Gossip, the act of spreading unverified or private information about others, is a topic that is addressed numerous times throughout the Bible. Both the Old and New Testaments offer guidance on the subject, cautioning against the harm that gossip can cause to communities and individuals alike. This article explores 30 significant Bible verses about gossip, highlighting the wisdom and teachings that guide believers towards more respectful and harmonious ways of living.
1. Proverbs 11:13
“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
2. Proverbs 16:28
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
3. Proverbs 26:20
“Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.”
4. 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.”
5. James 1:26
“If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.”
6. Proverbs 20:19
“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.”
7. 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.”
8. Proverbs 18:8
“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.”
9. 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.”
10. Titus 3:2
“To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”
11. Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
12. 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.”
13. Proverbs 10:18
“Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.”
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 endure.”
15. Proverbs 25:23
“The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue angry looks.”
16. 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.”
17. Proverbs 26:22
“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the innermost parts.”
18. Matthew 12:36
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”
19. Proverbs 21:23
“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”
20. 1 Peter 2:1
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”
21. Proverbs 22:10
“Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.”
22. 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.”
23. Proverbs 18:21
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
24. James 4:11
“Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law.”
25. Proverbs 12:18
“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
26. Proverbs 19:9
“A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish.”
27. Ephesians 4:31
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.”
28. Proverbs 15:4
“A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
29. 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.”
30. Proverbs 29:22
“An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.”
These verses collectively warn against the destructive nature of gossip and encourage believers to pursue truth, kindness, and integrity in their speech. By adhering to these teachings, individuals can foster more loving and supportive communities, grounded in the values of respect and understanding.