CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 18:8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/18-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/20_Pro_18_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 18:8 - The Selfishness of the Unfriendly" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/18-8.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/18-8.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/18.htm">Chapter 18</a> > Verse 8</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/18-7.htm" title="Proverbs 18:7">◄</a> Proverbs 18:8 <a href="/proverbs/18-9.htm" title="Proverbs 18:9">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/18.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/18.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The words of a talebearer <i>are</i> as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The words of a talebearer <i>are</i> like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The words of a gossiper are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the stomach.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The words of a whisperer (gossip) are like dainty morsels [to be greedily eaten]; They go down into the innermost chambers of the body [to be remembered and mused upon].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A gossip’s words are like choice food that goes down to one’s innermost being.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A gossip&#8217s words are like choice food that goes down to one&#8217s innermost being. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />There's nothing so delicious as the taste of gossip! It melts in your mouth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The words of a whisperer are as dainty, morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The words of a gossip are swallowed greedily, and they go down into a person's innermost being.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Gossip is so tasty--how we love to swallow it! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The words of a gossip are like choice morsels as they descend to the innermost parts of the body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down into the person's innermost being. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The words of a gossip are like tasty morsels, and they go down into a person's innermost parts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The words of a tale-bearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels: they go down into a person’s innermost parts. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The words of a tale-bearer [are] as self-inflicted wounds, "" And they have gone down [to] the inner parts of the heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The words of a tale-bearer are as self-inflicted wounds, And they have gone down to the inner parts of the heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The words of the tale-bearer as dainty morsels, and they will go down to the chambers of the belly.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The words of the double tongued are as if they were harmless: and they reach even to the inner parts of the bowels. Fear casteth down the slothful: and the souls of the effeminate shall be hungry. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The words of the double-tongued seem simple. And they reach even to the interior of the gut. Fear casts down the lazy, but the souls of the effeminate shall go hungry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The words of a talebearer are like dainty morsels: they sink into one’s inmost being. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The words of a slothful man bring evil to him, and they cause him to go down into the inner chambers of Sheol.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The words of a lazy man cast him into evil, and they lower him to the inner chamber of Sheol.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Fear casts down the slothful; and the souls of the effeminate shall hunger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/18-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=3565" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/18.htm">The Selfishness of the Unfriendly</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">7</span>A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: diḇ·rê (N-mpc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">The words</a> <a href="/hebrew/7279.htm" title="7279: nir·gān (V-Nifal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To murmur, whisper. A primitive root; to grumble, i.e. Rebel.">of a gossip</a> <a href="/hebrew/3859.htm" title="3859: kə·miṯ·la·hă·mîm (Prep-k:: V-Hitpael-Prtcpl-mp) -- To swallow greedily. A primitive root; properly, to burn in, i.e. to rankle.">are like choice morsels</a> <a href="/hebrew/1992.htm" title="1992: wə·hêm (Conj-w:: Pro-3mp) -- They. Or hemmah; masculine plural from halak; they.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: yā·rə·ḏū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To come or go down, descend. ">go down</a> <a href="/hebrew/2315.htm" title="2315: ḥaḏ·rê- (N-mpc) -- A chamber, room. From chadar; an apartment.">into the inmost being.</a> <a href="/hebrew/990.htm" title="990: ḇā·ṭen (N-fs) -- From an unused root probably meaning to be hollow; the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything."></a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-22.htm">Proverbs 26:22</a></span><br />The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5-6</a></span><br />In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. / The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/64-3.htm">Psalm 64:3-4</a></span><br />who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows, / ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36-37</a></span><br />But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a></span><br />Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-28.htm">Proverbs 16:28</a></span><br />A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-29.htm">Romans 1:29-30</a></span><br />They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, / slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful. They invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/52-2.htm">Psalm 52:2-4</a></span><br />Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit. / You love evil more than good, falsehood more than speaking truth. Selah / You love every word that devours, O deceitful tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-20.htm">2 Corinthians 12:20</a></span><br />For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-13.htm">Proverbs 11:13</a></span><br />A gossip reveals a secret, but a trustworthy person keeps a confidence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-13.htm">1 Timothy 5:13</a></span><br />At the same time they will also learn to be idle, going from house to house and being not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, discussing things they should not mention.