The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 26:22
What does Proverbs 26:22 mean?
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Proverbs 26:22
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The ESV translation "delicious morsels" is a fascinating twist on this proverb, which is repeated from Proverbs 18:8. While other versions see the words as "wounds," this choice highlights how gossip and slander can be incredibly tempting and appealing, making them easy to swallow and hard to get rid of, burrowing deep into our being.
The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse appears within a collection of proverbs compiled by King Hezekiah's scholars, following immediately after warnings against the proud and the hot-tempered. It revisits the theme of destructive speech, likening gossip to something tempting that lodges deep within, causing hidden damage. The surrounding verses continue to explore the folly of fools and the dangers of rash words, emphasizing the internal harm that such destructive talk inflicts.
Ever heard a juicy piece of gossip that felt almost too good to resist? This verse unpacks why those 'delicious morsels' are so dangerous.
The verse starts by comparing the words of a whisperer to 'delicious morsels.' This isn't about food; it's about how tempting and appealing gossip can sound. It's like a sweet treat that lures you in. But the verse immediately pivots: these aren't just tasty words, they 'go down into the inner parts of the body.' This imagery points to the deep, internal damage that gossip inflicts. It doesn't just scratch the surface; it corrupts from the inside out, affecting our thoughts, attitudes, and relationships.
Why would the writer repeat a proverb? This verse, a repeat of Proverbs 18:8, tells us something vital about human nature and God's concern.
The fact that this proverb about whisperers is repeated in Proverbs (first in 18:8, then here in 26:22) isn't accidental. It underscores how incredibly common and tempting this sin is. The scholars noted it's 'oft and earnestly pressed' because people are 'greatly and generally prone to this sin.' God knows our weaknesses, and He repeats His warnings not to nag us, but because He deeply cares about the peace and welfare of societies and individuals. This repetition is a sign of His persistent love and a call to take this matter very seriously.
Understand the original words
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nirgan · Hebrew Noun
A person who secretly spreads rumors, gossip, or slander. The whisperer is viewed negatively in Scripture for using speech to manipulate others and destroy reputations.
mitlahamim · Hebrew Adjective/Participle
In the context of gossip, these are words that are pleasant, attractive, or addictive to the hearer. It highlights the human tendency to be drawn to and consume harmful information.
cheder · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the deepest part of a human being—the conscience, the soul, or the heart. It suggests that gossip has a profound, internal effect on the listener.
This is the same proverb, emphasizing how gossip, though seemingly appealing like a tasty treat, can cause deep, hidden damage to relationships and individuals.
James 3:5-6This passage powerfully illustrates the destructive potential of the tongue, comparing it to a fire and a deadly poison, much like the 'delicious morsels' of gossip that inflict unseen wounds.
Psalm 50:20This verse speaks to how those who spread slander essentially 'sit and speak against their own brother,' highlighting the betrayal and harm inherent in gossip, which this proverb describes as going deep into a person.
Romans 1:29This list of sins includes 'gossip,' showing how this behavior is seen by God as a serious offense that leads to further corruption, mirroring how the 'delicious morsels' can lead to deeper internal damage.
pooleProverbs 26:22: "The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly."
This was delivered before, Proverbs 18:8 , and is here repeated, as being a point of great concernment to the peace and welfare of all societies, and fit to be oft and earnestly pressed upon the consciences of men, because of their great and general proneness to this sin.
gillProverbs 26:22: "The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly."
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…
The ESV translation "delicious morsels" is a fascinating twist on this proverb, which is repeated from Proverbs 18:8. While other versions see the words as "wounds," this choice highlights how gossip and slander can be incredibly tempting and appealing, making them easy to swallow and hard to get rid of, burrowing deep into our being.
This verse appears within a collection of proverbs compiled by King Hezekiah's scholars, following immediately after warnings against the proud and the hot-tempered. It revisits the theme of destructive speech, likening gossip to something tempting that lodges deep within, causing hidden damage. The surrounding verses continue to explore the folly of fools and the dangers of rash words, emphasizing the internal harm that such destructive talk inflicts.
This verse appears within a collection of proverbs compiled by King Hezekiah's scholars, following immediately after warnings against the proud and the hot-tempered. It revisits the theme of destructive speech, likening gossip to something tempting that lodges deep within, causing hidden damage. The surrounding verses continue to explore the folly of fools and the dangers of rash words, emphasizing the internal harm that such destructive talk inflicts.
"The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body." — The ESV translation "delicious morsels" is a fascinating twist on this proverb, which is repeated from Proverbs 18:8. While other versions see the words as "wounds," this choice highlights how gossip…
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Last reviewed October 2026