Proverbs 18:8 - Printer Friendly

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

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

NASB: The words of a gossiper are like dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.

CSB: A gossip’s words are like choice food that goes down to one’s innermost being.

NLT: Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart.

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

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

Gossip is a persistent temptation, in every era, and for almost every person (Proverbs 11:13; 16:28). Even when someone's not excessively prone to gossiping, rumors and scandals still need to be approached with caution. Solomon's wisdom here gives one reason: they are entertaining and pleasing to our fallen nature, as is a tasty bite of food to our tongue. But, like food, that "morsel" goes deep inside us. The spiritual effect of taking in slander or secrets is much more serious than it might seem, at first (Romans 1:29; 2 Timothy 3:2–4).

Scripture routinely condemns the "whispering" that is associated with spreading rumors, stories, and gossip. Leviticus 19:16 commanded the people of Israel: "You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people." Proverbs 20:19 warns: "Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler." The apostle Paul warned Timothy about certain younger widows who "learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies" (1 Timothy 5:13).

It is tragic that so many people reject the good news of salvation but eagerly devour gossip. Jesus is the Truth, spoke the truth, and lived the truth, but He "was despised and rejected by men…and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not" (Isaiah 53:3).

This statement is repeated in Proverbs 26:22.

This segment of Solomon's wise sayings includes several well-known and often-repeated remarks. Among these are references to God's "name" as a place of safety, the connection between pride and catastrophe, the value of a godly spouse, and the intimate loyalty of a good friend. As in other parts of the book of Proverbs, these teachings are tied to warnings about the consequences of poor decisions.

Chapter 18 continues a long string of wise sayings attributed to Solomon. These began in chapter 10 and will continue through chapter 22. This section contains numerous references to fair-mindedness and seeking out truth from multiple sources. Diligent responsibility—in words, actions, and beliefs—is a notable emphasis in this segment.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.