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/19-16.htm">Leviticus 19:16</a></span><br />You must not go about spreading slander among your people. You must not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Proverbs 20:19</a></span><br />He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-1.htm">1 Peter 2:1</a></span><br />Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-4.htm">Jeremiah 9:4-5</a></span><br />“Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander. / Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.</p><p class="hdg">words</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18</a></b></br> There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise <i>is</i> health.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/16-28.htm">Proverbs 16:28</a></b></br> A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/26-20.htm">Proverbs 26:20-22</a></b></br> Where no wood is, <i>there</i> the fire goeth out: so where <i>there is</i> no talebearer, the strife ceaseth… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/13-25.htm">Belly</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-22.htm">Body</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-20.htm">Choice</a> <a href="/job/33-20.htm">Dainty</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-17.htm">Delicious</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-20.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-26.htm">Food</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-28.htm">Gossip</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-2.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/139-13.htm">Inmost</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-27.htm">Inner</a> <a href="/psalms/128-3.htm">Innermost</a> <a href="/psalms/147-17.htm">Morsels</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-18.htm">Neighbour</a> <a href="/psalms/139-15.htm">Parts</a> <a href="/exodus/22-11.htm">Person's</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-22.htm">Self-Inflicted</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-24.htm">Sweet</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-13.htm">Talebearer</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-28.htm">Tale-Bearer</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-28.htm">Whisperer</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-4.htm">Words</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-18.htm">Wounds</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/18-20.htm">Belly</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-27.htm">Body</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-20.htm">Choice</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-6.htm">Dainty</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-22.htm">Delicious</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-23.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Food</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Gossip</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-11.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-27.htm">Inmost</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-27.htm">Inner</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-27.htm">Innermost</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-8.htm">Morsels</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-17.htm">Neighbour</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-27.htm">Parts</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-23.htm">Person's</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-22.htm">Self-Inflicted</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-17.htm">Sweet</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Talebearer</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Tale-Bearer</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-20.htm">Whisperer</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-7.htm">Words</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-30.htm">Wounds</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm">A fool delights not in understanding</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The words of a gossip</b><br>Gossip, in biblical terms, refers to idle talk or rumors about others, often involving details that are not confirmed as true. The Bible frequently warns against gossip, as it can lead to discord and division within communities. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, maintaining community harmony was crucial, and gossip was seen as a threat to this unity. The book of Proverbs often contrasts the wise and the foolish, and gossip is associated with folly. Other scriptures, such as <a href="/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5-6</a>, highlight the destructive power of the tongue, emphasizing the need for self-control in speech.<p><b>are like choice morsels</b><br>This phrase uses the metaphor of food to describe the allure of gossip. In ancient times, choice morsels would have been considered delicacies, something desirable and tempting. This imagery suggests that gossip can be enticing and hard to resist, much like a delicious treat. The comparison to food also implies that gossip can be consumed and internalized, affecting one's thoughts and actions. The allure of gossip is further explored in <a href="/proverbs/26-22.htm">Proverbs 26:22</a>, which repeats this imagery, underscoring its persistent danger.<p><b>that go down into the inmost being</b><br>The "inmost being" refers to the deepest parts of a person, indicating that gossip can penetrate and affect one's heart and soul. In biblical anthropology, the heart is often seen as the center of thought, emotion, and will. This suggests that gossip can influence a person's inner life, potentially leading to bitterness, resentment, or other negative emotions. The impact of words on the heart is a recurring theme in scripture, as seen in <a href="/matthew/15-18.htm">Matthew 15:18-19</a>, where Jesus teaches that what comes out of the mouth reflects the heart's condition. This phrase warns of the profound and potentially harmful effects of internalizing gossip.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often address practical aspects of daily life and human behavior.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written. Understanding the societal norms and values of ancient Israel can provide insight into the text.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/gossip.htm">Gossip</a></b><br>While not a person or place, gossip is the central theme of this verse. It refers to idle talk or rumors, especially about the personal or private affairs of others.