Proverbs 18:8 kjv

The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

Proverbs 18:8 nkjv

The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.

Proverbs 18:8 niv

The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.

Proverbs 18:8 esv

The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.

Proverbs 18:8 nlt

Rumors are dainty morsels
that sink deep into one's heart.

Proverbs 18 verses

(h2) MeaningThe words of a talebearer, though they may seem appealing or harmless when heard, are fundamentally destructive. They are akin to appealing "sweet morsels" or tempting delights that are, in reality, deep and lasting wounds. These damaging words penetrate beyond the superficial level, embedding themselves deeply within a person's innermost being, influencing their thoughts, emotions, and perceptions, often causing irreparable spiritual and psychological harm.

(h2) Cross References

(h2) ContextProverbs chapter 18 speaks extensively on wisdom, foolishness, and particularly the power and perils of the tongue. It contrasts destructive speech with wise counsel and silence. Verse 8 is positioned among admonitions regarding the fool's mouth bringing strife (vv. 6-7) and the value of a strong refuge in the Lord's name (v. 10). Historically, in ancient Israelite society, oral tradition was paramount, and words carried significant weight, both for good and ill. The communal nature of life meant that one's reputation was crucial, making slander and gossip especially potent and damaging weapons. This proverb highlights a timeless human flaw and its insidious impact on community and individuals, implicitly challenging social tendencies to indulge in or accept such harmful forms of communication.

(h2) Word analysis

• The words: (Heb. דִּבְרֵי divrei) Refers to spoken utterances, pronouncements, or messages. In this context, it emphasizes the communication itself, the vehicle of harm.
• of a talebearer: (Heb. נִרְגָּן nirgan) Denotes a "whisperer," "gossip," "slanderer," or "one who habitually murmurs/complains." The term implies a subtle, often secret spreading of negative or damaging information. It's not overt confrontation but insidious rumor-mongering. This type of person is divisive and undermines trust within a community.
• are as wounds: (Heb. כְּמַתְּקִים k'matakim) This is a crucial and often misunderstood phrase. Literally, it means "like sweet things," "delicious morsels," or "pleasantries." The translation "wounds" captures the effect rather than the literal meaning, based on context, especially Prov 26:22 which is identical. This highlights the deceptive nature of gossip: it is appealing to the listener's ear, seeming pleasurable or juicy, making it easy to receive and spread. Yet, this superficial sweetness disguises profound harm. The pleasure of hearing the gossip is fleeting, while the wound inflicted is lasting.
• and they go down: (Heb. וְהֵם יֵרְדוּ v'hem yerdu) Implies penetration, sinking deep. It's not superficial or temporary.
• into the innermost parts of the belly: (Heb. חַדְרֵי בָטֶן chadrei vaten) "Belly" here does not merely refer to the stomach, but is a Hebraism for the core being of a person—their innermost thoughts, emotions, soul, and consciousness. The "innermost parts" (חַדְרֵי chadrei) means chambers or secret places. Thus, these words don't just graze the surface; they penetrate and settle deeply within one's spirit, influencing perceptions, tainting relationships, and potentially corrupting the character of the hearer, or deeply hurting the victim.

(ul) Words-group analysis

• "The words of a talebearer": This highlights the source and nature of the destructive speech. The "talebearer" is characterized not just by their actions (telling tales) but by a habit and perhaps an underlying disposition.
• "as wounds, and they go down": This juxtaposition powerfully illustrates the insidious nature of gossip. It might begin seemingly benign ("sweet morsels"), yet its inevitable trajectory is deep and destructive ("go down into the innermost parts"). This implies both a destructive effect on the one gossiped about and a corrupting effect on the one who hears and entertains the gossip.

(h2) CommentaryProverbs 18:8 provides a profound insight into the deceptively dangerous nature of gossip and slander. It captures the psychological and spiritual impact far beyond the physical. The initial allure of a "juicy" piece of information makes the words of the talebearer easily consumed, like a delicious morsel. However, this seemingly enjoyable experience leads to deep, hidden injury. The damage is not external or easily seen; it settles in the deepest parts of a person's being—their core beliefs, their emotions, their perceptions of others, and their spiritual health. This makes the injury insidious, as it might not be immediately recognized, but once embedded, it can subtly corrupt relationships, foster mistrust, breed bitterness, and poison the soul of both the subject of the gossip and the listener who indulges in it. The proverb warns against both being a talebearer and giving ear to one, emphasizing that our innermost being is vulnerable to such pervasive evils.

• Examples:
  • Listening to a seemingly innocent piece of office gossip about a colleague can plant seeds of distrust that affect future interactions.
  • Spreading a rumor about someone, even if seemingly small, can destroy their reputation or cause them deep personal anguish for years.
  • Indulging in cynical remarks about spiritual leaders or fellow believers can subtly erode one's own faith and create a divisive atmosphere in a church community.

(h2) Bonus sectionThe identical phrasing of Proverbs 18:8 and Proverbs 26:22 reinforces the importance and severity of the message. The repetition underlines a key observation about human nature and the profound dangers of the tongue that wisdom consistently warns against. The imagery of something pleasurable causing deep pain is a common paradoxical warning in Scripture (e.g., sin's initial allure leading to death). The depth of the "wound" also speaks to the difficulty of reversing the damage caused by spoken words; unlike a physical wound that may heal, words once sown in the heart are hard to extract, akin to seeds. This proverb stands as a timeless call to guard both our lips and our ears, recognizing the immense power of words to build up or tear down, to heal or to inflict lasting injury.