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gossip separates the best of friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/16.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/16.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/16.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A perverse person spreads strife, And a slanderer separates close friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/16.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A perverse man spreads strife, And a slanderer separates intimate friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />A perverse man spreads strife, And a slanderer separates intimate friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A perverse man spreads strife, And a whisperer separates close companions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A perverse man spreads strife, And one who gossips separates intimate friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A contrary person spreads conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A contrary man spreads conflict, and a gossip separates close friends. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/16.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A perverse man scattereth abroad strife; And a whisperer separateth chief friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Gossip is no good! It causes hard feelings and comes between friends. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/16.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A froward man scattereth abroad strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A devious person spreads quarrels. A gossip separates the closest of friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/16.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Gossip is spread by wicked people; they stir up trouble and break up friendships. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/16.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A deceitful man stirs dissension, and anyone who gossips separates friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/16.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A perverse person spreads dissension, and a gossip separates the closest friends. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />A perverse man stirs up strife, and a gossip separates close friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/16.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A perverse man stirs up strife. A whisperer separates close friends. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A contrary man sends forth contention, "" A tale-bearer is separating a familiar friend.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A froward man sendeth forth contention, A tale-bearer is separating a familiar friend.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />A man of perverseness shall send forth strife: and a tale-bearer separates friends.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />A perverse man stirreth up quarrels: and one full of words separateth princes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />A perverse man stirs up lawsuits. And one who is verbose divides leaders.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/16.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Perverse speech sows discord, and talebearing separates bosom friends. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />A perverse person spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A wicked man threatens justice and persecutes his neighbor without cause.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />An evil man provokes judgment and persecutes his friends without cause.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A froward man soweth strife; And a whisperer separateth familiar friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A perverse man spreads mischief, and will kindle a torch of deceit with mischiefs; and he separates friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/16-28.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=3250" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/16.htm">The Reply of the Tongue is from the LORD</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">27</span>A worthless man digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. <span class="reftext">28</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8419.htm" title="8419: tah·pu·ḵō·wṯ (N-fp) -- Perversity, perverse thing. From haphak; a perversity or fraud.">A perverse</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-msc) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">man</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: yə·šal·laḥ (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">spreads</a> <a href="/hebrew/4066.htm" title="4066: mā·ḏō·wn (N-ms) -- Strife, contention. From diyn; a contest or quarrel.">dissension,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7279.htm" title="7279: wə·nir·gå̄n (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To murmur, whisper. A primitive root; to grumble, i.e. Rebel.">and a gossip</a> <a href="/hebrew/6504.htm" title="6504: map̄·rîḏ (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- To divide. A primitive root; to break through, i.e. Spread or separate.">divides</a> <a href="/hebrew/441.htm" title="441: ’al·lūp̄ (N-ms) -- Or talluph; from 'alph; familiar; a friend, also gentle; hence, a bullock; and so, a chieftain.">close friends.</a> </span><span class="reftext">29</span>A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5-6</a></span><br />In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. / The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-8.htm">James 3:8-10</a></span><br />but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. / With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. / Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/6-16.htm">Proverbs 6:16-19</a></span><br />There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: / haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, / a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-13.htm">Proverbs 11:13</a></span><br />A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-9.htm">Proverbs 17:9</a></span><br />Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but he who brings it up separates friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-20.htm">Proverbs 26:20-22</a></span><br />Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a conflict ceases. / Like charcoal for embers and wood for fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. / The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/16-17.htm">Romans 16:17-18</a></span><br />Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. / For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-10.htm">1 Corinthians 1:10-11</a></span><br />I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction. / My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a></span><br />The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29-32</a></span><br />Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen. / And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. / Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36-37</a></span><br />But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/3-10.htm">Titus 3:10-11</a></span><br />Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition, / knowing that such a man is corrupt and sinful; he is self-condemned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-10.htm">1 Peter 3:10</a></span><br />For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/101-5.htm">Psalm 101:5</a></span><br />Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; the one with haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not endure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/15-1.htm">Psalm 15:1-3</a></span><br />A Psalm of David. O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy mountain? / He who walks with integrity and practices righteousness, who speaks the truth from his heart, / who has no slander on his tongue, who does no harm to his neighbor, who casts no scorn on his friend,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">A fraudulent man sows strife: and a whisperer separates chief friends.