Words have power, and the Bible warns against the destruction caused by slander and gossip. Scripture encourages us to be mindful of our speech, building others up rather than tearing them down with harmful words.
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What Does The Bible Say About slander and gossip
Proverbs 11:13
A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
This verse warns against the destructive nature of gossip and the need to be trustworthy. Gossip involves spreading rumors or sharing information about others that may harm their reputation or betray their trust. Instead, we are called to be trustworthy individuals who can be relied upon to keep secrets and protect the confidence of others.
Proverbs 16:28
A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.
This verse highlights the divisive impact of gossip. Gossip can lead to conflicts and misunderstandings, causing rifts between close friends or loved ones. It serves as a reminder to refrain from engaging in gossip and instead promote unity and harmony through our words and actions.
Proverbs 20:19
A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.
This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding those who engage in excessive talking and gossip. Associating with gossipers can lead us into temptation and compromise our own integrity. It encourages us to be discerning in our relationships, seeking companions who are trustworthy and uplifting rather than engaging in idle talk and spreading rumors.
Proverbs 26:20
Without wood, a fire goes out; without a gossip, a quarrel dies down.
This verse employs the analogy of fire to emphasize the role of gossip in fueling quarrels. Just as fire requires wood to sustain its flames, gossip can perpetuate conflicts and discord. However, if we refrain from engaging in gossip, quarrels can naturally dissipate, promoting peace and reconciliation.
Proverbs 26:22
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.
This verse depicts the enticing nature of gossip and its ability to capture our attention. The words of a gossip can be tempting to listen to, but we must be cautious and recognize the harm they can cause. It serves as a reminder to guard our hearts and minds against the allure of gossip, choosing instead to focus on uplifting and edifying conversations.
Proverbs 17:9
Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
This verse encourages us to practice forgiveness and love by covering up offenses rather than repeating them. Engaging in gossip or spreading rumors related to someone’s offenses can lead to the separation of close friends or relationships. It reminds us to choose reconciliation and preserving relationships over the temptation to indulge in gossip.
1 Timothy 5:13
Besides, 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.
In this verse, Paul warns against the dangers of being idle and developing a habit of being a busybody, indulging in nonsensical conversation and spreading inappropriate information. This verse reminds us to be productive, speaking words of wisdom and importance rather than engaging in unfruitful gossip and lazy behavior.
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 emphasizes the importance of discipline and self-control in our speech. It warns that if we claim to be religious but fail to control our tongues, engaging in gossip and slander, we deceive ourselves and render our faith meaningless. It prompts us to embody our faith through our thoughts, words, and actions, including refraining from gossip and slander.
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 wisely and purposefully. It advises against engaging in unwholesome talk, including gossip, and instead prompts us to use our words to build others up and benefit those who hear us. It reminds us that our words have the power to either uplift or tear down, and we should strive to use them in a way that brings encouragement and blessing to others.
2 Corinthians 12:20
For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.
This verse highlights the negative consequences of gossip in the context of community. It reveals that gossip can contribute to discord, jealousy, and various other harmful behaviors. Paul, in this letter, expresses concern that his arrival may reveal the presence of these negative elements, urging the believers to address and eliminate such behaviors in their midst.
Proverbs 18:8
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.
This verse illustrates the enticing nature of gossip, capturing the attention and interest of listeners. The metaphorical comparison to choice morsels suggests that gossip can be tempting to indulge in. It serves as a reminder to be cautious and discerning, recognizing the potential harm gossip can cause and choosing not to partake in it.
Psalm 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 expresses God’s displeasure towards slander and arrogance. It assures that those who engage in secret slander will be silenced, and God will not tolerate those who foster pride and haughtiness in their hearts. It serves as a reminder that God sees and judges our thoughts and actions, prompting us to align our speech and attitudes with humility and love.
Proverbs 10:18
Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.
