Proverbs 18:8

Proverbs 18:8 (26:22)

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

Devotional

This proverb is a warning against receiving the talebearers/gossipers, gossip/slander. For though it may be "tasty" to some peoples palates, in the end it will settle deeply into ones own heart. And thus one's opinions of an individual or person will not only be distorted by it, but these will not be easily changed. Ultimately then making those who receive the talebearers gossip and slander likely to become just as unjust (and cruel) in their words and behavior towards the person who is slandered, as the person who speaks such things. For many wrongs and unjust behavior is often justified through it. Which is why it is so insidious and unjust. A so called "harmless" bit of gossip then always has far reaching, and often long lasting negative effects. Not only on the victims of it (and their relationships), but also the persons who propagate it, and or receive it. For all will bear some negative effects and consequences from it in their own lives. Thus not only does the "tasty" words of the talebearer have destructive effects on others, it will also have destructive effects on you! For it gives Satan, whom the Scripture calls a slanderer and destroyer of people an open door to walk into your life if you propagate it or receive it. Therefore don't align yourself with Satan and his evil work in this world in seeking to ruin and destroy other peoples reputations and lives. For he will do that through you if you let him, all the while laying the groundwork to destroy you also! For everything from school yard bullying to outright assaults on one's person or property often gets it's fuel from the backbiting and slanderous tongue, something which God condemns (Ps. 50:21). Therefore we as believers are commanded to flee from all such things (Eph 4:29-32; Titus 3:2; James 4:11-12; 1 Peter 2:1-3) which do not make for peace, but only discord and strife (Pr. 26:20) and thus are not in accord with Jesus' commandment to love one another as I have loved you (John 13:34-35). Those then who think nothing of defaming another, and or forwarding the hurt of others through their reckless gossiping, backbiting and malicious tongues. Or who receive it as some sort of pleasurable thing, should consider that the Lord Jesus Christ Himself will require an accounting of all their words and deeds (Matt 12:36; 2 Cor 5:10-11; James 5:9).

Scripture Quotations

The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982