King James Version

What Does Proverbs 26:22 Mean?

Proverbs 26:22 in the King James Version says “The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. innermost: Heb. chamber...” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Proverbs 26:22 · KJV

Context

20

Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. Where no: Heb. Without wood talebearer: or, whisperer ceaseth: Heb. is silent

21

As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

22

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

23

Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.

24

He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; dissembleth: or, is known

Read Proverbs 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
A talebearer's words are like wounds; they go down into innermost parts. The Hebrew 'mithlahameym' (dainty morsels) describes gossip's perverse appeal - wounds presented as delicacies. Gossip tastes sweet but injures deeply. It penetrates to 'innermost parts' (soul's depths), creating lasting damage. This verse exposes gossip's dual nature: superficially attractive, profoundly destructive. Proverbs 18:8 makes identical point. Wisdom resists gossip's appeal by recognizing its true nature - poison in attractive packaging.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Throughout Scripture, speech's power to harm is emphasized. Jeremiah 9:8 says: 'Their tongue is as an arrow shot out; it speaketh deceit.' Psalm 64:3 describes those who 'whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words.' James 3:8 calls the tongue 'an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.' Gossip wounds in ways visible injuries don't - destroying reputations, relationships, peace. Its damage persists long after spoken.

Reflection Questions

  1. What gossip have you consumed as 'dainty morsels' while ignoring its poisonous effects?
  2. How has gossip wounded you deeply, penetrating to your 'innermost parts'?
  3. What practices would help you resist gossip's appeal by recognizing its true destructive nature?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
דִּבְרֵ֣י1 of 7

“The words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

נִ֭רְגָּן2 of 7

“of a talebearer”

H5372

a slanderer

כְּמִֽתְלַהֲמִ֑ים3 of 7

“are as wounds”

H3859

properly, to burn in, i.e., (figuratively) to rankle

וְ֝הֵ֗ם4 of 7
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

יָרְד֥וּ5 of 7

“and they go down”

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

חַדְרֵי6 of 7

“into the innermost parts”

H2315

an apartment (usually literal)

בָֽטֶן׃7 of 7

“of the belly”

H990

the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything

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 26:22 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 26:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 18:8Ezekiel 22:9Proverbs 20:19

Test Your Knowledge

Proverbs 26 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterProverbs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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