Bible Verses About Gossip: Guarding Our Speech

“Gossip can cause great harm, but through the wisdom of scripture, we can learn to guard our speech and foster a community of trust and respect.”

Gossip is a common issue in many communities and can lead to significant harm and division. It involves speaking about others in a way that is often untrue or intended to harm their reputation. The Bible provides numerous verses that offer guidance on how to avoid gossip and speak with integrity.

By reflecting on these scriptures, we can learn to manage our speech, promote trust, and build up those around us. This article explores 45 key Bible verses that address gossip and offer wisdom on guarding our speech.

Bible Verses About Gossip

1. Proverbs 11:13

“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”

Gossip involves betraying trust, while trustworthiness involves keeping confidences.

2. Proverbs 16:28

“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”

Gossip can create conflict and drive a wedge between friends.

3. Proverbs 18:8

“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.”

Gossip may be enticing but can deeply affect those who hear it.

4. Proverbs 20:19

“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.”

It is wise to avoid people who gossip excessively.

5. 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.”

Slander and gossip can endanger others, and this commandment urges us to avoid it.

6. Proverbs 26:20

“Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.”

Gossip fuels conflict, but avoiding it can help resolve disputes.

7. 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 disapproves of those who secretly slander others.

8. 1 Timothy 5:13

“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.”

Idleness can lead to gossip and idle talk, which are discouraged.

9. Proverbs 17:9

“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”

Love involves overlooking offenses, while repeating gossip harms relationships.

10. 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.”

We will be held accountable for our words, including gossip.

11. Proverbs 15:4

“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”

A kind and gentle tongue can heal, while perverse speech, including gossip, can hurt.

12. Proverbs 26:22

“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.”

Gossip is likened to tasty morsels, but it can be harmful.

13. 1 Peter 4:15

“If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.”

Being a meddler, which can include gossip, is compared to other serious wrongdoings.

14. 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.”

Slandering others is condemned, and it goes against God’s law.

15. Proverbs 26:24-26

“Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit. Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts. Their malice may be concealed by deception, but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.”

Deceptive speech, including gossip, can mask deep-seated malice.

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16. 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.”

Gossip is listed among behaviors that cause discord and division.

17. Proverbs 19:5

“A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free.”

False witnessing and lies, which can include gossip, will be judged.

18. Psalm 15:3

“Whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others.”

A righteous person does not slander or speak ill of others.

19. Romans 1:29

In essence, Romans 1:29 urges us to be aware of the potential for wickedness within ourselves and to actively pursue a life that counters these tendencies with goodness and righteousness.”

Gossip is listed as a serious moral failing.

20. 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.”

Gossip, including false witnessing, is among the things God hates.

21. Titus 3:2

“To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”

Believers are encouraged to avoid slander and be gentle in their speech.

22. Proverbs 28:23

“Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue.”

Rebuke with honesty is valued over flattery and deceitful speech.

23. Proverbs 12:18

“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

Reckless words, including gossip, can be damaging, while wise words heal.

24. Proverbs 11:9

“With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape.”

The godless use their speech to harm others, while the righteous use wisdom.

25. 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.”

Controlling our speech is essential to authentic faith.

26. Psalm 141:3

“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”

A prayer asking God to help control our speech.

27. 1 Corinthians 6:10

“Nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”

Slander and gossip are listed among behaviors that prevent entering God’s kingdom.

28. Proverbs 25:23

“As a north wind brings unexpected rain, so a sly tongue—which provokes a horrified look—brings unexpected reactions.”

A deceitful or gossipy tongue can provoke strong and often unpleasant reactions.

29. Proverbs 10:19

“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”

Prudence involves speaking less, avoiding gossip and unnecessary words.

30. Proverbs 26:23

“Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart.”

Flattery and insincere speech are compared to a deceptive coating.

31. Ecclesiastes 10:12

“Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, but fools are consumed by their own lips.”

Wise words are gracious, while foolish speech leads to problems.

32. Psalm 34:13

“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”

A call to avoid speaking evil and lying.

33. Proverbs 15:28

“The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.”

Righteous people consider their responses carefully, while the wicked speak impulsively.

34. 1 Peter 2:1

“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”

Believers are urged to remove slander and deceit from their lives.

35. Proverbs 21:28

“A false witness will perish, but a careful listener will testify successfully.”

Truthful speech leads to successful testimony, while false witnessing leads to failure.

36. 2 Thessalonians 3:11

“We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.”

Idle hands lead to gossip and disruption, which are to be avoided.

37. Proverbs 29:20

“Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.”

Speaking hastily, including gossiping, is considered foolish.

38. 1 Corinthians 5:11

“But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.”

Slanderers, including gossips, are not to be associated with.

39. Proverbs 12:22

“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”

Lying, including through gossip, is detestable to God.

40. Psalm 50:19

“You use your mouth for evil and harness your tongue to deceit.”

Using speech for deceit, including gossip, is condemned.

41. James 3:5

“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, though small, can cause significant harm, including through gossip.

42. Proverbs 13:3

“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.”

Guarding our speech helps preserve our lives, while rash speech leads to ruin.

43. Psalm 59:12

“For the sins of their mouth, the words of their lips, let them be caught in their pride. For the curses and lies they utter.”

Words and speech, including gossip, can lead to pride and sin.

44. Proverbs 30:10

“Do not slander a servant to their master, or they will curse you, and you will pay for it.”

Slandering others can have serious repercussions.

45. Proverbs 27:2

“Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.”

Seeking validation and praise through one’s own words, including gossip, is discouraged.

FAQs

What does the Bible say about gossip?

The Bible warns against gossip and slander, emphasizing that such speech can harm relationships and is displeasing to God. It encourages speaking with integrity and avoiding idle talk.

How can I guard my speech according to the Bible?

The Bible advises practicing self-control, avoiding gossip, and speaking with kindness and truth. Reflecting on scripture and praying for guidance can also help in guarding your speech.

Are there specific prayers to help with avoiding gossip?

While specific prayers may not be detailed, asking God for strength to speak wisely and to avoid harmful talk can help in managing gossip.

What are practical steps to avoid gossip?

Practical steps include focusing on positive conversations, setting boundaries with gossipers, and redirecting conversations when they turn to harmful topics.

How can these Bible verses be applied in everyday life?

Applying these verses involves being mindful of your speech, practicing honesty, and seeking to uplift rather than harm others in your conversations.

Can reflecting on these scriptures change my behavior?

Yes, regularly reflecting on these scriptures and incorporating their teachings into daily life can help you develop better speech habits and avoid gossip.

Conclusion

Guarding our speech is essential for maintaining healthy relationships and a respectful community. By reflecting on these 45 Bible verses about gossip, we gain valuable insights into how to speak with integrity and avoid harmful talk.

Implementing these teachings helps us foster trust, promote positive interactions, and align our speech with our values. Through faith and practice, we can learn to manage our words wisely and contribute to a more harmonious and loving environment.