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Proverbs 26:22

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 26:22 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts.
Proverbs 26:22 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 26

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
19So is the man that deceiveth his neighbor, And saith, Am not I in sport?
20For lack of wood the fire goeth out; And where there is no whisperer, contention ceaseth.
21[As] coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to inflame strife.
22The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts.
23Fervent lips and a wicked heart Are [like] an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross.
24He that hateth dissembleth with his lips; But he layeth up deceit within him:
25When he speaketh fair, believe him not; For there are seven abominations in his heart:
← Proverbs 26:21Proverbs 26:23 →
← Full Chapter 26 Proverbs Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“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 (<201808>Proverbs 18:8); and are here repeated, as being found along with others by the men of Hezekiah, (<202501>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 “<201808>Proverbs 18:8”).”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“(Compare Pro 18:8).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Compare the marginal reference note. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“26:22 This proverb repeats 18:8.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“words: Pro 18:8, Pro 20:19; Eze 22:9 innermost parts: Heb. chambers Proverbs 26:23”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“22 The words of the tale-bearer are like dainty morsels; And they glide down into the innermost parts. A repetition of Pro 18:8. Proverbs 26:23”
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Related study paths

Read Proverbs 26 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification