Proverbs 16:28 kjv

A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

Proverbs 16:28 nkjv

A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends.

Proverbs 16:28 niv

A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.

Proverbs 16:28 esv

A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.

Proverbs 16:28 nlt

A troublemaker plants seeds of strife;
gossip separates the best of friends.

Proverbs 16 verses

Proverbs 16 28 Meaning

Proverbs 16:28 identifies two distinct yet interconnected forms of destructive behavior that originate from a corrupt character: stirring up conflict and shattering trusted relationships through malicious speech. It condemns the individual whose character is twisted, as they intentionally sow discord, and highlights the harmful nature of a gossip, whose whispering separates even the closest of companions.

Proverbs 16 28 Context

Proverbs 16 falls within the main body of Solomonic proverbs (chapters 10-22), characterized by a focus on contrasting wisdom with folly. This chapter particularly emphasizes the Lord's sovereignty over human plans and actions, alongside the practical implications of righteous living. Verse 28 follows proverbs about the dangers of evil and deception (vv. 27), connecting specifically to the idea of words and actions stemming from internal character. It precedes wisdom regarding the honor of old age, the power of self-control, and the Lord's ultimate control over seemingly random events, thus placing destructive speech in contrast with the order God desires. Historically, in ancient Israelite society, community cohesion and reputation were paramount, making the destruction of relationships through discord and slander a severe offense against social and spiritual harmony.

Proverbs 16 28 Word analysis

• A perverse (נַ֝פְתַּל, naphtal) man (אִ֣ישׁ, ish): The Hebrew naphtal derives from a root meaning "to twist" or "to wrestle." Thus, a "perverse man" refers to someone whose character, ways, or speech are twisted, crooked, devious, or deceitful, contrary to what is straightforward and righteous. Ish is a general term for a man, highlighting that this describes a specific type of male individual known by his nature. This twisted inner state inherently produces twisted actions.
• stirs up (מְשַׁלַּ֣ח, meshalach): From a verb meaning "to send forth," "to let loose," or "to spread out." In this context, it signifies an active, deliberate instigation or incitement. The perverse person isn't merely discordant but actively promotes or unleashes contention.
• dissension (מָ֭דוֹן, madon): Means "strife," "contention," "quarreling," or "dispute." It describes a state of hostile disagreement or conflict, often leading to division and hostility within groups or relationships.
• and a gossip (נִרְגָּ֣ן, nirgan): Nirgan is a "whisperer" or "talebearer." It implies someone who secretly slanders or spreads malicious rumors, often with an underlying tone of murmuring or grumbling, creating a rift through clandestine speech.
• separates (מַפְרִ֥יד, maphrid): The verb means "to divide," "to separate," "to cut off," or "to sever." It indicates a definitive action of breaking a connection.
• close friends (אַלּוּף, alluwf): Alluwf denotes a familiar friend, a close companion, or even a trusted chief/leader. It refers to deeply bonded individuals, not mere acquaintances. The word emphasizes the tragic impact of gossip: it destroys even the strongest, most intimate friendships.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "A perverse man stirs up dissension": This phrase directly links an internal character defect—being "perverse" or twisted in nature—with an external action that has communal impact: "stirring up dissension." The moral corruption of the individual leads to social disorder and conflict. The active verb "stirs up" emphasizes intent and ongoing action, highlighting that such individuals are not merely passive sources of trouble but active instigators.
• "and a gossip separates close friends": This second clause introduces a parallel destructive force—the "gossip" or whisperer—and specifies the particularly painful outcome: the severing of "close friends." While the first clause might speak to broader communal strife, this zeroes in on the breaking of intimate, personal bonds. The choice of "gossip" as the agent underscores that destructive words, often delivered covertly or maliciously, are the instrument of separation. The bond of "close friends" signifies a profound trust, making their separation by malicious speech an especially grievous act.
• The parallelism of the two clauses emphasizes the multi-faceted damage caused by ungodly communication: one type of wicked person generates widespread conflict, while another specifically erodes deep interpersonal trust. Both are fundamentally divisive.

Proverbs 16 28 Bonus section

The strong moral condemnation in Proverbs 16:28, particularly concerning the nirgan (whisperer/gossip), reveals the high value placed on covenant loyalty and communal solidarity in the Old Testament. Betraying trust through malicious speech, especially within the sacred bond of friendship, was seen as a grave sin because it undermines the very fabric of healthy community life and reflects a heart devoid of the love and peace God intends. The emphasis on internal character (the "perverse man") directly connecting to external harmful actions reinforces a key biblical truth: outward behavior is an outflow of the heart (Lk 6:45). Therefore, true wisdom dictates not just refraining from gossip or conflict but cultivating a righteous heart. This proverb also subtly teaches the importance of not enabling gossip or contention by giving them an audience, implying a call to active peacemaking by discouraging such behavior.

Proverbs 16 28 Commentary

Proverbs 16:28 incisively unmasks two agents of relational destruction, exposing the underlying character flaws that fuel their destructive words. The "perverse man" is inherently twisted in his moral compass, viewing reality or truth with a crooked lens, which in turn causes him to actively instigate conflict and disagreement (dissension) wherever he goes. His nature finds perverse satisfaction in creating disharmony. Simultaneously, the proverb warns against the "gossip" or whisperer—a subtle yet equally potent force of destruction. This individual, often through sly insinuation or shared confidences betrayed, systematically dismantles the delicate trust between "close friends," dissolving bonds forged over time and shared experiences. This proverb highlights that the root of relational breakdown is often internal depravity, manifested through destructive communication. It calls for discernment to recognize such individuals and vigilance in guarding against words that fragment unity. The spiritual lesson is clear: right character leads to righteous communication, which builds up rather than tears down, especially in cherished relationships. For instance, a person who always finds fault and encourages others to complain fosters a spirit of dissension in a workplace, making collaboration difficult. Similarly, someone who passes on critical remarks heard in confidence about one friend to another, eventually leads both friends to distrust each other and end their relationship.