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 it were simple, but they reach to the innermost parts of the belly.

The words of a talebearer are as dainty morsels, 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 of the belly.

The words of a tale-bearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts 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 one who says evil of his neighbour secretly are like sweet food, they go down into the inner parts of the stomach.

The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts of the body.

The words of a gossip are as tasty morsels, they go down into the innermost parts.

The words of a whisperer seem simple, but they penetrate to the innermost parts of the self.

Compare the marginal reference note.

The words of a tale-bearer - The same with Proverbs 18:8 (note), where see the note.

The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. These expressions are the same with those in Proverbs 18:8; and are here repeated, as being found along with others by the men of Hezekiah, Proverbs 25:1; as some others likewise are; and also because of the importance of them; and to impress the minds of men with a sense of the evil of such a practice, that they may shun it, and avoid those that are given to it. See Gill on Proverbs 18:8.

(Compare Proverbs 18:8).

22 The words of the tale-bearer are like dainty morsels;
And they glide down into the innermost parts.
A repetition of Proverbs 18:8.