
to shoot from the shadows
at the upright in heart.
3 When the foundations are being destroyed,
what can the righteous do?”4 The Lord is in his holy temple;
the Lord is on his heavenly throne.
He observes everyone on earth;
his eyes examine them.
5 The Lord examines the righteous,
but the wicked, those who love violence,
he hates with a passion.
6 On the wicked he will rain
fiery coals and burning sulfur;
a scorching wind will be their lot.7 For the Lord is righteous,
he loves justice;
the upright will see his face.