What is the meaning of Proverbs 18:8? The words of a gossip - Scripture begins with the source: “words.” God created and upholds everything by His word (Genesis 1:3; Hebrews 1:3), so words carry weight and consequence. - These particular words spring from “a gossip”—someone who spreads information that should remain private or that tears others down. Proverbs 20:19 warns, “He who reveals secrets is a gossip; therefore do not associate with one who talks too much”. - Gossip defies God’s call to love our neighbor (Leviticus 19:16; Ephesians 4:29). It distorts truth, ruins reputations, and sows distrust (Proverbs 16:28; Romans 1:29-30). are like choice morsels - The comparison is to delicacies—tasty, desirable bites that promise quick pleasure. Sin often looks appealing at first (Proverbs 9:17). - Listening to gossip can feel enjoyable: it feeds curiosity, makes us feel “in the know,” and briefly boosts pride. Yet Proverbs 26:22 repeats the warning word-for-word, underscoring the danger. - Just because something tastes good does not mean it nourishes; gossip is spiritual junk food that masks its poison with sweetness (Psalm 141:3-4; James 3:5-6). that go down - The picture shifts from taste to digestion. We do not merely sample gossip; we swallow it. - What enters the ears quickly travels to the heart (Matthew 15:18). Once ingested, the words settle, influencing thoughts, attitudes, and future speech (Luke 6:45). - Like seeds sinking into soil, gossip’s tales embed themselves and are hard to uproot (Proverbs 26:20; 2 Timothy 2:16-17). into the inmost being - The “inmost being” points to the core of who we are—mind, will, and emotions (Psalm 51:6). - When gossip reaches that depth, it reshapes how we view others, often breeding suspicion, jealousy, or resentment (1 Timothy 6:4-5). - God’s Word is meant to penetrate to this same level to bring life (Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 119:11). Gossip, by contrast, lodges there to corrupt. summary Proverbs 18:8 exposes gossip’s deceptive power. Spoken lightly, it feels like a flavorful treat, yet once swallowed it settles deep inside, warping hearts and relationships. God calls us to refuse both the speaking and the hearing of such words, instead filling our inmost being with truth that builds up and honors Him. |
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