Gossip is a destructive habit that can harm relationships and breed negativity. The Bible offers guidance and warnings against the dangers of gossip, while encouraging us to speak words of kindness, encouragement, and truth.
In this blog post, we will explore a compilation of Bible verses that shed light on the impact of our words, challenge us to guard our tongues, and inspire us to promote unity and edification through our speech.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Loneliness
Bible Verses About Gossip
Proverbs 11:13
A gossip goes about telling secrets, but one who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a confidence.
This verse teaches us the importance of keeping confidences and not gossiping. Those who are trustworthy in spirit keep confidential information just that – confidential – instead of spreading it around.
Proverbs 16:28
A perverse person spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.
This verse warns us of the destructive power of gossip. Gossip causes strife and can ruin friendships. It is important to guard against using our words to tear others down.
Proverbs 17:9
One who forgives an affront fosters friendship, but one who dwells on disputes will alienate a friend.
This verse encourages us to extend forgiveness when we are wronged instead of spreading gossip. Holding onto bitterness and anger can cause irreparable damage to relationships.
Proverbs 20:19
A gossip reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a babbler.
This verse warns us to avoid associating with those who gossip. If someone is willing to gossip about others to us, they are likely to gossip about us to others.
Proverbs 26:20
For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.
This verse reminds us that if we refuse to listen to gossip and refuse to spread it, it will eventually fizzle out and disappear. Refusing to participate in gossip can help prevent arguments and misunderstandings among friends and acquaintances.
Matthew 12:36-37
I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter; for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.
This verse emphasizes the importance of using our words wisely. Gossiping and speaking carelessly can have serious repercussions, even on the day of judgment. We must take our responsibility as stewards of our words seriously.
James 1:26
If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless.
This verse challenges us to consider the impact of our words on our faith. If we are not able to control our tongues and avoid gossiping, our faith may be deemed as worthless. We must strive to use our words for good and not for harm.
James 4:11-12
Do not speak evil against one another, brothers and sisters. Whoever speaks evil against another or judges another, speaks evil against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one lawgiver and judge who is able to save and to destroy. So who, then, are you to judge your neighbor?
This verse calls us to avoid speaking maliciously about others. We are not to judge others or speak evil against them, but instead leave judgment to God. Our focus should be on loving and building up one another.
Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
This verse encourages us to use our words for the purpose of lifting others up and building them up. We should avoid gossip and other forms of unwholesome talk that can tear others down and cause harm.
1 Timothy 5:13
Besides that, they learn to be idle, gadding about from house to house; and they are not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not say.
This verse warns against the dangers of gossip and busybodies. It cautions us against wasting our time and energy on trivial matters that detract from our responsible duties and relationships with others.
Titus 3:1-2
Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show every courtesy to everyone.
This verse reminds us to avoid speaking evil of anyone, instead showing grace and respect to all, even those in authority over us. Rather than engaging in petty arguments and quarreling, we should strive to promote peace and gentleness in our relationships.
2 Timothy 3:3
They are without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good.
This verse describes those who engage in slander and gossip as lacking in love and self-control. Rather than being characterized by negative talk and accusations, we are called to be lovers of all that is good and true.
Proverbs 25:9
Argue your case with your neighbor directly, and do not disclose another’s secret;
This verse encourages us to address conflicts with others directly rather than involving others in the dispute. It is not wise to share confidential information with someone else or gossip about another person’s behavior.
Proverbs 18:8
One’s speech is like a sword, but the tongue of the wise is healing.
This proverb uses a metaphor to describe the harm that unchecked gossip can do to others. But it also encourages us to use our words for healing and restoration rather than causing harm.
Proverbs 15:28
The mind of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil.
This proverb encourages us to be thoughtful in our speech. We should carefully consider how to respond to others rather than reacting impulsively, which can lead to harmful and unproductive conversation.
1 Peter 2:1
Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, and all guile, insincerity, envy, and all slander.
This verse reminds us to eliminate all negativity, including gossip, from our lives. Instead, we should exhibit sincerity, honesty and love toward others.
Leviticus 19:16
You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not profit by the blood of your neighbor: I am the Lord.
This verse exhorts us not to spread slander or lies, which can cause harm to others. We should be truthful and respectful of our neighbor’s rights and dignity.
1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’
This verse cautions us to avoid gossip and other forms of conversation that can bring about negativity and immoral behavior.
Psalm 34:13-14
Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
This verse encourages us to control our speech and refrain from using deceitful words that can harm others. We should instead seek peace and pursue actions that promote grace and love.
Proverbs 26:22
The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.
This verse warns us of the danger of gossip, which can be enticing and tempting but ends up causing harm.
Proverbs 29:11
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise quietly hold it back.
This verse teaches us to control our emotions and avoid speaking impulsively, especially when it comes to negative talk and gossip.
James 3:5-6
So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by Hell.
This verse vividly describes the dangers of unchecked speech, which can engulf many others and cause lasting harm to ourselves and others.
What does the Bible say about Gossip?
The Bible speaks about gossip in various passages, offering clear guidance and warnings against engaging in this harmful behavior. Gossip is generally described as idle or malicious talk about others, often involving spreading rumors or negative information without proper basis or justification.
Several key themes emerge from the Bible regarding gossip:
1. Prohibition of Gossip: Throughout the Bible, gossip is condemned as a sin. Proverbs 16:28 states, “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” The New Testament also addresses gossip, with Paul listing it among other harmful behaviors in Romans 1:29-30.
2. Destructive Power: The Bible highlights the destructive consequences of gossip. Proverbs 18:8 states, “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.” Gossip can damage reputations, relationships, and communities.
3. Encouragement of Right Speech: The Bible emphasizes the importance of speaking truthfully and in love. Ephesians 4:29 instructs, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
4. Call for Self-Examination: The Bible encourages self-reflection and humility when it comes to addressing the issue of gossip. Matthew 7:3-5 urges individuals to examine their own faults before criticizing others.
5. Positive Use of Words: While warning against gossip, the Bible also promotes using words to encourage, edify, and uplift others. Proverbs 12:18 states, “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
In summary, the Bible consistently discourages gossip due to its harmful effects on individuals and communities. It calls for believers to use their words responsibly, speaking truthfully, with love, and for the purpose of building up others rather than tearing them down.