November 6, 2026

Business by the Book

Proverbs 20:19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

One of the stated reasons for the book of Proverbs is, To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. (Proverbs 1:4)  Every business person must learn the art of subtilty and discretion. Subtilty is one of those acquired skills that serves a dual purpose to those who understand it. One purpose is to allow the person who knows how to use it to benefit from its use. The second purpose in understanding subtilty is to recognize it when someone else is using it, or rather misusing it. Subtilty is a two-sided sword; one side brings with it appropriate communication skills, the other side brings with it trouble, treachery and even bold-faced deceit.

Today’s verse serves to give the reader an understanding of the misuse of subtilty. Talebearers seeking to spread secrets that should be safeguarded and meddlers who go about flattering with their lips will cause any work environment disruption, disturbance, disorder, and bring about many distractions.

Wise business people do well to sidestep talebearers and flatterers. Business is tough enough without the unneeded hindrances of subtle troublemakers.

Dr. William Howe