Proverbs 20:19  He that goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flatters with his lips. 

This verse warns against gossip, betrayal, and flattery with hidden motives. A talebearer spreads gossip, discloses confidential information, and stirs strife. Such a person betrays trust by repeating what is told in confidence; causes quarrels, misunderstandings, and division and damages relationships, reputations, and communities.

“A froward man sows strife: and a whisperer separates chief friends” (16:28).  “The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly” (18:8).

‘Therefore meddle not with him that flatters with his lips.’ Flattering words may mask malicious intent. Talebearers often use flattery to gain trust, then betray it by spreading secrets.

Avoid close association or partnership with those who: Speak deceitfully; manipulate others with smooth or pleasing words, and stir division or create hidden conflict.

“A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin” (26:28).

Guard against talebearers in personal, family, and workplace relationships. Do not trust flattery; it may conceal harmful intent. Foster relationships with honest, trustworthy, and sincere individuals. Avoid participating in gossip, and do not spread secrets or slander.

Talebearers betray trust and sow discord. Stay away from flattery that hides betrayal, but value honesty, discretion, and integrity in speech.

Proverbs 18:8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. 

The word talebearer (Hebrew: nirgan) can be translated as a gossip, slanderer, or whisperer, someone who secretly spreads damaging information, true or false. Unlike open confrontation, the talebearer operates in shadows, often pretending to be concerned while sowing division and mistrust.

‘Are as wounds’ – Some translations render this as “delicious morsels” (as in Proverbs 26:22), emphasising how gossip is eagerly received, like a tasty bite. However, the word wounds highlights the emotional and psychological damage that gossip causes. These wounds are invisible but deep and lasting.

‘They go down into the innermost parts of the belly.’ This poetic phrase speaks to how deeply gossip penetrates the soul, affecting the heart, thoughts, and emotions. Whether the listener realises it or not, slander reshapes perception, breeds suspicion, and harms relationships at the core.

Gossip is both enticing and destructive. Like food that tastes good but poisons the body, gossip may feel satisfying in the moment, but it leaves deep scars. The emotional impact settles into the soul, corrupting judgment and sowing long-term damage.

Be quick to shut down gossip, not entertain it. Examine your words, do they build others up (Eph. 4:29) or secretly wound them? Understand that listening to slander is as harmful as spreading it; both give it life (1Cor. 15:33). Guard your heart from the subtle damage that gossip leaves behind (4:23).