Spreading or listening to rumors can harm relationships and reputations. Today, we’ll explore what the Bible says about gossip, speaking truth, and building others up instead of tearing them down.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Hate In Your Heart
What Does The Bible Say About Rumors
Proverbs 11:13
A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
This verse emphasizes the importance of trustworthiness and the dangers of spreading gossip. It teaches us to be cautious with the information we receive and to guard the secrets entrusted to us.
Proverbs 16:28
A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.
This verse highlights how rumors and gossip can cause division and damage relationships. It warns against engaging in or spreading gossip, which can lead to the breakdown of friendships.
Proverbs 18:8
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.
This verse describes how enticing and captivating gossip can be, appealing to our human curiosity. It cautions us against indulging in such conversations that can harm others and ourselves.
Ezekiel 36:3
Therefore prophesy and say: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Because they ravaged and crushed you from every side so that you became the possession of the rest of the nations and the object of people’s malicious talk and slander.’
This verse speaks of the consequences of being the target of malicious rumors and slander. It acknowledges the pain and harm caused by such talk and highlights the need for God’s justice and restoration.
Proverbs 20:19
A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.
This verse advises us to be cautious and discerning in choosing our companions. It instructs us to stay away from those who engage in gossip and excessive talk, as they cannot be trusted with confidential matters.
Psalms 101:5
Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate.
This verse assures us of God’s judgment upon those who engage in slanderous behavior. It reminds us of God’s intolerance for pride and warns against harboring malicious thoughts towards our neighbors.
Proverbs 25:9-10
Argue your case with your neighbor, and do not reveal another’s secret, lest he who hears you expose your shame, and your reputation be ruined.
This verse advises us to handle conflicts or disagreements directly with our neighbors instead of spreading rumors. It encourages us to preserve the trust of others by respecting their confidentiality.
Proverbs 26:20
Without wood, a fire goes out; without a gossip, a quarrel dies down.
This verse compares gossip to fuel that keeps a quarrel alive. It suggests that by abstaining from spreading rumors, we can contribute to resolving conflicts and maintaining peace.
Matthew 12:36
But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.
This verse reminds us that our words hold weight and will be subject to judgment. It encourages us to be mindful of what we say, including rumors and gossip, as we are responsible for the impact of our words.
1 Timothy 5:13
Moreover, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to.
This verse warns against the detrimental consequences of idle gossip and nosiness. It urges us to avoid engaging in meaningless conversations that can lead us astray and damage our character.
Proverbs 17:9
Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
This verse emphasizes the value of forgiveness and reconciliation. It advises us to guard against repeating offenses or spreading rumors, as it can create distance and division among friends.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
This well-known passage on love reminds us of the qualities we should embody. It encourages us to prioritize kindness, respect, and truthfulness, steering clear of the negativity and damage caused by rumors and gossip.
Romans 1:29-30
They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents.
This verse reveals the negative character traits associated with gossip. It acknowledges that gossip is a result of deeper issues such as envy, malice, and disobedience. It serves as a reminder to avoid such behavior and cultivate positive virtues.
Proverbs 13:3
Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.
This verse highlights the power of controlling our words. It teaches us to be cautious in what we say, recognizing the potential consequences of speaking without thought or spreading rumors.
Titus 3:2
to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
This verse reminds us of the importance of treating others with respect, kindness, and gentleness. It encourages us to refrain from slandering or spreading rumors, choosing instead to promote peace and understanding.
Proverbs 10:18
Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.
This verse exposes the foolishness of those who spread slander and lies. It challenges us to be truthful and honest in our speech, refusing to participate in the destructive behavior of spreading rumors.
1 Peter 2:1
Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.
This verse instructs believers to abstain from engaging in slanderous behavior. It encourages us to let go of negative emotions and instead cultivate love, sincerity, and unity among fellow believers.
James 1:26
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.
This verse warns against the hypocrisy of those who claim to be religious but fail to control their speech. It challenges us to reflect on the consistency between our beliefs and our actions, reminding us of the importance of guarding our tongues.
1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time, each will receive their praise from God.
This verse reminds us that God is the ultimate judge who sees beyond appearances and knows the true motives of our hearts. It encourages us to trust in God’s wisdom and justice instead of speculating or spreading rumors about others.
Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.
This verse highlights the detestable behaviors in the eyes of God, including spreading lies and rumors. It challenges us to align our actions with God’s values and avoid participating in destructive actions.
Proverbs 26:22
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.
This verse paints a vivid picture of how gossip can easily spread and whisper into the deepest parts of our being. It warns us of the seductive power of rumors and encourages us to resist the temptation to engage in or believe them.
Proverbs 21:23
Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.
This verse emphasizes the importance of self-control in our speech. It teaches us that by guarding our words and being mindful of what we say, we can avoid unnecessary trouble and harm.
James 4:11
Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.
This verse cautions against slandering or speaking ill of one another within the Christian community. It reminds us that such behavior contradicts the spirit of the law, which is to love and respect others.
Proverbs 26:28
A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.
This verse exposes the destructive nature of lying and flattering speech. It challenges us to be truthful in our words and interactions, rather than using deceitful tactics that can harm both ourselves and others.
Proverbs 20:22
Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you.
This verse encourages us to trust in God’s justice instead of seeking revenge or spreading rumors. It reminds us of God’s role as the ultimate judge and teaches us to wait patiently for His timing and intervention.