Proverbs 26:22 Meaning and Explanation
“The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A talebearer's words pierce deep like wounds, reaching into the innermost being of those who hear them.
The Context of Proverbs 26:22
The talebearer returns to focus, showing the depth of harm his words inflict on the listener and the community.
What Does Proverbs 26:22 Mean?
Words have power to wound. A talebearer's carefully chosen words are weapons; they penetrate not just the surface but the deepest parts of the person—the seat of thought and feeling. Once spoken, they lodge in the mind and heart, working their damage over time.
The image conveys both the depth of the wound and its persistence. Unlike a physical blow that may fade, the talebearer's words breed suspicion, hurt, and fear that are hard to dislodge. They become part of the inner self, coloring all future relationships and trust.
Proverbs 26:22 in the Original Language
devarim (דְּבָרִים), 'words'—literally what goes forth, carrying weight and consequence beyond mere sound.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 26:22
What does Proverbs 26:22 mean?
A talebearer's words pierce deep like wounds, reaching into the innermost being of those who hear them.
What is the context of Proverbs 26:22?
The talebearer returns to focus, showing the depth of harm his words inflict on the listener and the community.