| Geneva Study Bible The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the {f} innermost parts of the belly. (f) They are soon believed and enter most deeply. Wesley's Notes 18:8 They go - They wound mortally. King James Translators' Notes talebearer: or, whisperer as wounds: or, like as when men are wounded most...: Heb. chambers Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 8. (Compare Pr 16:28). as wounds-not sustained by the Hebrew; better, as "sweet morsels," which men gladly swallow. innermost . belly-the mind, or heart (compare Pr 20:27-30; Ps 22:14). Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 18:4. The well-spring of wisdom in the heart of a believer, continually supplies words of wisdom. 5. The merits of a cause must be looked to, not the person. 6,7. What mischief bad men do to themselves by their ungoverned tongues! 8. How base are those that sow contention! and what fatal effects may be expected from small beginnings of jealousy! 9. Omissions of duty, and in duty, are fatal to the soul, as well as commissions of sin. 10,11. The Divine power, made known in and through our Lord Jesus Christ, forms a strong tower for the believer, who relies on the Lord. How deceitful the defence of the rich man, who has his portion and treasure in this world! It is a strong city and a high wall only in his own conceit; for it will fail when most in need. They will be exposed to the just wrath of that Judge whom they despised as a Saviour. 12. After the heart has been lifted up with pride, a fall comes. But honour shall be the reward of humility. 13. Eagerness, with self-conceit, will expose to shame. 14. Firmness of mind supports under many pains and trials. But when the conscience is tortured with remorse, no human fortitude can bear the misery; what then will hell be? 15. We must get knowledge, not only into our heads, but into our hearts. 16. Blessed be the Lord, who makes us welcome to come to his throne, without money and without price. May his gifts make room for him in our souls. | 
