Proverbs 26:22
The words of a tale-bearer [are] as self-inflicted wounds, || And they have gone down [to] the inner parts of the heart.
Literal Standard Version
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
21Coal to burning coals, and wood to fire, || And a man of contentions to kindle strife.
23Silver of dross spread over potsherd, || [Are] burning lips and an evil heart.
Cross References
Proverbs 18:8The words of a tale-bearer [are] as self-inflicted wounds, || And they have gone down [to] the inner parts of the heart.
Ezekiel 22:9Men of slander have been in you to shed blood, || And they have eaten on the mountains in you, || They have done wickedness in your midst.
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 →