Proverbs 26:22 kjv

The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

Proverbs 26:22 nkjv

The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.

Proverbs 26:22 niv

The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.

Proverbs 26:22 esv

The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.

Proverbs 26:22 nlt

Rumors are dainty morsels
that sink deep into one's heart.

Proverbs 26 verses

Proverbs 26 22 Meaning

The words spoken by a talebearer or gossiper, while they may seem delightful, intriguing, or even savory to the listener ("as dainties"), penetrate deeply into one's innermost being. They are eagerly consumed and lodged within the listener's core, where they sow seeds of suspicion, division, and defilement, ultimately proving destructive to the individual and relationships.

Proverbs 26 22 Context

Proverbs chapter 26 largely addresses various forms of folly and their consequences, contrasting them with wisdom. Within this chapter, sections are dedicated to sluggards (vv. 13-16), meddlers (v. 17), and those who cause harm through deceit and reckless speech (vv. 18-28). Verse 22 falls directly within a sequence that highlights the danger of deceptive and quarrelsome words. It is immediately preceded by verses discussing how lack of wood stops a fire, just as a whisperer stops contention (v. 20), and that passionate words, though potentially hidden by feigned friendliness, spring from malice (vv. 23-26). Thus, verse 22 serves as a pivotal warning about the insidious nature of verbal communication that might appear benign or even pleasurable but harbors deep destructive potential, affecting the listener from the inside out.

Proverbs 26 22 Word analysis

• "The words of" (דִּבְרֵי, divrei): Emphasizes the communicative act itself; it's about the content and utterance of speech. Words are presented not as neutral sounds but as potent carriers of influence, capable of both immense good and profound harm.
• "a talebearer" (נִרְגָּן, nirgan): This Hebrew term specifically refers to a "whisperer" or "gossip." The root denotes secret murmuring, grumbling, or backbiting. This individual typically spreads information surreptitiously, often with malicious intent, causing discord and eroding trust, rather than through open accusation or confrontation.
• "are as dainties" (כְּמַטְעַמִּים, k'mat'ammîm): This is a crucial translation point. The KJV's "wounds" deviates from the Hebrew Masoretic Text (MT), which explicitly reads "like dainties," "delicious morsels," or "choice foods."
  • Significance: This imagery highlights the seductive and palatable nature of gossip. It suggests that gossip is readily received because it appeals to human curiosity, fascination with others' lives, or even a subtle sense of superiority. Like tempting food, it's easy to consume and enjoy initially, masking its latent harm. The danger lies in its alluring taste which encourages ingestion, allowing the poison to work from within.
  • (Note on KJV "wounds"): While the MT uses "dainties," some ancient translations like the Septuagint (Greek) rendered it as "blows" or "wounds" (πληγαί), likely reflecting an interpretation of the word's effect or perhaps a different textual variant in their tradition. However, scholarly consensus based on the MT affirms "dainties," painting a picture of harmful words appealing before they cause internal injury, a more profound spiritual warning.
• "and they go down" (וְהֵם יָרְדוּ, v'hem yardu): Signifies penetration and absorption. These words do not merely stay on the surface of one's hearing or consciousness; they descend into the very core.
• "into the innermost parts of the belly" (חַדְרֵי בָטֶן, ḥadrey baṭen): This is a Hebrew idiom representing the deepest inner recesses of a person's being—the heart, mind, conscience, and will. It refers to the seat of one's innermost thoughts, emotions, and motivations, far beyond just the physical stomach.
  • Significance: This emphasizes that gossip, once ingested, is profoundly internalized. It takes root in one's perceptions, beliefs, and judgments about others and oneself, becoming an integral, and often toxic, part of one's inner disposition. It is difficult to extract once deeply absorbed, leading to lasting damage.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "The words of a talebearer are as dainties": This phrase paints a vivid picture of the insidious nature of gossip. It doesn't present itself as overtly harmful or ugly; rather, it appears desirable, tantalizing, and easy to consume. This attractiveness is precisely what makes it so dangerous, as listeners readily invite it in, unaware of its true poisonous nature.
• "and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly": This explains the profound and enduring consequence of internalizing gossip. Unlike fleeting information, talebearing is absorbed deeply into one's spirit and mind. It corrupts one's inner life, shaping perspectives, fostering cynicism or distrust, and potentially leading to judgmentalism or relational brokenness that is challenging to undo. The spiritual impact is severe and persistent.

Proverbs 26 22 Bonus section

The Hebrew parallelism and structure of this proverb (often appearing as an almost identical pair with Prov 18:8) amplify its message, indicating its importance in biblical wisdom literature. The shift in interpretation between ancient translations like the Septuagint ("wounds") and the more accurate Masoretic Text ("dainties") itself provides a valuable theological insight: gossip truly works on two fronts—it wounds the subject of the gossip, and it appeals to and wounds the hearer who partakes of it. The modern understanding, affirming "dainties," shifts the primary focus of the proverb to the internal process within the listener, revealing the subtlety of sin's corruption. This verse powerfully calls for self-control not only in speaking but equally in listening, emphasizing that one must exercise spiritual discernment over all that enters the inner being, lest they become defiled. The internal contamination from gossip is far more dangerous because it's less apparent than the external relational damage it causes.

Proverbs 26 22 Commentary

Proverbs 26:22 is a sobering insight into the profound impact of gossip and slander. It teaches us that words are never truly neutral. While the talebearer initiates the harm, this proverb critically highlights the listener's complicity and subsequent internal damage. Gossip is presented not as obviously repulsive, but rather as enticing, "like dainties," appealing to our inherent curiosity and desire for exclusive, often scandalous, information. This inherent attractiveness ensures its wide reception and effortless consumption. However, the momentary gratification yields a deep, lasting corruption. Once absorbed, these "dainties" descend into the "innermost parts of the belly," signifying the core of our moral and spiritual being. This means gossip is not simply heard; it is internalized, shaping our perceptions, biasing our judgment, and polluting our affections. It fosters mistrust and division, impacting our character and relationships in ways that are hard to undo, much like a poison slowly permeating the entire system. Therefore, the proverb urges believers to exercise extreme caution in what they consume verbally, recognizing that entertaining such words is tantamount to inviting spiritual and relational decay into their very soul. Guarding the ears and heart is as crucial as guarding the tongue.

• Example 1: Listening intently to unverified negative reports about a church leader, leading to a loss of respect and eventual division, all based on unexamined "dainties."
• Example 2: A group indulging in critical talk about a specific family, subtly building a collective bias and judgmental attitude among themselves that is difficult to dispel.
• Example 3: Someone consuming media filled with personal attacks and unsubstantiated claims, unknowingly allowing cynicism and a critical spirit to take deep root within their own heart.