Proverbs 25:23 (ESV)

23 The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.

Commentators have been puzzling over this verse. For normally, the north wind in Israel does not bring rain. That comes mostly with the west wind. It is noteworthy that the Hebrew word for north wind goes together with a verb which means to hide. Perhaps here we find the key to understanding this saying. After all, the second part of this verse is also about something that happens in secret.

Speaking in secret about someone else can have very nasty consequences, and it can seriously disrupt mutual communication. It's like a hidden wind that can suddenly cause great destruction. So, here we are sternly warned about the serious consequences of gossip.