40+ Bible Verses About Talking Bad About Others

“Speaking ill of others can hurt more than you know.”

In our daily lives, it’s easy to fall into the habit of talking badly about others. Whether through gossip, criticism, or negative remarks, our words can carry significant weight. The Bible offers valuable guidance on how we should speak about others and encourages us to choose our words wisely.

This article explores 45 scriptures that address the importance of speaking positively and the consequences of speaking ill of others. By reflecting on these verses, we can cultivate a more compassionate and understanding approach toward our fellow human beings.

1. Proverbs 16:28

Explanation: This verse reminds us that gossip can create divisions among friends and loved ones. It encourages us to build connections instead of tearing them apart.

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

Prayer: Dear God, help us to be mindful of our words and to choose to speak life into our relationships, fostering love and unity among friends.

2. James 4:11

Explanation: Here, James warns against speaking against one another. When we judge others, we place ourselves above them, which is contrary to the teachings of Christ.

Scripture: “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.”

Prayer: Lord, give us the strength to avoid judgment and slander. Teach us to treat others with kindness and respect, just as You do.

3. Ephesians 4:29

Explanation: This verse encourages us to speak words that build up rather than tear down. Our language should reflect God’s love and grace.

Scripture: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.”

Prayer: Father, guide our speech so that our words encourage and uplift those around us, spreading Your love through our conversations.

4. Proverbs 20:19

Explanation: This verse highlights the dangers of sharing secrets. When we talk badly about others, we may expose their vulnerabilities, damaging their reputation.

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

Prayer: Lord, help us to respect the confidentiality of others and to refrain from sharing negative information that could harm someone’s reputation.

5. Matthew 12:36-37

Explanation: Jesus teaches us that we will be held accountable for every word we speak. This encourages us to be more careful about what we say.

Scripture: “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.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may we always remember the weight of our words. Help us to speak truthfully and lovingly.

6. Proverbs 11:13

Explanation: Trust is crucial in relationships, and this verse warns against those who betray that trust through gossip.

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

Prayer: Lord, help us to be trustworthy friends, keeping confidences and avoiding gossip that could harm others.

7. Colossians 3:8

Explanation: This scripture encourages us to put aside negative behaviors, including slander and abusive language, as part of our new life in Christ.

Scripture: “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”

Prayer: God, help us to remove any negative habits from our speech and to embrace a new way of communicating in Your love.

8. Psalm 141:3

Explanation: The psalmist requests God to guard his mouth, showing the importance of being careful with our words.

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

Prayer: Lord, we ask You to guard our mouths and help us speak with wisdom and kindness in all situations.

9. Proverbs 12:18

Explanation: This verse contrasts reckless words with the healing power of wise speech, reminding us of the impact our words can have.

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

Prayer: Father, let our words be a source of healing and comfort to others rather than a cause of pain.

10. 1 Peter 3:10

Explanation: Peter reminds us that our words should promote peace and happiness. If we desire a good life, we should speak kindly.

Scripture: “For whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.”

Prayer: Lord, help us to speak truthfully and positively, guiding our words to promote peace and joy.

11. Proverbs 17:9

Explanation: This verse emphasizes the importance of forgiving others and not holding onto past grievances, which can lead to negative speech.

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

Prayer: God, help us to foster love and forgiveness, allowing us to speak kindly of others and mend any broken relationships.

12. Titus 3:2

Explanation: Paul encourages believers to show humility and kindness in their interactions with others, avoiding insults and harsh words.

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

Prayer: Lord, may we embody gentleness and consideration in our conversations, reflecting Your love in all we do.

13. Galatians 5:15

Explanation: This verse warns against biting and devouring one another with harsh words, reminding us of the destructiveness of negative speech.

Scripture: “If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may we choose to build each other up rather than tearing each other down with our words.

14. Proverbs 26:20

Explanation: This verse highlights that gossip cannot survive without someone to listen. It encourages us to resist the temptation to engage in gossip.

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

Prayer: God, help us to refrain from gossip and to put out any flames of conflict that may arise through our words.

Bible Verses About Being Still

15. Romans 14:10

Explanation: Paul reminds us that we should not judge our brothers and sisters, as we are all accountable to God.

Scripture: “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.”

Prayer: Lord, help us to avoid judgment and instead focus on our own actions, treating others with love and respect.

16. Matthew 7:1-2

Explanation: Jesus warns against judging others, reminding us that the same measure we use will be used against us.