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_allure_of_gossip.htm">The Allure of Gossip</a></b><br>Gossip is likened to "choice morsels," suggesting it is tempting and seemingly delightful. Believers must be aware of this allure and resist the temptation to engage in or listen to gossip.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_deep_impact_of_words.htm">The Deep Impact of Words</a></b><br>The phrase "they go down into the inmost being" indicates that gossip can deeply affect both the speaker and the listener. It can shape perceptions and damage relationships, highlighting the need for careful speech.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_the_heart.htm">Guarding the Heart</a></b><br>Since gossip penetrates deeply, Christians are called to guard their hearts and minds, ensuring that what they consume and share aligns with godly principles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/promoting_edifying_speech.htm">Promoting Edifying Speech</a></b><br>Instead of gossiping, believers should focus on speech that builds up and encourages others, reflecting the love and truth of Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/accountability_in_community.htm">Accountability in Community</a></b><br>Within the Christian community, there should be accountability and encouragement to speak truthfully and lovingly, avoiding the pitfalls of gossip.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 18</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_christians_join_soulcycle_classes.htm">What does the Bible say about church gossip?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_teach_about_lust.htm">Is gossiping beneficial or harmful to relationships?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_gossiping_good_or_bad_for_relationships.htm">Is gossiping beneficial or harmful to relationships?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_gossip.htm">What does the Bible say about church gossip?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) <span class= "bld">The words of a talebearer are as wounds.--</span>Or, more probably, "as dainty morsels" that are eagerly swallowed, and <span class= "ital">"go </span>down into the innermost parts of the belly," <span class= "ital">i.e., </span>are treasured up in the deepest recesses of the heart, to be remembered and brought out again when an opportunity for employing them occurs.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The words of a tale bearer are as wounds.</span> <span class="accented">Nergan</span>, "tale bearer," is better rendered "whisperer" (see on Proverbs 16:28). The Authorized Version reminds one of the mediaeval jingle - <p><span class="foreign">"Lingua susurronis<br />Est pejor felle draconis."</span> The verse recurs in <a href="/proverbs/26-22.htm">Proverbs 26:22</a>; but the word rendered "wounds" (<span class="accented">mitlahamim</span>) is to be differently explained. It is probably the hithp. participle of <span class="accented">laham</span>," to swallow," and seems to mean "dainty morsels," such as one eagerly swallows. Thus Gesenius, Schultens, Delitzsch, Nowack, and others. So the clause means, "A whisperer's words are received with avidity; calumny, slander, and evil stories find eager listeners." The same metaphor is found in <a href="/proverbs/19-28.htm">Proverbs 19:28</a>; <a href="/job/34-7.htm">Job 34:7</a>. There may, at the same time, be involved the idea that these dainty morsels are of poisonous character. Vulgate, <span class="accented">Verba bilinguis, quasi simplicia</span>, "The words of a man of double tongue seem to be simple," which contains another truth. <span class="cmt_word">They go down into the innermost parts of the belly</span> (<a href="/proverbs/20-27.htm">Proverbs 20:27, 30</a>). The hearers take in the slanders and treasure them up in memory, to be used as occasion shall offer. The LXX. omits this verse, and in its place introduces a paragraph founded partly on the next verse and partly on <a href="/proverbs/19-15.htm">Proverbs 19:15</a>. The Vulgate also inserts the interpolation, "Fear overthrows the sluggish; and the souls of the effeminate (<span class="greek">ἀνδρογύνων</span>) shall hunger." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/18-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">A gossip’s</span><br /><span class="heb">נִ֭רְגָּן</span> <span class="translit">(nir·gān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5372.htm">Strong's 5372: </a> </span><span class="str2">Talebearer, whisperer </span><br /><br /><span class="word">words</span><br /><span class="heb">דִּבְרֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(diḇ·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are like choice morsels,</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּמִֽתְלַהֲמִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(kə·miṯ·la·hă·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3859.htm">Strong's 3859: </a> </span><span class="str2">To burn in, to rankle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and they</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝הֵ֗ם</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> </span><span class="str2">They</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sink</span><br /><span class="heb">יָרְד֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·rə·ḏū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come or go down, descend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">into the inmost being.</span><br /><span class="heb">חַדְרֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(ḥaḏ·rê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2315.htm">Strong's 2315: </a> </span><span class="str2">A chamber, room</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/18-8.htm">Proverbs 18:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/18-8.htm">Proverbs 18:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/18-8.htm">Proverbs 18:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/18-8.htm">Proverbs 18:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/18-8.htm">Proverbs 18:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/18-8.htm">Proverbs 18:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/18-8.htm">Proverbs 18:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/18-8.htm">Proverbs 18:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/18-8.htm">Proverbs 18:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/18-8.htm">Proverbs 18:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/18-8.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 18:8 The words of a gossip are like (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/18-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 18:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 18:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/18-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 18:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 18:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>