Proverbs 16:28
What does Proverbs 16:28 mean?
A plain-English look at Proverbs 16:28 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Proverbs 16:28 means
This proverb highlights the destructive power of corrupt communication. A "perverse man" refers to someone whose words are twisted, deceitful, or intentionally misleading. Such a person actively incites conflict and discord among people. The second line employs a vivid image: a "whisperer" – one who secretly spreads rumors, gossip, or slander – is capable of dissolving even the strongest bonds of friendship. The quiet, insidious nature of whispering makes it particularly dangerous, as it erodes trust and plants seeds of suspicion, ultimately leading to alienation between those who were once close. The verse condemns speech that undermines unity and fosters division.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000A perverse man scattereth abroad strife; And a whisperer separateth chief friends.
KJV
King James Version · 1611A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901A perverse man scattereth abroad strife; And a whisperer separateth chief friends.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949A man of twisted purposes is a cause of fighting everywhere: and he who says evil secretly makes trouble between friends.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862A froward man sendeth forth contention, A tale-bearer is separating a familiar friend.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752A perverse man stirreth up quarrels: and one full of words separateth princes.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890A false man soweth contention; and a talebearer separateth very friends.
Context
Proverbs 16 delves into the theme of wisdom versus foolishness, particularly concerning the use of the tongue. This verse appears amidst a series of proverbs emphasizing the impact of words and actions on one's life and relationships. Just before, verses 27 and 26 describe the destructive nature of evil counsel and the motivation behind human labor, respectively. Following this verse, verse 29 describes a violent man leading his neighbor astray, and verse 30 illustrates the deceptive signals of a schemer. Chapter 16 as a whole underscores God's sovereignty over human plans and the importance of righteous conduct, making this verse a specific warning against divisive speech within that broader framework.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 29:22
An angry man stirreth up strife, And a wrathful man aboundeth in transgression.
- Proverbs 6:14
In whose heart is perverseness, Who deviseth evil continually, Who soweth discord.
- 1 Samuel 24:9
And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearkenest thou to men’s words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt?
- Proverbs 18:8
The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts.
- Genesis 3:1
Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which Jehovah God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of any tree of the garden?
- Proverbs 30:33
For the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, And the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood; So the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.
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