Proverbs 18:8

Modern

The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.

Traditional

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

Literal

The words of a whisperer are like things to be gulped, and they go down into the chambers of the belly.

Latin

Verba bilinguis quasi simplicia, et ipsa perveniunt usque ad interiora ventris. Pigrum dejicit timor; animæ autem effeminatorum esurient.

Hebrew

English

The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.

Rumors can be tempting to listen to and share, but they are harmful. See a parallel passage in Proverbs 26:22

Theme notes and profiles

Proverbs 16:28
A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends.
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.
Proverbs 12:18
Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 26:20–22
Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a conflict ceases.
Psalm 64:3–4
…who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows,
Psalm 52:2
Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit.