Proverbs 26:22
The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Original Language Analysis
דִּבְרֵ֣י
The words
H1697
דִּבְרֵ֣י
The words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
1 of 7
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
כְּמִֽתְלַהֲמִ֑ים
are as wounds
H3859
כְּמִֽתְלַהֲמִ֑ים
are as wounds
Strong's:
H3859
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, to burn in, i.e., (figuratively) to rankle
יָרְד֥וּ
and they go down
H3381
יָרְד֥וּ
and they go down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
5 of 7
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
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- What gossip have you consumed as 'dainty morsels' while ignoring its poisonous effects?
- How has gossip wounded you deeply, penetrating to your 'innermost parts'?
- What practices would help you resist gossip's appeal by recognizing its true destructive nature?
Analysis & 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.