Proverbs 26:22
The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
King James Version
In Context
21As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
23Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.
Cross References
Proverbs 18:8The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Ezekiel 22:9In thee are men that carry tales to shed blood: and in thee they eat upon the mountains: in the midst of thee 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 →