Scripture: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged.”

Prayer: Father, teach us to refrain from judgment and to extend grace to others as You have extended it to us.

17. 1 Corinthians 13:4-6

Explanation: This well-known passage about love emphasizes that true love does not dishonor others or speak ill of them.

Scripture: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

Prayer: Lord, may our love for others reflect Your love, filled with kindness and free from negativity.

18. Proverbs 15:1

Explanation: This verse highlights the power of a gentle answer to turn away anger, showing us how our words can defuse tense situations.

Scripture: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Prayer: God, grant us the wisdom to respond gently and peacefully, promoting harmony in our interactions.

19. 1 Timothy 5:13

Explanation: Paul warns against idleness and gossip among younger widows, emphasizing the dangers of negative talk.

Scripture: “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.”

Prayer: Lord, help us to stay productive and focused on positive activities rather than falling into the trap of gossip.

20. Exodus 23:1

Explanation: This verse instructs us not to spread false reports, reinforcing the importance of truth in our words.

Scripture: “Do not spread false reports. Do not help a guilty person by being a malicious witness.”

Prayer: Father, help us to speak only truthfully and to avoid spreading false information about others.

21. 2 Corinthians 12:20

Explanation: Paul expresses concern over divisions and conflicts caused by negative speech among the Corinthians.

Scripture: “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.”

Prayer: God, may we strive for unity and repentance, allowing our conversations to heal rather than divide.

22. Proverbs 18:21

Explanation: This powerful verse underscores the significance of our words, stating that they can bring life or death.

Scripture: “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

Prayer: Lord, may we use our words to bring life, encouragement, and positivity into the lives of others.

23. Psalm 34:13-14

Explanation: The psalmist advises us to keep our tongues from evil and to seek peace actively.

Scripture: “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”

Prayer: Father, help us to pursue peace in our words and actions, turning away from negativity.

24. Proverbs 15:4

Explanation: This verse highlights the healing power of gentle words, emphasizing the need for kindness in our speech.

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

Prayer: Lord, may our words be soothing and bring life to those we encounter, uplifting their spirits.

25. Matthew 5:11-12

Explanation: Jesus teaches that when people insult us because of Him, we should rejoice, as our reward in heaven is great.

Scripture: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.”

Prayer: God, give us the strength to endure insults and negativity, knowing that our worth is found in You.

26. Proverbs 25:23

Explanation: This verse suggests that gossip can be as damaging as a fierce wind, driving home the point that words have power.

Scripture: “Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain is a sly tongue—which provokes a horrified look.”

Prayer: Lord, may we avoid sly and harmful words that provoke hurt and instead speak with integrity and kindness.

27. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Explanation: Paul encourages believers to build each other up, reinforcing the importance of positive speech.

Scripture: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

Prayer: Father, help us to encourage and uplift one another, creating a community rooted in support and love.

28. James 1:26

Explanation: James warns that those who consider themselves religious but do not control their speech deceive themselves.

Scripture: “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”

Prayer: God, help us to practice true religion by controlling our tongues and honoring You in our speech.

29. Philippians 2:14

Explanation: Paul instructs believers to do everything without grumbling or arguing, promoting unity and peace.

Scripture: “Do everything without grumbling or arguing.”

Prayer: Lord, may our actions and words reflect Your light, avoiding negativity and strife.

30. Proverbs 22:1

Explanation: This verse emphasizes the value of a good reputation, reminding us that our words contribute to how others see us.

Scripture: “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”

Prayer: Father, help us to build a good name through our words and actions, reflecting Your love to the world.

31. Matthew 15:11

Explanation: Jesus clarifies that what comes out of the mouth defiles a person, highlighting the importance of our words.

Scripture: “What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”

Prayer: Lord, may we be mindful of our words, ensuring they reflect our inner character and love for others.

32. Proverbs 28:23

Explanation: This verse advises that those who rebuke others will ultimately gain more favor than those who flatter.

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

Prayer: God, may we speak the truth in love, offering constructive criticism rather than flattery that leads to falsehood.

33. Romans 1:29-30

Explanation: Paul lists various sinful behaviors, including gossip, highlighting the serious nature of speaking ill of others.

Scripture: “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.”

Prayer: Lord, help us to turn away from all forms of wickedness in our speech, choosing instead to speak truthfully and kindly.

