Proverbs 26:22
The words of a talebearer are like dainties; For they go down to the innermost parts of the body.
Noyes 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
21As coal is for heat, and as wood for fire, So is a contentious man for kindling strife.
23As drossy silver spread over an earthen vessel, So are warm lips and an evil heart.
Cross References
Proverbs 18:8The words of a talebearer are like sweet morsels; For they go down to the innermost parts of the body.
Ezekiel 22:9In thee are men who carry tales, that they may shed blood; in thee do they eat upon the mountains; in the midst of thee do they commit lewdness.
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 →