22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.
22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
22 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.
22 Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you want junk like that in your belly?
22 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.
22 Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one's heart.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 26:22
Commentary on Proverbs 26:20-22
(Read Proverbs 26:20-22)
Contention heats the spirit, and puts families and societies into a flame. And that fire is commonly kindled and kept burning by whisperers and backbiters.