Gossip and slander are two destructive forms of speech that can cause immense harm to relationships, communities, and even our own spiritual lives. In the Bible, God offers clear guidance on how we should speak and interact with others. He warns against the dangers of gossip and slander and calls us to use our words to build each other up rather than tear each other down.
The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the importance of truthfulness, kindness, and humility in our communication. It teaches that our words reflect the condition of our hearts and can either bring life or destruction. This article will explore 32 Bible verses on gossip and slander, offering insight into how God views harmful speech and how we can align our words with His will.
What is Gossip and Slander?
Before we dive into the verses, it’s important to understand the difference between gossip and slander:
Gossip refers to idle talk or rumors about the affairs of others, especially when that information is shared without their consent and often without their knowledge.
Slander is a more specific form of false speech that damages a person’s reputation. It involves making false or malicious statements about someone in an attempt to hurt them.
Both gossip and slander are sinful behaviors that violate God’s command to love others and speak the truth in love. They often arise from pride, insecurity, or a desire to control others through manipulation or deceit. The Bible has a lot to say about these behaviors, showing us why they are harmful and how we can avoid them.
1. Proverbs 11:13
“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
This verse reminds us that gossip breaks trust. When we share someone else’s private information, we betray their confidence. A trustworthy person, on the other hand, respects the privacy of others and keeps their secrets.
2. Proverbs 16:28
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
Gossip causes division and disunity. This verse highlights how spreading rumors or talking behind people’s backs can damage friendships and relationships. It’s a reminder that our words have the power to either unite or divide.
3. 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, as it often involves intriguing or sensational information. But this verse warns us that these “choice morsels” of gossip can penetrate deep into our hearts and minds, leading to negative emotions like bitterness or resentment.
4. Proverbs 20:19
“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.”
This verse calls us to avoid people who gossip, as they cannot be trusted. Surrounding ourselves with trustworthy people who respect confidentiality is essential for building strong and healthy relationships.
5. Proverbs 26:20
“Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.”
Gossip is like fuel to a fire, keeping arguments and conflicts alive. When gossip is removed from the situation, the conflict often subsides. This shows us the destructive nature of gossip—it keeps issues alive that might otherwise be resolved.
6. 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 is very clear in this verse that slander is a serious offense. It is a sin that not only damages people’s reputations but also endangers their lives and well-being. We are called to love our neighbors and protect their dignity by refraining from slander.
7. 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.”
Jesus reminds us that we will be held accountable for every word we speak. Gossip and slander are included in these “empty words,” and we will answer to God for the way we used our speech.
8. 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.”
Paul lists gossip alongside other serious sins, showing that it is a form of wickedness that comes from a depraved heart. This verse emphasizes how dangerous gossip can be when it is allowed to take root in our lives.
9. 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 calls Christians to avoid unwholesome speech, including gossip and slander. Instead, we are to speak words that are edifying, encouraging, and beneficial to others.
10. 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 instructs the Colossians to rid themselves of sinful behaviors, including slander. Our words should reflect our new identity in Christ, marked by kindness and love.
11. 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.”
James warns us not to slander each other. When we speak against others, we place ourselves in the position of judge, which only belongs to God. Slander is an act of pride and judgment that violates God’s law.
12. 1 Peter 2:1
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”
Peter calls Christians to abandon all forms of sinful behavior, including slander. This verse highlights the need for purity in our speech and actions as we strive to live in accordance with God’s will.
13. Psalm 34:13
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”
This psalm encourages us to control our tongues and avoid speaking evil or lies. Gossip and slander often involve falsehoods or harmful exaggerations, which is why this verse is so relevant.
14. 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 takes slander seriously. This verse reminds us that He will judge those who slander others in secret, revealing His hatred for this kind of behavior.
15. Matthew 7:3-5
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?”
This passage challenges us to examine ourselves before criticizing or gossiping about others. It calls for humility and self-reflection before passing judgment on someone else.
16. 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.”
Among the things God hates, we find lying, false witness, and those who stir up conflict—actions often associated with gossip and slander. These behaviors are detestable to God and lead to destruction.
17. Romans 14:10-13
“You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.”
This passage addresses judgmental attitudes and condemns speaking against others. We are reminded that only God is the true judge, and we should avoid gossip and slander that could harm others.
18. 2 Corinthians 12:20
“I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged.”
Paul warns against sinful behaviors that include slander, which can grieve the heart of God. True repentance involves turning away from such sins and seeking reconciliation.
19. 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 they are gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to.”
This verse warns against gossip that arises from idleness and a lack of purpose. Busybodies who have too much time on their hands often spread harmful words about others.
20. Titus 3:2
“To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”
In this verse, Paul encourages Titus to teach others to avoid slander and be gentle and considerate in their interactions. Our words should promote peace, not conflict.
21. Proverbs 15:4
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
This verse contrasts the life-giving power of kind words with the destructive effects of harsh speech. Gossip and slander crush people’s spirits, while encouraging words bring healing.
22. Proverbs 26:22
“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.”
Again, we are reminded of how gossip can be alluring, but it ultimately causes harm. It’s a reminder to be careful with the words we choose.
23. Psalm 141:3
“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
This verse is a prayer asking God to help us control our speech. It acknowledges that our words can easily slip out of control and cause harm, so we need God’s help to speak wisely.
24. James 3:5-6
“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.”
James illustrates the power of the tongue with the image of a small spark starting a destructive fire. Gossip and slander can spread quickly and cause widespread harm.
25. Psalm 50:19-20
“You use your mouth for evil and harness your tongue to deceit. You sit and testify against your brother and slander your own mother’s son.”
This verse condemns the practice of using speech to harm others, including slander and deceit. It underscores the seriousness of speaking against others.
26. 1 Corinthians 13:7
“Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
Love does not engage in gossip or slander. Instead, it protects others’ reputations and seeks to build them up in every way.
27. Romans 3:13-14
“Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The poison of vipers is on their lips. Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”
Paul describes the unrighteous as people whose words are filled with deceit and bitterness. This is a stark reminder of how harmful and dangerous words can be when not used in alignment with God’s truth.
28. Proverbs 25:23
“Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain is a sly tongue—which provokes a horrified look.”
The verse compares a deceitful or gossiping tongue to a harsh north wind, which brings discomfort and surprise. It shows how words spoken in malice can leave others in shock and hurt.
29. 1 Peter 3:10
“For, ‘Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.’”
Peter encourages Christians to avoid evil speech, including gossip and slander, to enjoy a life filled with peace and blessings.
30. Proverbs 19:5
“A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free.”
This verse warns that those who engage in slander or deceit will face consequences. God will not allow such behavior to go unnoticed.
31. Matthew 18:15
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you.”
This verse teaches the proper way to address sin. It emphasizes that we should speak directly to the person involved, not gossip or spread their mistakes to others.
32. John 8:44
“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him.”
Jesus condemns falsehood and deceit, noting that the devil is the origin of lies. Gossip and slander are tools of the enemy and should be avoided by Christians who belong to the truth.
Conclusion
The Bible is clear that gossip and slander are harmful, sinful behaviors that Christians should avoid. Our words have the power to heal or hurt, to build up or destroy. God calls us to speak truthfully, kindly, and lovingly, always seeking to protect the dignity and reputation of others.
By carefully guarding our speech and following the guidance found in Scripture, we can create a culture of love and respect where harmful words do not thrive. Let us be mindful of how we use our words and seek to reflect the character of Christ in all our conversations.
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