Proverbs 26:20 Commentary and Bible Study

Although the overall theme of this group of verses seems to be the causing of strife, Solomon now puts together a number of verses on the subject of gossip as a sub-group within this theme. Speech plays a great part in the stirring up of strife, for the gossip speaks with the intention of turning one person against another. He is the opposite of the peace-maker who covers over minor offences, knowing that it is only too easy to turn one person against another because of the readiness of fallen human nature to overreact. The gossip indeed approaches his task like one who adds fuel to a fire. He does not want to strike the blow against his enemy himself, but he wishes to so inflame others by his words that their anger reaches the point where it can no longer be controlled and they lash out indignation. The gossip loves strife and rejoices to see the result of his or her subtle work. Of course he pretends that he only cares about the truth and may even appear to deliver his ‘facts’ reluctantly, as if he wished he could say something better, but this is all part of the subtlety with which he works. It assists him to be thought of as an unwilling reporter of the facts because if he was known as a mere gossip he would not be taken seriously, for all are aware that the gossip cannot be trusted.The proverb is worded so as to suggest that strife will die down of its own accord if it is not constantly fuelled by the slandered or talebearer. He is a deceiver by nature as he is not giving a fair report but one which makes selective use of the evidence. He studies those he speaks to and knows exactly what it will take to stir up their prejudices. He looks for evidence in their words of existing bias and plays on that by carefully adding fuel where the fire is already burning most brightly.