Proverbs 26:22 - Printer Friendly

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

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

NASB: The words of a gossiper are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.

CSB: A gossip's words are like choice food that goes down to one's innermost being.

NLT: Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart.

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

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

In modern English, bits of gossip are described as "juicy," suggesting they are especially tempting. Gossip is one of the sins to which almost all people are naturally tempted (Proverbs 11:13; 16:28). The idea of learning some secret, scandalous information about others is alluring. However, it's also spiritually deadly and a source of intense conflict. A person doesn't simply hear the words; engaging in gossip has a deeper effect. What has a sweet taste, at first, can lead to bitter consequences. This proverb is identical to the statement given in Proverbs 18:8.

Paul warned Timothy about the temptation for inappropriate talk, cautioning Timothy not to enroll young widows in the church's role of widows in part because "they learn to be idlers…[and] also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not" (1 Timothy 5:13). He recommended that applying oneself to productive tasks was an effective way to avoid being tempted by gossip (1 Timothy 5:14). Gossip can ruin a person's reputation—whether as the victim, the teller, or the willing hearer. Gossip and slander disrupt fellowship within a church.

However, gossip is not self-replicating. If others refuse to listen, let alone to repeat it, it will die like a fire starved for fuel (Proverbs 26:20). If a fellow Christian has done something inappropriate, instead of spreading shocking news, Paul writes: "You who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted" (Galatians 6:1).

Proverbs 26:17–28 turns from a focus on laziness to discussion about conflict. Solomon (Proverbs 25:1) warns against prying into other people's arguments, gossip, and dishonest speech. He also cautions about the danger of casual lies. How and when a person chooses to speak greatly influences their involvement in conflict.

This chapter includes three main sections. The first repeatedly refers to a "fool," meaning someone lacking godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). The second warns against being lazy. The third condemns careless conflict, lying, and warns about those who disguise their hate with words. Several statements in this passage repeat or echo others made in the book of Proverbs.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.