Proverbs 18 8

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

Proverbs 18 8 Meaning

Proverbs 18:8 vividly portrays the nature and effect of gossip. It describes the words of a gossip or talebearer as highly appealing and tempting, like "choice morsels" or "delicious tidbits." This indicates how readily and enjoyably people consume such information. However, the verse also reveals the hidden danger: these words "go down into the inmost parts," signifying that they deeply penetrate one's mind, heart, and soul, becoming deeply rooted and profoundly affecting one's perspective and inner being.

Proverbs 18 8 Context

Proverbs 18 is part of the "Sayings of Solomon" (Prov 10:1-22:16), which focus on practical wisdom for daily living. This chapter, in particular, deals with the dangers of foolishness, the power of words, the importance of self-control, and the value of wise counsel. Verse 8 falls within a section that highlights the devastating impact of careless speech and the character traits associated with a fool or a righteous person. Historically, ancient Israel was an honor-shame society with strong communal bonds. Reputation was paramount, making slander and gossip highly destructive forces that could tear apart families, friendships, and communities. The book of Proverbs frequently offers warnings and insights regarding the proper use of the tongue, often contrasting it with the speech of the wicked or foolish, implicitly criticizing any form of speech that promotes division, falsehood, or harm.

Proverbs 18 8 Word analysis

• The words: The Hebrew word is divre (דִּבְרֵי), which comes from davar (דָּבָר). Davar means not just "word" but can also signify "thing," "matter," or "message." This implies that it's not merely sounds but the very substance and content of what is spoken.
• of a gossip / of a whisperer / of a talebearer: The Hebrew is nirgan (נִרְגָּן). This term describes a secret slanderer, one who whispers malicious tales or spreads divisive rumors. It denotes someone who not only speaks ill of others but does so in a clandestine or manipulative way to cause strife. This person often appears harmless, making their words even more dangerous.
• are like choice morsels / are as wounds: The Hebrew term is kimthalla hamim (כְּמִתְלַהֲמִים). This word is often debated due to its rare form.
  • Most modern translations (ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB) derive it from laham (לָהַם), meaning "to swallow greedily," or lechem (לֶחֶם), meaning "food." Thus, "choice morsels" or "delicious tidbits" conveys something highly desirable, enjoyable to consume, and perhaps addictive. It highlights the alluring nature of scandalous or personal information.
  • The King James Version's "wounds" is based on an older interpretive tradition, possibly linking it to a similar-looking root meaning "to strike" or "to wound." However, the contextual parallel with Proverbs 26:22 and the predominant linguistic analysis favor the "delicious food" interpretation.
• they go down: The verb is yaradu (יָרְדוּ), "they descend," "they go down." This signifies a deep penetration, not merely a superficial encounter. The words are absorbed, sinking in beyond immediate awareness.
• into the inmost parts: The Hebrew is ḥadrê-bāṭen (חַדְרֵי־בָטֶן), literally "chambers of the belly" or "inner parts of the body." In Hebrew thought, the "belly" or "inmost parts" (often interchangeable with "heart" or "loins") refers to one's deepest being – emotions, will, thoughts, and spiritual core. It indicates that the words do not stay on the surface of the mind but permeate the listener's internal world, settling deeply and influencing their character, judgments, and future actions.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "The words of a gossip are like choice morsels": This phrase establishes the seductive and appealing nature of gossip. It’s presented as something tantalizing, hard to resist, and immediately gratifying to those who hear it. The speaker gains power by sharing forbidden information, and the listener gains the satisfaction of private knowledge or entertainment.
• "they go down into the inmost parts": This highlights the profound and lasting impact of gossip. Unlike transient sounds, these words take root in the listener's deepest being. They become internalized, influencing beliefs, fostering prejudice, corrupting judgment, and generating negative attitudes or suspicions that are difficult to dislodge. It's a consumption that poisons the soul rather than nourishes it.

Proverbs 18 8 Bonus section

The parallel found in Proverbs 26:22 ("The words of a whisperer are like choice morsels; they go down into the inmost parts of the belly") emphasizes the consistent nature of this observation in ancient wisdom. The repetition underscores its importance and pervasive truth. This proverb doesn't just condemn the speaker but also implicitly warns the hearer: one who entertains gossip becomes complicit in its destructive power and allows their own inner spiritual space to be defiled. The image of something "going down into the inmost parts" is highly evocative, drawing on the idea of digestion and assimilation. Just as food consumed becomes part of the body, the gossip consumed becomes part of the listener's inner landscape, shaping their character, worldview, and spiritual health. The addictiveness of gossip, akin to a pleasurable vice, makes it particularly dangerous, as the craving for such "morsels" can lead to repeated indulgence despite the known harm.

Proverbs 18 8 Commentary

Proverbs 18:8 provides a powerful metaphor for the deceptive nature of gossip. The verse cautions against the allure of sensational or private information about others. Like a "choice morsel," gossip offers immediate gratification and seems harmless, even enjoyable, to consume. People are drawn to it because it appeals to curiosity, provides a sense of knowing something exclusive, or momentarily diverts from their own issues. This pleasure, however, is short-lived and destructive. The real danger lies in how these words "go down into the inmost parts," signifying a deep spiritual and psychological absorption. Once internalized, gossip subtly reshapes perceptions, fosters cynicism, erodes trust, and contaminates the purity of one's thoughts and spirit. It's difficult to remove deeply rooted impressions, and such ingrained negativity can lead to suspicion, judgment, and the erosion of charity towards others. This proverb serves as a vital warning, not just for the gossip-monger but crucially for the listener, reminding them to guard their heart and mind against such subtly poisonous information.

• Practical usage examples:
  • Recognizing the fleeting satisfaction of sharing or hearing a rumor, contrasted with its lasting negative effect on one's own character or the perception of others.
  • Exercising spiritual discernment by pausing when hearing juicy information about someone, asking: "Is this truthful? Is it edifying? Is it necessary to share or listen?"
  • Choosing to walk away from or change the subject when gossip arises, understanding that consuming it damages one's spiritual health.