Proverbs 26:22
The words of one who says evil of his neighbour secretly are like sweet food, they go down into the inner parts of the stomach.
Bible in Basic English
In The King James Version
The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
In Context
21Like breath on coals and wood on fire, so a man given to argument gets a fight started.
23Smooth lips and an evil heart are like a vessel of earth plated with silver waste.
Cross References
Proverbs 18:8The words of one who says evil of his neighbour secretly are like sweet food, and go down into the inner parts of the stomach.
Ezekiel 22:9In you there are men who say evil of others, causing death; in you they have taken the flesh with the blood for food; in your streets they have put evil designs into effect.
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 26:21-23
20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. 21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. 22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. Contention is as a fire; it heats the spirit, burns up all that is good, and puts families and societies into a flame. Now here we are told how that fire is commonly kindled and kept burning, that we may avoid the occasions… Read the whole commentary →