34. Proverbs 17:17

Explanation: This verse underscores the importance of friendship and support, encouraging us to speak well of others.

Scripture: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”

Prayer: God, help us to be true friends who support and uplift one another with our words and actions.

35. Psalm 101:5

Explanation: The psalmist expresses a commitment to not slander others, demonstrating the importance of integrity in our speech.

Scripture: “Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate.”

Prayer: Lord, may we stand against slander and pride, choosing to speak with humility and love.

36. 1 Peter 2:1

Explanation: Peter urges believers to rid themselves of all malice, deceit, and slander, promoting a lifestyle of honesty.

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

Prayer: Father, help us to cleanse our hearts of any negativity and embrace a life of sincerity and kindness.

37. Proverbs 10:18

Explanation: This verse highlights the foolishness of concealing hatred behind a mask of falsehood, promoting honesty in our speech.

Scripture: “Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.”

Prayer: Lord, help us to be honest and open in our communication, rejecting all forms of deceit and slander.

38. Isaiah 58:9

Explanation: This verse encourages us to refrain from pointing fingers and spreading falsehoods, promoting a life of integrity.

Scripture: “Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and He will say: Here am I. If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk.”

Prayer: God, may we choose to speak blessings instead of curses, creating a positive environment for ourselves and others.

39. 2 Timothy 2:16

Explanation: Paul warns Timothy against engaging in worthless talk, emphasizing the destructive nature of such conversations.

Scripture: “Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.”

Prayer: Lord, help us to avoid empty conversations that lead us away from Your truth.

40. Ecclesiastes 7:21-22

Explanation: This passage advises us not to take to heart everything that others say about us, reminding us of the importance of self-awareness.

Scripture: “Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you—for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.”

Prayer: God, help us to focus on Your truth about us rather than the opinions of others.

41. Proverbs 19:5

Explanation: This verse warns against bearing false witness, which not only harms others but also reflects poorly on ourselves.

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

Prayer: Lord, help us to always speak the truth, understanding the consequences of our words.

42. 1 John 4:20

Explanation: This verse reminds us that love for others is essential and that if we harbor hatred, our love is false.

Scripture: “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar.”

Prayer: Father, help us to genuinely love others, choosing kindness and understanding over negativity.

43. Philippians 4:8

Explanation: Paul encourages believers to focus on positive and uplifting thoughts, which will influence our speech and actions.

Scripture: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Prayer: Lord, help us to keep our minds focused on the good and pure, so our words may reflect that positivity.

44. Job 19:28-29

Explanation: Job reflects on how words can cause pain and suffering, showing the weight our speech can carry.

Scripture: “If you say, ‘How we will hound him, since the root of the trouble lies in him,’ you should fear the sword yourselves; for wrath will bring punishment by the sword.”

Prayer: God, remind us of the impact our words can have, helping us to choose them wisely.

45. Psalm 141:3

Explanation: The psalmist asks for God to guard his mouth, indicating the need for divine help in controlling our speech.

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

Prayer: Lord, may we seek Your guidance in our speech, choosing words that honor You and uplift others.

Key Insight

1. What does the Bible say about gossip?

The Bible warns against gossip, highlighting that it can cause harm and division. Proverbs 16:28 states, “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”

2. How can I control my words better?

Prayer and self-reflection can help you become more aware of your speech. Focus on speaking truthfully and kindly, and ask God for guidance.

3. Is it okay to criticize others?

Constructive criticism is acceptable when done with love and a genuine desire to help. Ephesians 4:15 encourages us to speak the truth in love.

4. What is the consequence of speaking ill of others?

Speaking ill of others can damage relationships and lead to personal consequences, as seen in Proverbs 19:5, which states that “a false witness will not go unpunished.”

5. How can I encourage others instead of speaking negatively?

Focus on the positive qualities of others and express appreciation. Philippians 4:8 encourages us to think about things that are praiseworthy and excellent.

6. What should I do if someone speaks negatively about me?

Pray for wisdom and strength. Remember, not all criticism reflects the truth. Keep your focus on God’s view of you rather than on the opinions of others.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible provides profound wisdom regarding the impact of our words on others. Speaking poorly about others not only harms relationships but also reflects poorly on our character.

By meditating on these scriptures and committing to uplifting speech, we can foster a more positive and loving environment. Let us strive to control our tongues, using them as instruments of grace and love, allowing our conversations to reflect the heart of God.