</p><p class="hdg">froward</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/6-14.htm">Proverbs 6:14,19</a></b></br> Frowardness <i>is</i> in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-18.htm">Proverbs 15:18</a></b></br> A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but <i>he that is</i> slow to anger appeaseth strife.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/18-8.htm">Proverbs 18:8</a></b></br> The words of a talebearer <i>are</i> as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.</p><p class="hdg">soweth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/17-9.htm">Proverbs 17:9</a></b></br> He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth <i>very</i> friends.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/3-1.htm">Genesis 3:1</a></b></br> Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/24-9.htm">1 Samuel 24:9</a></b></br> And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men's words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/5-16.htm">Abroad</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-27.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-7.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/psalms/148-14.htm">Close</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-18.htm">Contention</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-18.htm">Dissension</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-3.htm">Everywhere</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-27.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/139-3.htm">Familiar</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-18.htm">Fighting</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-25.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-26.htm">Friend</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-20.htm">Friends</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-20.htm">Froward</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-13.htm">Gossip</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-4.htm">Intimate</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-23.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-14.htm">Perverse</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-3.htm">Purposes</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-24.htm">Scattereth</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-18.htm">Secretly</a> <a href="/ruth/1-17.htm">Separates</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-41.htm">Separateth</a> <a href="/psalms/140-11.htm">Slanderer</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-18.htm">Soweth</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-18.htm">Spreads</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-18.htm">Stirs</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-18.htm">Strife</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-13.htm">Tale-Bearer</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-4.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-4.htm">Twisted</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-22.htm">Whisperer</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/songs/4-16.htm">Abroad</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-23.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-9.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-9.htm">Close</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-14.htm">Contention</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-25.htm">Dissension</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-31.htm">Everywhere</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-29.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-9.htm">Familiar</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-14.htm">Fighting</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-5.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-9.htm">Friend</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-9.htm">Friends</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-30.htm">Froward</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-8.htm">Gossip</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-9.htm">Intimate</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-29.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-30.htm">Perverse</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-30.htm">Purposes</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-8.htm">Scattereth</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-28.htm">Secretly</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-9.htm">Separates</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-9.htm">Separateth</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Slanderer</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-8.htm">Soweth</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-28.htm">Spreads</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-25.htm">Stirs</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-1.htm">Strife</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-8.htm">Tale-Bearer</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-5.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-30.htm">Twisted</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-8.htm">Whisperer</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 16</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/16-1.htm">The Plans of the heart</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/16.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>A perverse man spreads dissension</b><br>The term "perverse" in this context refers to someone who is morally corrupt or deliberately deviating from what is considered right or good. In biblical terms, this aligns with the concept of sinfulness and rebellion against God's commandments. The act of spreading dissension is akin to sowing discord among people, which is condemned in <a href="/proverbs/6-16.htm">Proverbs 6:16-19</a>, where it is listed as one of the things the Lord hates. Historically, the ancient Near Eastern societies, including Israel, valued community harmony and unity, making the actions of a perverse man particularly destructive. This phrase warns against the influence of such individuals who disrupt peace and unity, which are essential for a godly community.<p><b>and a gossip divides close friends</b><br>Gossip, or the spreading of rumors and secrets, is portrayed as a destructive force that can sever even the strongest of relationships. The cultural context of ancient Israel placed a high value on loyalty and trust within friendships and family. The act of gossiping is seen as a betrayal of that trust, leading to division and strife. This is echoed in other scriptures such as <a href="/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5-6</a>, which compares the tongue to a small fire that can set a great forest ablaze, illustrating the potential for words to cause significant harm. The division of close friends through gossip is a reminder of the power of words and the importance of using them wisely, as emphasized throughout the book of Proverbs.