Proverbs 18:8
Proverbs 18:8 in Multiple Translations
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.
The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts.
The words of one who says evil of his neighbour secretly are like sweet food, and go down into the inner parts of the stomach.
Listening to gossip is like gulping down bites of your favorite food—they go deep down inside you.
The wordes of a tale bearer are as flatterings, and they goe downe into the bowels of the belly.
The words of a tale-bearer [are] as self-inflicted wounds, And they have gone down [to] the inner parts of the heart.
The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels: they go down into a person’s innermost parts.
The words of a tale-bearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
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.
People enjoy listening to what gossips say like [SIM] they enjoy tasty food; they accept what gossips tell them like [MET] they swallow tasty food.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 18:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 18:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
דִּבְרֵ֣י
נִ֭רְגָּן
כְּ/מִֽתְלַהֲמִ֑ים
וְ֝/הֵ֗ם
יָרְד֥וּ
חַדְרֵי
בָֽטֶן
דִּבְרֵ֣י
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-mp
נִ֭רְגָּן
nirgân
H5372
whisperer
V-Niphal
כְּ/מִֽתְלַהֲמִ֑ים
lâham
H3859
to swallow
Prep | V-Hithpael
וְ֝/הֵ֗ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Conj | Pron
יָרְד֥וּ
yârad
H3381
to go down
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
חַדְרֵי
cheder
H2315
chamber
N-mp
בָֽטֶן
beṭen
H990
belly
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 18:8
דִּבְרֵ֣י
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
נִ֭רְגָּן
nirgân
H5372
"whisperer"
V-Niphal
A whisperer or slanderer is someone who murmurs or backbites, spreading rumors and gossip, as seen in the Bible's warnings against talebearers.
Definition: 1) to murmur, whisper 1a) murmurers 1b) backbite, slander, talebearer, backbiter
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: talebearer, whisperer. See also: Proverbs 16:28; Proverbs 26:20; Proverbs 18:8.
כְּ/מִֽתְלַהֲמִ֑ים
lâham
H3859
"to swallow"
Prep | V-Hithpael
This Hebrew word means to swallow or gulp something down, and can also describe a wound that burns or rankles. It's used to convey a sense of something being deeply felt or painful. In the Bible, it appears in contexts where emotions are intense.
Definition: 1) to gulp, swallow greedily 1a) (Hithpael) to be gulped
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: wound. See also: Proverbs 18:8; Proverbs 26:22.
וְ֝/הֵ֗ם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
יָרְד֥וּ
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
חַדְרֵי
cheder
H2315
"chamber"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a private room or chamber, often the innermost part of a building. It is used in the Bible to describe a private space, like a bedroom or a parlour. The KJV translates it as 'inner chamber'.
Definition: chamber, room, parlour, innermost or inward part, within
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: ((bed) inner) chamber, innermost(-ward) part, parlour, [phrase] south, [idiom] within. See also: Genesis 43:30; 2 Chronicles 18:24; Psalms 105:30.
בָֽטֶן
beṭen
H990
"belly"
N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to the belly or womb, and is used to describe the seat of hunger, emotions, and even the depths of the afterlife. It is used in the Bible to describe the body and its functions. The KJV translates it as belly, body, or womb.
Definition: : abdomen 1) belly, womb, body 1a) belly, abdomen 1a1) as seat of hunger 1a2) as seat of mental faculties 1a3) of depth of Sheol (fig.) 1b) womb
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: belly, body, [phrase] as they be born, [phrase] within, womb. See also: Genesis 25:23; Psalms 22:10; Psalms 17:14.
Study Notes — Proverbs 18:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 18:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 18:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 18:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 18:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 18:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 18:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 18:8
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 18:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 18:8
- Sermons on Proverbs 18:8
Context — The Selfishness of the Unfriendly
6A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.
7A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.
9Whoever is slothful in his work is brother to him who destroys. 10The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 12:18 | Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. |
| 2 | Leviticus 19:16 | You must not go about spreading slander among your people. You must not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am the LORD. |
| 3 | Proverbs 16:28 | A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends. |
| 4 | Proverbs 26:20–22 | Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a conflict ceases. Like charcoal for embers and wood for fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being. |
| 5 | Psalms 52:2 | Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit. |
| 6 | Psalms 64:3–4 | who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows, ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear. |
Proverbs 18:8 Summary
The words of a gossip are like tasty treats that can be tempting to listen to, but they can also be very hurtful and damaging, as we see in Proverbs 18:8. When we listen to gossip, it can affect us deeply and even change the way we think and feel about others, as Jesus warned in Matthew 15:18-19. To avoid the harm of gossip, we should focus on speaking kindly and truthfully, as instructed in Ephesians 4:29 and 31, and surround ourselves with people who do the same. By being mindful of the words we listen to and speak, we can create a more positive and supportive community, and bring joy and peace to those around us, as seen in Proverbs 12:18 and 25:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gossip and why are their words so destructive?
A gossip is someone who spreads rumors or shares personal information about others, often with the intent to harm or entertain, as seen in Proverbs 18:8, and their words can be especially damaging because they can be tempting to listen to, like choice morsels, and can lead to strife and division, as warned in Proverbs 6:19 and 16:28
How can I avoid being a gossip or participating in gossip?
To avoid being a gossip, focus on speaking kindly and truthfully, as instructed in Ephesians 4:29 and 31, and be mindful of the words you share about others, considering whether they are necessary, true, and edifying
What does it mean for words to go down into the inmost being?
