He that goeth about [as] a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
Ver. 9. He that goeth about as a talebearer.] Therefore make not such of thy counsel: for if they can give counsel, yet they can keep none. See Trapp on " Pro 11:13 "
Therefore meddle not with him that flattereth.] Tale carriers and flatterers are neither of them fit counsellors. These will say as you say, be it right or wrong; those will tell abroad all that you say, and more too, to do you a mischief. The good Emperor Aurelius was even bought and sold by such evil counsellors; and Augustus complained when Varus was dead, that he had none now left that would deal plainly and faithfully with him.