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/perverse_man.htm">Perverse Man</a></b><br>In the context of this proverb, a perverse man is someone who is morally corrupt or twisted in their ways. The Hebrew word used here, (tahpukot), implies a person who distorts or turns things upside down, often leading to discord.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/gossip.htm">Gossip</a></b><br>This refers to a person who spreads rumors or secrets, often causing harm to relationships. The Hebrew word (nirgan) suggests a whisperer or talebearer who sows seeds of division.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/close_friends.htm">Close Friends</a></b><br>The proverb highlights the impact of gossip on intimate relationships, emphasizing the value and vulnerability of close friendships.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/guard_your_tongue.htm">Guard Your Tongue</a></b><br>Recognize the power of your words. Just as a perverse man spreads dissension, our words can either build up or tear down. Be intentional about speaking life and truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/v/value_of_true_friendship.htm">Value of True Friendship</a></b><br>Understand the preciousness of close friendships. Gossip can easily destroy these bonds, so protect and nurture your relationships by avoiding harmful speech.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/pursue_peace.htm">Pursue Peace</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to be peacemakers. Actively seek to resolve conflicts and promote unity within your community.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_listening.htm">Discernment in Listening</a></b><br>Be cautious about the information you receive. Not all that is shared is beneficial or true. Practice discernment and avoid participating in gossip.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflect_christ_in_communication.htm">Reflect Christ in Communication</a></b><br>Let your communication reflect the character of Christ. Speak with love, grace, and truth, aiming to edify those around you.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 16</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_a_church_handle_pastor_gossip.htm">How should a church address gossip about its pastor?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_gossiping_good_or_bad_for_relationships.htm">Is gossiping beneficial or harmful to relationships?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_gossip.htm">What does the Bible say about church gossip?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_christians_join_soulcycle_classes.htm">What does the Bible say about church gossip?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(28) <span class= "bld">A froward man.--</span>Who distorts the truth.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 28.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A froward man soweth strife</span> (<a href="/proverbs/6-14.htm">Proverbs 6:14, 19</a>). The verb means, literally, "sends forth," which may signify "scatters as seed" or "hurls as a missile weapon." The character intended is the perverse man, who distorts the truth, gives a wrong impression, attributes evil motives; such a one occasions quarrels and heartburnings. <span class="cmt_word">And a whisperer separateth chief friends</span> (<a href="/proverbs/17-9.htm">Proverbs 17:9</a>). <span class="accented">Nirgan</span> is either "a chatterer," or "a whisperer," "calumniator." In <a href="/proverbs/18-8.htm">Proverbs 18:8</a> and Proverbs 26:20, 22 it is translated "tale bearer." "Be not called a whisperer (<span class="greek">ψίθυρος</span>)," says the Son of Sirach (Ecclus. 5:14), speaking of secret slander. "Slanderers," says an old apothegm, "are Satan's bellows to blow up contension." Septuagint, "A perverse man sendeth abroad evils, and kindleth a torch of deceit for the wicked, and separateth friends." The alternative rendering of the second clause, "estrangeth a leader," <span class="accented">i.e.</span> alienates one leader from another, or from his army, is not confirmed by the authority of the versions or the best commentators. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/16-28.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">A perverse</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּ֭הְפֻּכוֹת</span> <span class="translit">(tah·pu·ḵō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8419.htm">Strong's 8419: </a> </span><span class="str2">Perversity, perverse thing</span><br /><br /><span class="word">man</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֣ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">spreads</span><br /><span class="heb">יְשַׁלַּ֣ח</span> <span class="translit">(yə·šal·laḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">dissension,</span><br /><span class="heb">מָד֑וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(mā·ḏō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4066.htm">Strong's 4066: </a> </span><span class="str2">A contest, quarrel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and a gossip</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝נִרְגָּ֗ן‪‬</span> <span class="translit">(wə·nir·gān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5372.htm">Strong's 5372: </a> </span><span class="str2">Talebearer, whisperer </span><br /><br /><span class="word">divides</span><br /><span class="heb">מַפְרִ֥יד</span> <span class="translit">(map̄·rîḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6504.htm">Strong's 6504: </a> </span><span class="str2">To break through, spread, separate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">close friends.</span><br /><span class="heb">אַלּֽוּף׃</span> <span class="translit">(’al·lūp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_441.htm">Strong's 441: </a> </span><span class="str2">Familiar, a friend, gentle, a bullock, a chieftain</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/16-28.htm">Proverbs 16:28 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/16-28.htm">Proverbs 16:28 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/16-28.htm">Proverbs 16:28 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/16-28.htm">Proverbs 16:28 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/16-28.htm">Proverbs 16:28 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/16-28.htm">Proverbs 16:28 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/16-28.htm">Proverbs 16:28 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/16-28.htm">Proverbs 16:28 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/16-28.htm">Proverbs 16:28 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/16-28.htm">Proverbs 16:28 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/16-28.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 16:28 A perverse man stirs up strife (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/16-27.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 16:27"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 16:27" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/16-29.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 16:29"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 16:29" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>