6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. 7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.

8 The words of a talebearer [1] are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

Other Translations of Proverbs 18:6-8

New International Version

6 The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating. 7 The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives.

8 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.

English Standard Version

6 A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating. 7 A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

8 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.

The Message

6 The words of a fool start fights; do him a favor and gag him. 7 Fools are undone by their big mouths; their souls are crushed by their words.

8 Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you really want junk like that in your belly?

New King James Version

6 A fool's lips enter into contention, And his mouth calls for blows. 7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul.

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

New Living Translation

6 Fools' words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating. 7 The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips.

8 Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one's heart.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 18:6-8

Commentary on Proverbs 18:6-7

(Read Proverbs 18:6-7)

What mischief bad men do to themselves by their ungoverned tongues!

Commentary on Proverbs 18:8

(Read Proverbs 18:8)

How base are those that sow contention! and what fatal effects may be expected from small beginnings of jealousy!