Proverbs 26:22
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.
Berean Standard Bible
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 charcoal for embers and wood for fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
23Like glaze covering an earthen vessel are burning lips and a wicked heart.
Cross References
Proverbs 18:8The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.
Ezekiel 22:9Among you are slanderous men bent on bloodshed; within you are those who eat on the mountain shrines and commit acts of indecency.
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 →