Gossip and talking behind someone’s back are behaviors that the Bible strongly discourages. Scripture teaches that our words should be used to uplift and encourage, not to harm or divide. The Bible calls us to be mindful of how we speak about others, avoiding gossip and instead choosing words that promote peace and understanding.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Vulgarity
What Does The Bible Say About Talking About People
Matthew 7:1
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.”
This verse reminds us to avoid passing judgment on others, as we will also be subject to judgment. It highlights the importance of showing grace and understanding towards fellow human beings instead of making assumptions about them.
Our role as Christians is to love and accept others, leaving the judgment to God. We should strive to treat everyone with kindness and respect, recognizing that we are all imperfect and in need of God’s mercy.
James 4:11-12
“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. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?”
This passage emphasizes the importance of refraining from speaking ill of others. When we slander or judge, we act against God’s law. Only God has the authority to judge and condemn. By presuming to judge others, we elevate ourselves as the ultimate authority, which goes against God’s design.
We should instead focus on loving and supporting our neighbors, recognizing that we are all equal before God, and our righteousness comes from Him alone.
Proverbs 16:28
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
This verse warns against the destructive power of gossip. Engaging in gossip not only harms the reputation of others but can also fracture relationships and create conflict. It encourages us to refrain from participating in gossip and instead strive for unity and harmony among friends and acquaintances.
As Christians, we should seek to build up others with our words, speaking truth in love, and avoiding idle conversations that may harm or sow discord among people.
Proverbs 10:18
“Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.”
This verse condemns the practice of hiding hatred behind deceitful words and spreading false rumors about others. It warns against the folly of engaging in such behaviors, as they only lead to further harm and destruction.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be people of integrity and truth, speaking honestly and lovingly. We should avoid participating in slander or spreading falsehoods, which can damage relationships and tarnish our witness as Christians.
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 highlights several behaviors that are detestable to the Lord, including lying and stirring up conflict within the community. It serves as a reminder of the importance of living in a way that pleases God and upholds His values.
As followers of Christ, we should strive to be people of honesty, peace, and unity, avoiding any actions or words that can cause division or harm to others.
Proverbs 25:9-10
“If you take your neighbor to court, do not betray another’s confidence, or the one who hears it may shame you and the charge against you will stand.”
This verse advises against betraying the trust of others by revealing their private matters. It warns that such betrayal can lead to shame and negative consequences, even legally.
As Christians, we should prioritize maintaining trust and confidentiality in our relationships. We should be trustworthy and respectful of the private information entrusted to us, understanding that loose lips can damage reputations and hinder the healing and restoration of others.
Proverbs 26:20
“Without wood, a fire goes out; without a gossip, a quarrel dies down.”
This verse illustrates the correlation between gossip and conflict. Just as a fire requires fuel to burn, gossip fuels quarrels and tensions among individuals. It encourages us to be mindful of the impact our words can have on relationships and to avoid contributing to unnecessary strife.
As believers, we are called to promote peace and unity. Therefore, we should refrain from engaging in or spreading gossip and instead seek opportunities to build bridges and foster reconciliation.
Proverbs 11:13
“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of being trustworthy and honoring the confidences of others. It highlights the destructive nature of gossip, which involves spreading information that was shared in trust.
As Christians, we should strive to be trustworthy individuals who can be relied upon to keep secrets and guard the privacy of others. By doing so, we demonstrate our commitment to integrity and love.
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 admonishes believers to be mindful of their speech. It urges us to avoid using words that are hurtful or divisive and instead encourages us to speak words that build others up and meet their needs.
As followers of Christ, we should use our words to encourage, bless, and support one another. By doing so, we reflect the character of Christ and contribute to the growth and well-being of those around us.
1 Peter 2:1
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”
This verse calls Christians to abandon behaviors that are harmful to others, including deceit, envy, and slander. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of love, purity, and honesty in our interactions.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be people of integrity, truth, and genuine love. We should refrain from engaging in slander and instead focus on promoting unity, reconciliation, and the good of others.
Proverbs 20:19
“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.”
This verse warns against the danger of gossip and advises us to avoid individuals who engage in excessive and idle talk. It serves as a reminder of the value of discretion and discernment in choosing our companions.
As followers of Christ, we should surround ourselves with individuals who uplift and encourage us, rather than those who gossip or spread negativity. We should also be mindful of our own speech, guarding against the temptation to engage in harmful gossip.
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
This verse teaches us the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in relationships. It emphasizes the need to cover offenses with love rather than repeating them, as doing so can create division and rupture close friendships.