This verse condemns the act of spreading slander and falsehoods. It points out that those who hide their hatred behind lies and engage in slanderous behavior are foolish. It reminds us of the importance of honesty and integrity in our speech, encouraging us to reject deceitful practices that harm others and reflect a lack of wisdom.
Proverbs 20:10
Differing weights and differing measures— the LORD detests them both.
This verse may not directly address slander and gossip, but it underscores the importance of fairness and honesty in our dealings. Engaging in slander or gossip often involves distorting the truth and misrepresenting others, which is inconsistent with the Lord’s character. It serves as a reminder to maintain integrity in all aspects of our lives, including our speech and interactions with others.
Proverbs 26:17
Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.
This verse provides a vivid analogy to highlight the foolishness of involving ourselves in unnecessary quarrels and conflicts. Similarly, engaging in gossip about others’ quarrels can lead to unnecessary strife and complications. It encourages us to use wisdom and discernment, refraining from meddling in matters that do not concern us and avoiding the destructive consequences that may follow.
Proverbs 17:4
Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander.
This verse sheds light on the tendencies of wrongdoers and liars to be drawn to gossip and slander. It suggests that indulging in such behavior is a reflection of an unrighteous heart. It reminds us to examine our own motivations and guard against participating in gossip or spreading slander, recognizing that it can lead us down a path of unrighteousness.
Psalm 141:3
Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.
This verse is a plea to God for help in controlling our speech. It acknowledges the potential harm that can result from our words and asks God to intervene, guiding us to speak only what is pleasing and edifying. It serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God’s guidance and surrendering our tongues to Him, allowing Him to guard our mouths and prevent us from engaging in gossip or speaking words that can cause harm.
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 passage lists several sinful behaviors that are detestable in the sight of the Lord. One of these detestable actions is spreading lies and being a false witness. This includes engaging in gossip and slander, as they involve falsehood and harm towards others. It serves as a sobering reminder of the serious nature of gossip and slander, prompting us to refrain from participating in such destructive behavior.
Proverbs 12:22
The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.
This verse highlights God’s disdain for lying lips. Engaging in gossip and slander often involves spreading lies and falsehoods about others. Contrarily, being trustworthy and honest aligns with God’s character and brings Him delight. It inspires us to prioritize truthfulness and integrity in our speech, striving to please God by being trustworthy individuals who speak words of truth and grace.
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.
In this verse, James admonishes believers not to slander or speak against one another. He highlights that when we engage in slander or judgment, we are not keeping God’s law but acting as judges. It reminds us of the importance of humility, refraining from speaking negatively about our brothers and sisters in Christ and instead focusing on building each other up in love and unity.
Proverbs 15:4
The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.
This verse contrasts the impact of our words. The soothing tongue, characterized by kind and edifying speech, has the power to bring life and promote healing. In contrast, a perverse tongue, marked by gossip and slander, can crush the spirit and cause harm. It serves as a reminder to choose our words carefully, recognizing their potential to either uplift or tear down others.
Matthew 18:15
If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.
This verse provides guidance on how to address conflicts and offenses within the Christian community. It encourages seeking resolution and reconciliation privately, rather than resorting to gossip or slander. It reminds us of the importance of handling disagreements with love and humility, focusing on restoration instead of adding fuel to the fire through gossip.
Titus 3:2
to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
In this verse, Paul instructs Titus, a fellow believer, to avoid slandering others. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of pursuing peace, practicing consideration, and displaying gentleness towards everyone. It serves as a reminder for us to follow this advice, recognizing that our words have the power to either build up or tear down, and that promoting unity and kindness should be our priority in all our interactions.
Understanding the severity of slander and gossip is essential for maintaining healthy relationships and fostering an environment of love and trust. These verses clearly highlight the negative consequences of engaging in gossip, emphasizing the importance of integrity, trustworthiness, and being mindful of our words. As followers of Christ, we are called to demonstrate love, grace, and encouragement through our speech, rather than tearing others down through slander. We must remember that our words have the power to uplift, heal, and reconcile, so let us choose wise and edifying speech.