22 The words of one who says evil of his neighbour secretly are like sweet food, they go down into the inner parts of the stomach.

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.