Gossip can hurt relationships and damage trust, yet it happens often. The Bible has a lot to say about speaking negatively about others when they’re not around. It encourages kindness, honesty, and building others up rather than tearing them down. In Scripture, we find strong advice against gossiping and spreading rumors, with passages that urge people to speak with love and respect. By understanding these teachings, we can see how to handle conversations more thoughtfully and avoid the harm that comes with talking behind someone’s back.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Abandoning Friends
What Does The Bible Say About Talking Behind People’s Back
Proverbs 16:28
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
This verse reminds us that speaking ill of others behind their backs is not only destructive but can also cause division and harm to relationships.
Gossiping is a form of betrayal and can lead to the breakdown of trust and unity among friends and family.
Proverbs 20:19
“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.”
Being a gossip means betraying the trust of others who have confided in us. It is important to be cautious of those who engage in excessive talking and sharing confidential information.
Instead of participating in gossip, we should choose to guard our words and demonstrate integrity in our relationships.
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 us not to spread false information or slander about others. Our words have the power to harm, so we should be mindful of how we speak about others.
Instead, let us focus on speaking words of encouragement, love, and kindness, building others up rather than tearing them down.
Proverbs 26:20
“Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a quarrel dies down.”
Gossip fuels conflicts and confrontations. If we refrain from engaging in gossip, we can help diffuse tensions and promote peace.
Let us be peacemakers, seeking reconciliation and harmony in our relationships, instead of contributing to the flames of strife through idle talk.
Proverbs 11:13
“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
Trustworthiness and integrity are foundational to healthy relationships. Instead of betraying confidences and spreading rumors, we should strive to be individuals who can be trusted with the secrets of others.
By keeping secrets and respecting the privacy of others, we demonstrate our commitment to being loyal and supportive friends.
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.”
Our words have the power to uplift and encourage others. We should choose to speak in a way that supports and edifies those around us, rather than tearing them down.
In doing so, we create an environment where people feel valued and empowered, fostering strong and healthy relationships.
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
Love and forgiveness go hand in hand. Instead of spreading gossip and revisiting past offenses, we should be willing to forgive and move forward.
By covering over offenses and extending grace, we can foster love and maintain the bonds of friendship.
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.”
Slandering and judging others goes against God’s command to love our neighbors as ourselves. Rather than finding fault or speaking ill of others, let us focus on understanding and extending grace.
When we judge others, we place ourselves in a position of authority that is reserved for God alone.
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.”
Slander and gossip are mentioned alongside other negative behaviors that hinder unity and disrupt relationships. As followers of Christ, we should strive to avoid such behaviors and instead pursue peace, humility, and love.
Let us be mindful of the impact our words can have and make a conscious effort to promote harmony and unity among one another.
Romans 1:29
“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.”
Gossip is listed among various sinful behaviors that stem from a corrupt and wicked heart. As Christians, we are called to reject these sinful practices and pursue righteousness and holiness instead.
By allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts, we can overcome the temptation to engage in gossip and embrace a life characterized by love and grace.
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.”
Stirring up conflict and spreading lies are detestable in the sight of the Lord. We should strive to be people who promote peace, truth, and harmony.
Let us resist the temptation to engage in gossip and instead pursue a life that reflects the character and values of Christ.
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.”
God sees all and is aware of every word spoken. Those who engage in slandering others will face His judgment.
Instead, let us cultivate humility and a heart that seeks to honor and uplift those around us.
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.”
Being a busybody and engaging in nonsensical conversations is not fruitful or pleasing to God. We should be mindful of how we spend our time and use our words to build up others.
Let us choose to be purposeful in our conversations and speak words that bring life and encouragement.
Proverbs 13:3
“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.”
Guarding our words and being intentional with our speech can protect us from unnecessary harm and trouble.
Let us be wise in our choice of words, considering the impact they may have on others and ourselves.
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 rid ourselves of all forms of malice, deceit, envy, and slander. Let us strive to live lives of integrity and love, setting an example for others.
By embracing a posture of grace and forgiveness, we can resist the temptation to engage in gossip and instead promote unity and reconciliation.
Titus 3:2
“…to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”
Slandering others goes against the teachings of Scripture. Instead, we are called to be gentle, peaceable, and considerate in our interactions with everyone.
Let us choose words that build up, show kindness, and foster unity, promoting a culture of love and respect.
Proverbs 10:18
“Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.”
Spreading slander and concealing hatred through lying lips is foolish and contrary to the wisdom of God. Let us be people of integrity, speaking truth and love in all situations.
By doing so, we honor God and demonstrate our commitment to following His ways.
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.”
As followers of Christ, we are called to let go of all forms of negativity, including slander. Our words should reflect the purity and love of Christ.
By intentionally choosing our words and rejecting slander, we align ourselves with the character of God and contribute to the building of a healthy and loving community.
Matthew 12:36-37
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Our words hold weight, and we will be held accountable for them. Let us be mindful of the power of our words and strive to use them for good.
By avoiding gossip and speaking words that reflect the love and truth of Christ, we can be confident in our standing before God.
Psalm 34:13
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”
Keeping our tongues from evil and avoiding lies is a reflection of a heart that seeks righteousness and honors God.
Let us be people of truth and integrity, using our words to build up and bring life to those around us.
Proverbs 26:22
“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.”
Gossip can be enticing and appealing, but it is ultimately damaging and destructive. We should guard against the temptation to indulge in gossip.
Instead, let us choose to speak words of life, love, and encouragement that have the power to uplift and inspire.
1 Corinthians 6:10
“…nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
Slanderers are explicitly mentioned as those who will not inherit the kingdom of God. As followers of Christ, we should actively avoid engaging in slanderous behavior.
By surrendering our tongues to God and allowing His Spirit to guide our speech, we can grow in righteousness and bear witness to His transformative work in us.
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.”
God opposes those who slander others and have a proud and arrogant heart. We should strive to humble ourselves and speak words that honor and respect others.
By doing so, we align ourselves with God’s character and demonstrate our love for Him and others.
Proverbs 21:23
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
Guarding our mouths and tongues is a wise and prudent practice. Our words have the power to bring about either blessings or calamity.
By being intentional with our speech and avoiding destructive gossip, we can maintain peace and avoid unnecessary harm.