King James Version

What Does Proverbs 16:28 Mean?

Proverbs 16:28 in the King James Version says “A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. soweth: Heb. sendeth forth” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. soweth: Heb. sendeth forth”

Proverbs 16:28 · KJV

Context

26

He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him. He: Heb. The soul of him that craveth: Heb. boweth unto him

27

An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire. An: Heb. A man of Belial

28

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

29

A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good.

30

He shutteth his eyes to devise froward things: moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.

Read Proverbs 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. Ish tahpukhot yeshal lech madon (אִישׁ תַּהְפֻּכוֹת יְשַׁלַּח מָדוֹן, a perverse man sends forth strife). Tahpukhot (תַּהְפֻּכוֹת, perverseness, frowardness) describes twisted character sowing (shalach, שָׁלַח, send, dispatch) conflict. Venirgan mafrid aluf (וְנִרְגָּן מַפְרִיד אַלּוּף, and a whisperer separates close friends). Nirgan (נִרְגָּן, whisperer, slanderer, talebearer) destroys (parad, פָּרַד, separate, divide) intimate friendships. The proverb condemns those who cause division through gossip and slander. Romans 16:17 warns to mark those causing divisions.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient honor-shame cultures made reputation crucial. Whisperers could destroy friendships, marriages, alliances through gossip. Biblical examples include Absalom turning Israel against David through manipulation (2 Samuel 15), Jezebel's scheme against Naboth (1 Kings 21), enemies trying to separate Nehemiah from his supporters (Nehemiah 6:5-9). Paul warned against talebearing that divides communities (2 Corinthians 12:20, 1 Timothy 5:13).

Reflection Questions

  1. Have you been a whisperer who separates friends through gossip, or have you been a peacemaker who reconciles?
  2. How can you recognize and refuse to participate in divisive gossip and slander?
  3. In what ways does the gospel call us to unity and peacemaking rather than frowardness and division?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
אִ֣ישׁ1 of 7

“man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

תַּ֭הְפֻּכוֹת2 of 7

“A froward”

H8419

a perversity or fraud

יְשַׁלַּ֣ח3 of 7

“soweth”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

מָד֑וֹן4 of 7

“strife”

H4066

a contest or quarrel

וְ֝נִרְגָּ֗ן5 of 7

“and a whisperer”

H5372

a slanderer

מַפְרִ֥יד6 of 7

“separateth”

H6504

to break through, i.e., spread or separate (oneself)

אַלּֽוּף׃7 of 7

“chief friends”

H441

familiar; a friend, also gentle; and so, a chieftain (as notable, like neat cattle)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 16:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 16:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 17:9Romans 1:29Proverbs 18:8James 3:14-16Proverbs 15:18Proverbs 6:14

Test Your Knowledge

Proverbs 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterProverbs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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