KJV ORIGINAL
Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Otherwise, whoever hears about it will bring shame on you, and your bad reputation will never go away.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse warns that sharing someone else's secrets can backfire and permanently damage your own reputation when others find out.
📚 Historical Context
This verse is part of King Solomon's proverbs, likely compiled during his reign around 970-930 BC. In ancient Israel's close-knit community culture, reputation and honor were extremely valuable, and gossip or betraying confidences could have serious social consequences. The wisdom literature of this time emphasized practical guidance for maintaining relationships and social standing.
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