Proverbs 16:28
Proverbs 16:28 in Multiple Translations
A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends.
A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
A perverse man scattereth abroad strife; And a whisperer separateth chief friends.
A man of twisted purposes is a cause of fighting everywhere: and he who says evil secretly makes trouble between friends.
Quarrelsome people cause conflict, and a gossip comes between the closest friends.
A frowarde person soweth strife: and a tale teller maketh diuision among princes.
A froward man sendeth forth contention, A tale-bearer is separating a familiar friend.
A perverse man stirs up strife. A whisperer separates close friends.
A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
A perverse man stirreth up quarrels: and one full of words separateth princes.
Deceitful people cause strife/quarreling among other people; those who say false things about other people cause people who are friends to become enemies.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 16:28
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 16:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִ֣ישׁ
תַּ֭הְפֻּכוֹת
יְשַׁלַּ֣ח
מָד֑וֹן
וְ֝/נִרְגָּ֗
מַפְרִ֥יד
אַלּֽוּף
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
תַּ֭הְפֻּכוֹת
tahpukâh
H8419
perversity
N-fp
יְשַׁלַּ֣ח
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
מָד֑וֹן
mâdôwn
H4066
strife
N-ms
וְ֝/נִרְגָּ֗
nirgân
H5372
whisperer
Conj | V-Niphal
מַפְרִ֥יד
pârad
H6504
to separate
V-Hiphil
אַלּֽוּף
ʼallûwph
H441
tame
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 16:28
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
תַּ֭הְפֻּכוֹת
tahpukâh
H8419
"perversity"
N-fp
This word means being stubborn or disobedient, often in a harmful way. It describes actions that go against God's will, like in Deuteronomy where it warns against turning away from God. In Proverbs, it talks about the dangers of a perverse heart.
Definition: perversity, perverse thing
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: (very) froward(-ness, thing), perverse thing. See also: Deuteronomy 32:20; Proverbs 10:31; Proverbs 2:12.
יְשַׁלַּ֣ח
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
מָד֑וֹן
mâdôwn
H4066
"strife"
N-ms
This word signifies strife or contention, describing a state of conflict or argument, as seen in KJV translations like brawling or discord. It is often used to describe disagreements or quarrels between people.
Definition: 1) strife, contention 1a) strife, contention 1b) object of contention
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: brawling, contention(-ous), discord, strife. Compare H4079 (מִדְיָן), H4090 (מְדָן). See also: Psalms 80:7; Proverbs 23:29; Proverbs 6:14.
וְ֝/נִרְגָּ֗
nirgân
H5372
"whisperer"
Conj | V-Niphal
A whisperer or slanderer is someone who murmurs or backbites, spreading rumors and gossip, as seen in the Bible's warnings against talebearers.
Definition: 1) to murmur, whisper 1a) murmurers 1b) backbite, slander, talebearer, backbiter
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: talebearer, whisperer. See also: Proverbs 16:28; Proverbs 26:20; Proverbs 18:8.
מַפְרִ֥יד
pârad
H6504
"to separate"
V-Hiphil
To separate or divide, as seen in Exodus when God parted the Red Sea. It can also mean to scatter or disperse, like when the Israelites were sent out of Egypt. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to separate, divide 1a) (Qal) to divide 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to divide, separate 1b2) to be divided, be separated 1c) (Piel) to be separated 1d) (Pual) to be divided 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to divide, separate 1e2) to make a division, make a separation 1f) (Hithpael) to be divided, be separated, get separated Aramaic equivalent: be.dar (בְּדַר "to scatter" H0921)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: disperse, divide, be out of joint, part, scatter (abroad), separate (self), sever self, stretch, sunder. See also: Genesis 2:10; Nehemiah 4:13; Psalms 22:15.
אַלּֽוּף
ʼallûwph
H441
"tame"
Adj
A chief or leader is referred to as 'alluwph' in Hebrew. The word can also mean friend or governor. It describes someone in a position of authority or guidance.
Definition: 1) tame, docile 2) friend, intimate
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: captain, duke, (chief) friend, governor, guide, ox. See also: Genesis 36:15; 1 Chronicles 1:52; Psalms 55:14.
Study Notes — Proverbs 16:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 16:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 16:28
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 16:28
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:28
- Sermons on Proverbs 16:28
Context — The Reply of the Tongue Is from the LORD
26A worker’s appetite works for him because his hunger drives him onward.
27A worthless man digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.
28A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends.
29A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good. 30He who winks his eye devises perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 17:9 | Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but he who brings it up separates friends. |
| 2 | Proverbs 18:8 | The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being. |
| 3 | Proverbs 15:18 | A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms dispute. |
| 4 | Romans 1:29 | They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, |
| 5 | James 3:14–16 | But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. |
| 6 | Proverbs 6:14 | With deceit in his heart he devises evil; he continually sows discord. |
| 7 | Genesis 3:1–13 | Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’” The woman answered the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden, but about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You must not eat of it or touch it, or you will die.’” “You will not surely die,” the serpent told her. “For God knows that in the day you eat of it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom, she took the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate it. And the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; so they sewed together fig leaves and made coverings for themselves. Then the man and his wife heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the breeze of the day, and they hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called out to the man, “Where are you?” “I heard Your voice in the garden,” he replied, “and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.” “Who told you that you were naked?” asked the LORD God. “Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” And the man answered, “The woman whom You gave me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” “The serpent deceived me,” she replied, “and I ate.” |
| 8 | Proverbs 6:19 | a false witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up discord among brothers. |
| 9 | 1 Timothy 6:3–5 | If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and semantics, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain. |
| 10 | Proverbs 30:33 | For as the churning of milk yields butter, and the twisting of the nose draws blood, so the stirring of anger brings forth strife.” |
Proverbs 16:28 Summary
This verse warns us about the dangers of being a troublemaker or a gossip. When we spread rumors or lies, we can hurt people and damage relationships, just like it says in Proverbs 16:28. To live in a way that honors God, we should strive to speak the truth and promote love and unity, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:15 and Psalm 133:1. By being mindful of our words and actions, we can build strong, healthy relationships and avoid causing harm to those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a perverse man in Proverbs 16:28?
