Proverbs 26:22

22 A gossip's words are like choice food that goes down to one's innermost being.^{[a] [b]}

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 Without wood, fire goes out; without a gossip, conflict dies down.

21 As charcoal for embers and wood for fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.

22 A gossip's words are like choice food that goes down to one's innermost being.

23 Smooth lips with an evil heart are like glaze on an earthen vessel.

24 A hateful person disguises himself with his speech and harbors deceit within.

Footnotes

• [a] Lit to the chambers of the belly
• [b] Pr 18:8