Proverbs 16:28
A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
Original Language Analysis
אִ֣ישׁ
man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
1 of 7
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)
יְשַׁלַּ֣ח
soweth
H7971
יְשַׁלַּ֣ח
soweth
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
3 of 7
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
Cross References
Proverbs 17:9He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.Proverbs 15:18A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.Proverbs 18:8The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.Romans 1:29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,Proverbs 6:14Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.Proverbs 6:19A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Historical 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).
Questions for Reflection
- Have you been a whisperer who separates friends through gossip, or have you been a peacemaker who reconciles?
- How can you recognize and refuse to participate in divisive gossip and slander?
- In what ways does the gospel call us to unity and peacemaking rather than frowardness and division?
Analysis & 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.