As Christians, we are called to extend grace and forgiveness to others, just as God has forgiven us. We should strive to reconcile broken relationships and promote unity rather than tearing others down with repeated offenses.
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 highlights the importance of controlling our speech and warns against the hypocrisy of claiming to be religious while failing to control our tongues. It challenges us to evaluate the authenticity of our faith based on our words and actions.
As believers, we should be mindful of our speech, seeking to honor God with our words. Our faith should be reflected in the way we speak, demonstrating love, wisdom, and self-control.
Proverbs 15:4
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
This verse emphasizes the power of our words and the impact they have on others. It compares a soothing, encouraging tongue to a life-giving tree, while a perverse tongue is described as crushing the spirit.
As followers of Christ, we should use our words to build up and encourage others. We have the ability to speak life and healing into the lives of those around us. Therefore, we should choose our words wisely and use them to bring hope and restoration.
Matthew 5:22
“But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.”
In this passage, Jesus addresses the importance of not only our actions but also our words. He warns against harboring anger or speaking contemptuously towards others, as it can have serious consequences.
As believers, we should strive to tame our tongues and guard against speaking words of hatred or contempt towards others. Instead, we are called to love and treat others with respect, recognizing the inherent value and dignity they possess as children of God.
Proverbs 18:8
“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.”
This verse describes the allure of gossip and its ability to captivate and spread. It portrays gossip as something enticing but harmful, causing damage to the emotional well-being of individuals and relationships.
As Christians, we should be cautious about the information we receive and share, being mindful not to participate in the cycle of gossip that erodes trust and unity. Instead, we should pursue conversations and interactions that build up and encourage others.
Proverbs 12:22
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
This verse highlights God’s disdain for dishonesty and deception. It distinguishes those who are trustworthy, who bring pleasure to the Lord, from those who engage in lying speech.
As Christians, we are called to emulate God’s character by being people of truth and integrity. We should refrain from lying and instead strive to be trustworthy individuals who reflect God’s delight in honesty.
Proverbs 17:27
“The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.”
This verse underscores the importance of wisdom and self-control in our speech. It highlights the significance of using our words with restraint and prudently, especially when we possess knowledge and understanding.
As believers, we should seek wisdom and understanding from God, which will enable us to speak with temperance and discernment. Our words should reflect humility, gentleness, and wisdom, rather than impulsive or careless speech.
Proverbs 11:12
“Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.”
This verse points out the folly of mocking or belittling our neighbors. It asserts that a person of understanding exercises restraint and refrains from speaking disrespectfully or derisively.
As Christians, we should cultivate empathy and understanding towards others. Rather than mocking or ridiculing, we should demonstrate love, compassion, and kindness in our interactions.
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
This verse emphasizes the power of our words, comparing reckless speech to piercing swords and wise words to healing. It highlights the impact our words can have on others, either causing harm or promoting healing.
As followers of Christ, we should use our words wisely, speaking with kindness and compassion. Our words should uplift, encourage, and bring healing to those around us, reflecting the grace and love of God.
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 declares God’s disapproval of those who engage in secret slander and exhibit arrogance. It emphasizes God’s commitment to silence such slander and not tolerate prideful hearts.
As Christians, we should avoid engaging in slander or speaking ill of others, particularly in secret. We should humble ourselves before God, seeking to honor Him through our words and actions.
Psalm 141:3
“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
This verse expresses a prayer for God’s guidance and help in controlling our speech. It acknowledges our need for divine protection and intervention in guarding our tongues.
As believers, we should humbly approach God, asking Him to help us exercise self-control over our words. We should invite the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us, so that our speech may be pleasing to God and a source of blessing to others.
Proverbs 16:27-28
“A scoundrel plots evil, and on their lips it is like a scorching fire. A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
This passage highlights the destructive nature of evil plots, perverse behavior, and gossip. It portrays their effects as scorching fire, stirring conflicts, and separating close friendships.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be individuals who promote peace, unity, and healing. Therefore, we should avoid engaging in behaviors that cause harm to others, choosing instead to use our words and actions to build bridges and foster reconciliation.
These verses remind us of the importance of our words and the impact they can have on others. We are called to be mindful of how we speak and interact with our neighbors, refraining from judgment, gossip, slander, and divisive speech. Instead, we should seek to build others up, speak truth in love, and promote unity. Our words have the power to either uplift and bring healing or to tear down and cause harm. Therefore, let us strive to be people of integrity, grace, and compassion, using our words to reflect the character of Christ and bring glory to God.