Proverbs 26:22
Proverbs 26:22 in Multiple Translations
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.
The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts.
The words of one who says evil of his neighbour secretly are like sweet food, they go down into the inner parts of the stomach.
Listening to gossip is like gulping down bites of your favorite food—they go deep down inside you.
The wordes of a tale bearer are as flatterings, and they goe downe into the bowels of the belly.
The words of a tale-bearer [are] as self-inflicted wounds, And they have gone down [to] the inner parts of the heart.
The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, they go down into the innermost parts.
The words of a tale-bearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
The words of a talebearer are as it were simple, but they reach to the innermost parts of the belly.
People enjoy listening to what gossips say about others just like [SIM] they enjoy tasty food; they enjoy listening to what gossips tell them like they enjoy swallowing tasty food.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 26:22
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 26:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
דִּבְרֵ֣י
נִ֭רְגָּן
כְּ/מִֽתְלַהֲמִ֑ים
וְ֝/הֵ֗ם
יָרְד֥וּ
חַדְרֵי
בָֽטֶן
דִּבְרֵ֣י
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-mp
נִ֭רְגָּן
nirgân
H5372
whisperer
V-Niphal
כְּ/מִֽתְלַהֲמִ֑ים
lâham
H3859
to swallow
Prep | V-Hithpael
וְ֝/הֵ֗ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Conj | Pron
יָרְד֥וּ
yârad
H3381
to go down
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
חַדְרֵי
cheder
H2315
chamber
N-mp
בָֽטֶן
beṭen
H990
belly
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 26:22
דִּבְרֵ֣י
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
נִ֭רְגָּן
nirgân
H5372
"whisperer"
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.
כְּ/מִֽתְלַהֲמִ֑ים
lâham
H3859
"to swallow"
Prep | V-Hithpael
This Hebrew word means to swallow or gulp something down, and can also describe a wound that burns or rankles. It's used to convey a sense of something being deeply felt or painful. In the Bible, it appears in contexts where emotions are intense.
Definition: 1) to gulp, swallow greedily 1a) (Hithpael) to be gulped
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: wound. See also: Proverbs 18:8; Proverbs 26:22.
וְ֝/הֵ֗ם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
יָרְד֥וּ
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
חַדְרֵי
cheder
H2315
"chamber"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a private room or chamber, often the innermost part of a building. It is used in the Bible to describe a private space, like a bedroom or a parlour. The KJV translates it as 'inner chamber'.
Definition: chamber, room, parlour, innermost or inward part, within
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: ((bed) inner) chamber, innermost(-ward) part, parlour, [phrase] south, [idiom] within. See also: Genesis 43:30; 2 Chronicles 18:24; Psalms 105:30.
בָֽטֶן
beṭen
H990
"belly"
N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to the belly or womb, and is used to describe the seat of hunger, emotions, and even the depths of the afterlife. It is used in the Bible to describe the body and its functions. The KJV translates it as belly, body, or womb.
Definition: : abdomen 1) belly, womb, body 1a) belly, abdomen 1a1) as seat of hunger 1a2) as seat of mental faculties 1a3) of depth of Sheol (fig.) 1b) womb
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: belly, body, [phrase] as they be born, [phrase] within, womb. See also: Genesis 25:23; Psalms 22:10; Psalms 17:14.
Study Notes — Proverbs 26:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 26:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 26:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 26:22
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:22
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 26:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:22
- Sermons on Proverbs 26:22
Context — Similitudes and Instructions
20Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a conflict ceases.
21Like charcoal for embers and wood for fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
22The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.
23Like glaze covering an earthen vessel are burning lips and a wicked heart. 24A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 18:8 | The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being. |
| 2 | Proverbs 20:19 | He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 22:9 | Among you are slanderous men bent on bloodshed; within you are those who eat on the mountain shrines and commit acts of indecency. |
Proverbs 26:22 Summary
The words of a gossip are like tasty food that goes down into the deepest part of our being, making us want to hear more. However, just like too much of a good thing can be bad for us, gossip can be harmful to our relationships and our own hearts. As it says in Proverbs 26:20, without gossip, conflicts often cease, and in Proverbs 18:8, it warns us that listening to gossip can be like eating something that will ultimately hurt us. We should strive to use our words to uplift and encourage others, rather than tearing them down with gossip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of comparing gossip to choice morsels in Proverbs 26:22?
This comparison highlights the appealing and tempting nature of gossip, which can be enticing to listen to, just like delicious food is appealing to eat, as seen in Proverbs 18:8 where it says, 'The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.'
How does gossip affect relationships according to Proverbs 26:22?
Gossip can have a profound impact on relationships, as it can create division and strife, as mentioned in Proverbs 26:20, which states that without gossip, a conflict ceases, and also in Proverbs 16:28, which says that a perverse man spreads strife.
What does the phrase 'inmost being' refer to in Proverbs 26:22?
The phrase 'inmost being' refers to the deepest, most intimate part of a person, their heart or soul, as seen in Psalm 51:10 where it says, 'Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.', and also in Proverbs 4:23, which says to 'guard your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.'
How can we avoid being tempted by gossip according to the Bible?
To avoid being tempted by gossip, we should focus on speaking words that edify and encourage others, as stated in Ephesians 4:29, which says, 'Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have been tempted by gossip in my own life, and how can I resist that temptation?
- How can I use my words to build others up instead of tearing them down, as encouraged in Proverbs 12:18?
- What are some potential consequences of engaging in gossip, and how can I avoid those consequences in my relationships?
- In what ways can I create a safe and supportive environment for others to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of gossip or judgment?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 26:22
The words of a talebearer [are] as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 26:22
The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. (Note, Proverbs 18:8.)
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 26:22
This was delivered before, , and is here repeated, as being a point of great concernment to the peace and welfare of all societies, and fit to be oft and earnestly pressed upon the consciences of men, because of their great and general proneness to this sin.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 26:22
Proverbs 26:22 The words of a talebearer [are] as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.Ver. 22. The words of a talebearer, &c.] See Proverbs 18:8.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 26:22
(22) The words of a tale-bearer are as wounds.—See above on Proverbs 18:8.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 26:22
Verse 22. The words of a tale-bearer] The same with Proverbs 18:8, where see the note. See Clarke on Proverbs 18:8.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 26:22
22. wounds] Rather, dainty morsels; λόγοιμαλακοί, LXX. The proverb is repeated from Proverbs 18:8, where see note.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 26:22
Compare the marginal reference note.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 26:22
22. Words of a talebearer — See Proverbs 18:8. As wounds — Rather, as dainty morsels: hence, he is fond of repeating them.
Sermons on Proverbs 26:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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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This Is a Test by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the critical need for personal prayer, Bible reading, and the dangers of gossip and secret sin in his sermon 'This Is a Test.' He warns that neglecting t |
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Communication in Marriage by Richard Sipley | Dick Sipley addresses the prevalent issues in marriages, attributing them to sin and selfishness. He emphasizes the critical role of communication in resolving marital conflicts, h |
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A Series of Proverbs Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the inevitability of death and the inability to escape it. He also discusses the misuse of authority and how those in power often suff |
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Dangerous and Scandalous Association With Maidens by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome addresses the congregation, warning them about the evil rumors and reports circulating regarding shameless individuals who misuse their association with maidens und |
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(One Body in Christ) 4. Helping One Another by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of speaking the truth in love and growing in all aspects into Christ, emphasizing the responsibility of every believer to minister life to the |