Proverbs 26:22
The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, they go down into the innermost parts.
World English Bible British
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 coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindling strife.
23Like silver dross on an earthen vessel are the lips of a fervent one with an evil heart.
Cross References
Proverbs 18:8The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels: they go down into a person’s innermost parts.
Ezekiel 22:9Slanderous men have been in you to shed blood. In you they have eaten on the mountains. They have committed lewdness amongst you.
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 →