Proverbs 26:22

22 The words of one who says evil of his neighbour secretly are like sweet food, they go down into the inner parts of the stomach.

Proverbs 26:22 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 26:22

The words of a talebearer [are] as wounds, and they go down
into the innermost parts of the belly.
] These expressions are the same with those in ( Proverbs 18:8 ) ; and are here repeated, as being found along with others by the men of Hezekiah, ( Proverbs 25:1 ) ; as some others likewise are; and also because of the importance of them; and to impress the minds of men with a sense of the evil of such a practice, that they may shun it, and avoid those that are given to it. (See Gill on Proverbs 18:8).

Proverbs 26:22 In-Context

20 Without wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no secret talk, argument is ended.

21 Like breath on coals and wood on fire, so a man given to argument gets a fight started.

22 The words of one who says evil of his neighbour secretly are like sweet food, they go down into the inner parts of the stomach.

23 Smooth lips and an evil heart are like a vessel of earth plated with silver waste.

24 With his lips the hater makes things seem what they are not, but deceit is stored up inside him;