Gossip and slander can damage reputations and relationships, and the Bible doesn’t shy away from addressing this. Scripture encourages believers to watch their words and speaks to the harm that can come from talking about others behind their backs. Let’s explore how the Bible guides us in this area of life.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Cutting People Off
What Does The Bible Say About Talking About Others
Proverbs 11:13
“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
This verse warns against the sin of gossip and reminds us of the importance of being trustworthy. Gossip can harm relationships and destroy trust. Instead, we should strive to be people who can be trusted to keep secrets and guard the confidences of others.
Proverbs 16:28
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
Gossip has the power to create strife and division among friends. It is important to be mindful of the words we speak about others, as they can have a significant impact on relationships. We should seek to build others up rather than tear them down with gossip.
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.”
Speaking against or slandering others goes against the commandments of God. It is a form of judgment that undermines the unity and love that should exist among believers. Instead, we should strive to speak words of grace and encouragement to one another.
Proverbs 20:19
“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.”
We should be cautious of those who talk excessively and engage in gossip. Their lack of discretion and loyalty can be harmful and lead to the betrayal of confidences. It is wise to distance ourselves from such individuals and refuse to participate in their gossip.
Proverbs 26:20
“Without wood, a fire goes out; without a gossip, a quarrel dies down.”
Gossip often fuels conflicts and quarrels among people. Like fuel to a fire, a gossip can keep the flames burning. If we choose not to engage in gossip, we can help diffuse tension and promote peace and reconciliation.
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
Instead of spreading rumors or recounting the faults of others, we should seek love and reconciliation. When we choose to cover over offenses and offer forgiveness, true friendships can be preserved and strengthened.
Leviticus 19:16
“Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the LORD.”
God commands His people not to engage in slanderous speech that harms others. We should respect and value the lives and reputations of our neighbors, honoring the commandments of God and promoting love and kindness instead.
Proverbs 6:19
“A false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
Speaking falsely against others or instigating conflicts within the community is detestable in the eyes of God. We should be people of truth, seeking to bring unity and peace rather than division and animosity.
Matthew 7:1-2
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Jesus reminds us not to be quick to judge others, as our judgments can come back to us. We should approach others with love, mercy, and forgiveness, recognizing our own need for grace and understanding.
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.”
God does not tolerate those who slander their neighbors or engage in proud and arrogant behavior. He promises to deal with those who engage in such actions, encouraging us to restrain our tongues and embrace humility.
1 Peter 2:1
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”
As followers of Christ, we are called to reject and remove all forms of malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander from our lives. Instead, we should seek to cultivate virtues such as love, honesty, humility, and kindness.
Colossians 3:8
“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
Paul encourages believers to eliminate slander and other negative behaviors from their lives. Our words should reflect the love and grace of Christ, promoting building up and encouraging others rather than tearing them down with hurtful words.
Proverbs 25:23
“Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain is a sly tongue—which provokes a horrified look.”
A person with a sly and deceitful tongue can cause unexpected harm and distress. We should be cautious not to use our words manipulatively or to bring harm to others, but instead use them to uplift, encourage, and speak truth with love.
Proverbs 26:22
“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.”
Gossip can be enticing and tempting, but it is harmful and destructive. We should guard our hearts and minds against being drawn into the allure of gossip, striving instead to focus on things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable.
Proverbs 20:22
“Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you.”
When others wrong us, we should resist the temptation to seek revenge or engage in slander. Instead, we should place our trust in the Lord, knowing that He will ultimately bring justice and repay according to His perfect wisdom.
1 Timothy 3:11
“In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.”
Paul instructs women to be characterized by respect, avoiding malicious talk and instead being temperate and trustworthy. Our words should be spoken with wisdom and integrity, reflecting Christ’s love and grace.
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.”
In this passage, Paul highlights the sins that characterize a life apart from God. Gossip and slander are mentioned alongside other evil behaviors, emphasizing the gravity of engaging in such actions. Instead, we are called to reject these behaviors and pursue a life of righteousness and holiness.
Proverbs 18:8
“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.”
Gossip can be tempting to listen to and spread, but it can cause deep wounds and division. We should guard our hearts and minds, choosing not to participate in or be entertained by gossip. Instead, we should focus on pursuing unity and love.
Titus 3:2
“To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”
As believers, we are called to avoid slandering others and instead cultivate a spirit of peace, consideration, and gentleness. Our words should be driven by love and the desire to build others up rather than tearing them down with hurtful speech.
Proverbs 12:22
“The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
God despises those who speak lies and engage in deceitful speech. He values and delights in those who are trustworthy and uphold the truth. As Christians, we should strive to be people of integrity whose words are consistent with the character of God.
Proverbs 13:3
“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.”
The words we speak have the power to bring life or destruction. We should exercise self-control in our speech, choosing our words wisely, and refraining from speaking rashly. By guarding our lips, we can avoid unnecessary harm and maintain healthy relationships.
James 3:9-10
“With the tongue, we praise our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”
Our words carry great weight and can either honor God or dishonor Him. We should not use our tongues to both praise God and curse our fellow human beings, recognizing that all people are made in the image of God and should be treated with respect and love.
Proverbs 15:4
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
Words possess the power to bring life and healing or to wound and crush the spirit. We should strive to use our words in ways that uplift and encourage others, rather than speaking perversely and causing harm.
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.”
Paul warns against the dangers of idle gossip and participating in spreading nonsense. Such behaviors can lead to idleness and a lack of productivity. Instead, we should focus on our own responsibilities and speak with wisdom and discernment.
Jeremiah 9:4
“Beware of your friends; do not trust anyone in your clan. For every one of them is a deceiver, and every friend a slanderer.”
This verse reminds us of the fallen nature of humanity and the potential for deceit and slander even within close relationships. While it is important to cultivate trustworthy friendships, we must also be aware of the dangers of gossip and slander that can exist even within our closest circles.