When words go down into the inmost being, it means they have a profound impact on a person's thoughts, feelings, and spirit, as described in Proverbs 18:8, and can shape their perceptions, attitudes, and actions, much like the way food nourishes or harms the body, as seen in Matthew 15:18-19
How can I protect myself from the harmful effects of gossip?
To protect yourself from gossip, surround yourself with people who speak truth and kindness, as advised in Proverbs 12:26 and 27:9, and be cautious of those who would seek to harm or manipulate you with their words, as warned in Proverbs 20:19 and 26:20-28
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have been tempted to participate in gossip or listen to harmful words, and how can I resist those temptations in the future?
- How can I use my words to build others up, rather than tearing them down, and what are some specific ways I can practice kindness and truthfulness in my speech?
- What are some 'choice morsels' of gossip or harmful words that I have been fed in the past, and how have they affected me, and what can I do to 'digest' and eliminate them from my life?
- In what ways can I create a safe and supportive environment for others to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or gossip, and how can I be a good listener and friend?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 18:8
The words of a talebearer [are] as wounds,.... Or rather they are wounds; they wound the credit and reputation of the person of whom the tale is told; they wound the person to whom it is told, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 18:8
The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. The words of a talebearer are as wounds - `piercing' like a 'sword,' (Proverbs 12:18; cf. margin).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 18:8
The words of a tale-bearer, who privily slandereth his neighbour, are as wounds; deeply wound the reputation, and afterwards the heart, of the slandered person. Compare . Or, as others render the word, are as smooth or flattering, i.e. they really are so; the particle as being oft used to express the truth of the thing, as hath been noted before. See also . They are softer than oil, as is said, . For slanderers use to cover and usher in their calumnies with pretences or kindness and compassion to them whom they traduce. They go down into the innermost parts of the belly; they wound mortally, piercing to the heart, which is oft meant by the belly; as 32:19, &c.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 18:8
Proverbs 18:8 The words of a talebearer [are] as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.Ver. 8. The words of a talebearer are as wounds.] He that takes away a man’ s good name kills him alive, and ruins him and his posterity; being herein worse than Cain, for he, in killing his brother, made him live for ever, and eternalised his name. Some read, "Are as the words of the wounded": they seem to speak out of wounded, troubled hearts, and then their words go down into the belly - they go glib down, pass without the least questioning.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 18:8
(8) The words of a talebearer are as wounds.—Or, more probably, “as dainty morsels” that are eagerly swallowed, and “go down into the innermost parts of the belly,” i.e., are treasured up in the deepest recesses of the heart, to be remembered and brought out again when an opportunity for employing them occurs.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 18:8
Verse 8. The words of a tale-bearer] דברי נרגן dibrey nirgan, "the words of the whisperer," the busy-body, the busy, meddling croaker. Verba bilinguis, "the words of the double-tongued." - Vulgate. The wordes of the twisel tunge. - Old MS. Bible. "The words of a slanderer." - Coverdale. The words of a deceiver, the fair-spoken, deeply-malicious man, though they appear soft and gracious, are wounds deeply injurious. The original word is כמתלהמים kemithlahamim; they are as soft or simple, or undesigning. But Schultens gives another meaning. He observes that [Arabic] lahamah in Arabic signifies to "swallow down quickly or greedily." Such words are like dainties, eagerly swallowed, because inviting to the taste; like gingerbread, apparently gilded over, though with Dutch leaf, which is a preparation of copper; or sweetmeats powdered over with red candied seeds, which are thus formed by red lead; both deeply ruinous to the tender bowels of the poor little innocents, but, because of their sweetness and inviting colour, greedily swallowed down.
This makes a good reading, and agrees with the latter clause of the verse, "they go down into the innermost parts of the belly."
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 18:8
8. talebearer] Rather, whisperer, R.V., secret calumniator, as in Proverbs 16:28; bilinguis, Vulg. wounds] Rather, dainty morsels, R.V.; so greedily do men swallow down and retain them. This proverb occurs again, Proverbs 26:22.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 18:8
8. Words of a talebearer — Of a whisperer, slanderer, Proverbs 16:28. Are as wounds — λξϊμδξιν, (kimithlahamim,) dainties, sweetmeats. So Gesenius, Conant, etc. Some read, are “sportive ones.” There are various other readings.
Sermons on Proverbs 18:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Attack of the Devil - Part 2 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of courage and faith in facing challenges, using the story of Caleb and the spies sent to explore the promised land. Despite the obstacles and |
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This Is a Test by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the critical need for personal prayer, Bible reading, and the dangers of gossip and secret sin in his sermon 'This Is a Test.' He warns that neglecting t |
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Communication in Marriage by Richard Sipley | Dick Sipley addresses the prevalent issues in marriages, attributing them to sin and selfishness. He emphasizes the critical role of communication in resolving marital conflicts, h |
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(Proverbs) ch.11:12 - 12:21 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of honesty and truthfulness in our words and actions. He highlights that telling lies can lead to trouble and that honesty is |
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Learn From Christ's Speech and How He Spoke by Tim Conway | This sermon emphasizes the transformation from the old Gentile ways to learning Christ, focusing on speaking with gentleness, knowing when to be silent, and speaking the Word of Go |
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Careless Words by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the weight of our words, warning that every idle word we speak is recorded and will be accounted for on the day of judgment. He shares a personal experie |
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A Matter of Life and Death! by Theodore Epp | Theodore Epp emphasizes the profound impact of our words in his sermon 'A Matter of Life and Death!', drawing parallels between fire and the tongue. He illustrates how words can hu |