Proverbs 26:22

22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.

Proverbs 26:22 in Other Translations

22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

22 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.

22 Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart.

22 Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you want junk like that in your belly?

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

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 a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.

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

22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.

23 Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart.

24 Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit.

Cross References

• 1. Proverbs 18:8