Gossip is a common issue that affects relationships, families, churches, and workplaces. It may seem harmless at first, but it can lead to division, misunderstandings, and even destruction. The Bible strongly warns against gossip, teaching us to guard our words and use them for encouragement rather than harm.
Gossip involves spreading rumors, talking behind someone’s back, or sharing information that is not meant to be shared. It can be disguised as concern, curiosity, or even a prayer request. However, Scripture teaches that gossip is dangerous and sinful. It can ruin reputations, create conflict, and dishonor God.
This article will explore 25 Bible verses about gossip to help us understand how God views it and how we should respond. These scriptures will encourage us to speak with wisdom, kindness, and truth.
1. Proverbs 11:13 (KJV)
“A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.”
A person who gossips cannot keep secrets, but a faithful person protects private matters.
2. Proverbs 16:28 (KJV)
“A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.”
Gossip creates division, even between close friends. It is a destructive force that should be avoided.
3. Proverbs 26:20 (KJV)
“Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.”
Gossip fuels conflict like firewood fuels a fire. Without gossip, arguments and division will die down.
4. Exodus 23:1 (KJV)
“Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.”
Spreading false stories or rumors is sinful and can cause great harm.
5. Leviticus 19:16 (KJV)
“Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the Lord.”
God commands His people not to spread rumors or harm others with their words.
6. Psalm 34:13 (KJV)
“Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.”
We are called to guard our words and avoid speaking deceitfully.
7. Proverbs 10:18 (KJV)
“He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.”
Slandering others is foolish and harmful. True wisdom involves speaking truthfully and kindly.
8. Proverbs 17:9 (KJV)
“He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.”
Love seeks to protect and forgive, while gossip spreads problems and destroys relationships.
9. Matthew 12:36 (KJV)
“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”
God takes our words seriously. Gossip is not harmless—it will be judged.
10. Ephesians 4:29 (KJV)
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
Instead of gossiping, we should speak words that build up and encourage others.
11. Romans 1:29 (KJV)
“Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers.”
Paul lists gossip (whispering) as a sign of unrighteousness. It is grouped with serious sins.
12. 1 Timothy 5:13 (KJV)
“And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.”
Idleness often leads to gossip. We must be mindful of how we use our time and words.
13. James 1:26 (KJV)
“If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.”
A person’s faith is worthless if they cannot control their words.
14. James 3:5-6 (KJV)
“Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.”
Our words have great power. Gossip can cause great damage, just like a wildfire.
15. Proverbs 18:8 (KJV)
“The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.”
Gossip can deeply hurt people. Words have lasting effects.
16. Titus 3:2 (KJV)
“To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.”
Christians should avoid speaking evil about others and instead show gentleness and humility.
17. Colossians 3:8 (KJV)
“But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.”
We must remove sinful speech, including gossip, from our lives.
18. Proverbs 21:23 (KJV)
“Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.”
Guarding our words protects us from many problems.
19. 1 Peter 3:10 (KJV)
“For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.”
A peaceful and blessed life comes from avoiding gossip and speaking truthfully.
20. Luke 6:31 (KJV)
“And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”
We should treat others how we want to be treated. No one wants to be the subject of gossip.
21. 2 Corinthians 12:20 (KJV)
“For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults.”
Paul warns that gossip and backbiting are destructive to Christian unity.
22. Galatians 5:15 (KJV)
“But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.”
Constant gossip and slander can destroy relationships.
23. Psalm 141:3 (KJV)
“Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.”
We should ask God to help us control our speech.
24. Proverbs 13:3 (KJV)
“He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.”
Speaking carelessly leads to trouble.
25. Matthew 7:12 (KJV)
“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”
If we do not want others to gossip about us, we should not gossip about them.
Conclusion
The Bible clearly warns against gossip, showing that it is harmful, sinful, and destructive. Instead of spreading rumors, we should use our words to encourage, build up, and glorify God. May we strive to guard our tongues and speak only words that bring life and peace.
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