A perverse man is someone who intentionally causes trouble and strife, often by spreading dissension and gossip, as seen in Proverbs 16:28, and this kind of behavior is also warned against in Proverbs 6:14 and Proverbs 10:32.
How does gossip divide close friends according to this verse?
Gossip divides close friends by creating suspicion, mistrust, and hurt feelings, which can lead to the breakdown of relationships, as also seen in Proverbs 17:9 and Proverbs 22:10.
What is the difference between a perverse man and a gossip in this verse?
While a perverse man spreads dissension, a gossip specifically divides close friends, suggesting that gossip is a more personal and relational form of harmful speech, as also warned against in Leviticus 19:16 and Romans 1:29-30.
How can I avoid being a perverse man or a gossip according to this verse?
To avoid being a perverse man or a gossip, we should strive to speak the truth in love, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:15 and Ephesians 4:25, and to promote unity and harmony in our relationships, as seen in Psalm 133:1 and Proverbs 12:18.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways have I contributed to dissension or division in my relationships, and how can I make amends?
- What are some common topics or themes that can lead to gossip or dissension, and how can I avoid them?
- How can I cultivate a heart of love and kindness, rather than a heart of perversion or gossip, in my interactions with others?
- What are some biblical principles or verses that can guide my speech and behavior in relationships, such as Proverbs 10:32 or Colossians 4:6?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:28
A froward man soweth strife,.... Or "a man of perversenesses" (q); in whose heart is frowardness and perverseness; and whose mouth speaketh froward and perverse things, contrary to reason, law, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:28
A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. A froward man soweth (Hebrew, sendeth in) strife; and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:28
A froward man; or, perverse man, who perverteth his words and ways; who pleaseth not God, and is contrary to men, as was said of the Jews, . Soweth strife, by whispering such things as may provoke one against another. A whisperer, who secretly carries tales from one to another, publishing those evil words and actions which they should conceal, and detracting from their good actions, and perverting such as are innocent with their false constructions. Chief friends, Heb. a chief friend; the singular number put for the plural, as is frequent in the Hebrew text.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:28
Proverbs 16:28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.Ver. 28. A froward man soweth strife.] The Belialist before mentioned, as he digs, so he sows; but as ill seed as may be, that which comes not up but with a curse, as cud-weed, and devil’ s bit. He is a sedulous seedsman of sedition; this bad seed he sows in every furrow where he can find footing. And a whisperer separateth even very friends.] A pestilent tale bearer that carries tales, and so sows strife. Such were Doeg and other abjects that tare David’ s name, "and ceased not," tossing it with their carrion mouths as dogs, buzzing into Saul’ s ears ever and anon that which might set him agog against him. Such also were those malicious make baits the Pharisees, who, when they thought the disciples had offended, spake not to them, but to their Master, "Why do thy disciples that which is not lawful?" As when they thought Christ offended, they spake not to him, but to his disciples. Thus these whisperers went about to "separate very friends," to make a breach in the family of Christ, by setting off the one from the other. "The words of such whisperers are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly." They are like the wind that creeps in by the chinks and crevices in a wall, or the cracks in a window, that commonly prove more dangerous than a storm that meets a man in the face upon the champion [the plain]. The common name for the genus Gnaphalium of composite plants, having chaffy scales surrounding the flower heads; originally proper to G. sylvaticum; extended to other plants, of allied genera, or similar appearance.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 16:28
(28) A froward man.—Who distorts the truth.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 16:28
28. soweth] Rather, scattereth abroad, R.V. διαπέμπεταικακὰ, LXX. Comp. Proverbs 6:14. separateth chief friends] “Or, alienateih his friend,” R.V. marg. See Proverbs 19:7.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:28
28. A froward man — A perverter. A whisperer — Murmurer; a man who is always complaining. It also means a garrulous man, a great talker, tattler, or talebearer. Comp.
Sermons on Proverbs 16:28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Wolves by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Matthew chapter 13, where Jesus tells a parable about a man who sowed good seed in his field, but an enemy came and sowed weeds am |
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Attack of the Devil - Part 2 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of courage and faith in facing challenges, using the story of Caleb and the spies sent to explore the promised land. Despite the obstacles and |
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Message 11 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the practical wisdom found in the book of Proverbs. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and warns against mere talk that leads to pove |
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The Power of the Tongue by Peter Maiden | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of the tongue and its potential for both life and death. He urges listeners to speak truthfully and to restrain themselves in conve |
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Gv on Proverbs by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker warns against the dangers of pride and emphasizes the importance of taking spiritual inventory. He encourages the audience to memorize scripture and use |
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Skyland Conference 1979-10 Rivers of Water by Aldy Fam Fanous | In this sermon, the speaker tells a story about a man who was getting married and asked his friends to bring bottles of wine as wedding presents. The man instructed his friends to |
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"I Was in the Great Revival" by Mary Warburton Booth | Mary Warburton Booth preaches about the powerful lessons learned from the 1905 Revival in India, emphasizing the transformative impact of the Holy Spirit's work in reviving hearts |