People who gossip betray trust, but those who can keep a secret are truly reliable. The Hebrew word for gossip here is rakil, which means someone who goes around spreading stories, often with the intent to harm. This verse pushes back on the idea that sharing someone else’s story is harmless or entertaining. It claims that trust is built or broken on what we choose to share—or keep to ourselves.

In a world where privacy is hard to come by and rumors spread fast, this proverb is a challenge to be the kind of person others can count on. For anyone who’s ever been burned by a friend or coworker sharing too much, it’s a reminder that real loyalty is shown in the little things, like keeping a confidence. If you want to be trusted, start by being trustworthy with other people’s stories.