Albert Barnes Commentary Proverbs 25:9

"Debate thy cause with thy neighbor [himself], And disclose not the secret of another;" — Proverbs 25:9 (ASV)

An anticipation of the highest standard of ethical refinement (Matthew 18:15), but with a difference. Here the motive is prudential, the risk of shame, the fear of the irretrievable infamy of the betrayer of secrets. In the teaching of Christ the precept rests upon the divine authority and the perfect example.