Proverbs 26:22

22 A slanderer's words are tasty morsels; they slide right down into the belly.

Proverbs 26:22 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 26:22

The words of a talebearer [are] as wounds, and they go down
into the innermost parts of the belly.
] These expressions are the same with those in ( Proverbs 18:8 ) ; and are here repeated, as being found along with others by the men of Hezekiah, ( Proverbs 25:1 ) ; as some others likewise are; and also because of the importance of them; and to impress the minds of men with a sense of the evil of such a practice, that they may shun it, and avoid those that are given to it. (See Gill on Proverbs 18:8).

Proverbs 26:22 In-Context

20 If there's no wood, the fire goes out; if nobody gossips, contention stops.

21 As coals are to embers and wood to fire is a quarrelsome person to kindling strife.

22 A slanderer's words are tasty morsels; they slide right down into the belly.

23 Like silver slag overlaid on a clay pot are lips that burn [with friendship] over a hating heart.

24 He who hates may hide it with his speech; but inside, he harbors deceit.