Gossip is a destructive habit that can divide families, sever friendships, and harm communities. The Bible provides clear guidance on avoiding gossip and dealing with its impact. In this post, we’ll explore 30 Bible verses about gossip, examine why God detests gossip, look at examples of gossip in the Bible, and discuss how to handle it biblically.
What is Gossip?
Gossip is speaking negatively or spreading unverified information about others, often behind their backs. While it may seem harmless, gossip erodes trust and sows discord, making it a sin the Bible warns against repeatedly.
Examples of Gossip in the Bible
1. Miriam and Aaron Criticizing Moses (Numbers 12:1-2)
- Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses’ leadership, leading to divine correction. This example highlights the dangers of speaking ill of others.
2. The Spies’ Report (Numbers 13:32)
- The spies spread a bad report about the Promised Land, causing widespread fear and rebellion among the Israelites.
3. Delilah and Samson (Judges 16:4-18)
- Delilah manipulated Samson to reveal his secret, ultimately betraying him for money.
30 Bible Verses About Gossip
1. Proverbs 20:19 (NIV)
- “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.”
2. Proverbs 16:28 (ESV)
- “A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.”
3. Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
- “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.”
4. James 3:5-6 (NIV)
- “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.”
5. Leviticus 19:16 (NIV)
- “Do not go about spreading slander among your people.”
6. Proverbs 18:8 (ESV)
- “The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.”
7. Matthew 12:36 (NIV)
- “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”
8. Proverbs 26:20 (NIV)
- “Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.”
9. Colossians 4:6 (NIV)
- “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
10. Psalm 141:3 (NIV)
- “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
11. Titus 3:2 (NIV)
- “To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”
12. 1 Timothy 5:13 (NIV)
- “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.”
13. Proverbs 11:13 (NIV)
- “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
14. Psalm 34:13 (NIV)
- “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”
15. Romans 1:29-30 (NIV)
- “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, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful.”
16. 2 Corinthians 12:20 (NIV)
- “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.”
17. Matthew 7:1-2 (NIV)
- “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
18. Proverbs 10:19 (NIV)
- “Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
19. Proverbs 12:18 (NIV)
- “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
20. Ecclesiastes 10:12-13 (NIV)
- “Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, but fools are consumed by their own lips. At the beginning their words are folly; at the end they are wicked madness.”
21. Proverbs 17:9 (NIV)
- “Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
22. Galatians 5:15 (NIV)
- “If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”
23. James 4:11 (NIV)
- “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.”
24. 1 Peter 3:10 (NIV)
- “For, ‘Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.’”
25. Proverbs 6:12-15 (NIV)
- “A troublemaker and a villain, who goes about with a corrupt mouth, who winks maliciously with his eye, signals with his feet and motions with his fingers, who plots evil with deceit in his heart—he always stirs up conflict.”
26. Psalm 15:1-3 (NIV)
- “Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others.”
27. Proverbs 19:5 (NIV)
- “A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free.”
28. Proverbs 21:23 (NIV)
- “Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
29. Ephesians 5:4 (NIV)
- “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”
30. Colossians 3:8 (NIV)
- “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
Why God Hates Gossip
Gossip undermines unity and spreads sin like a wildfire. Here are three reasons why God detests gossip:
1. It Sows Division
- Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven things the Lord hates, including sowing discord among brethren. Gossip is a primary cause of such division.
2. It Damages Relationships
- Gossip often leads to broken trust, hurt feelings, and lasting animosity. This goes against God’s command to love others as we love ourselves (Mark 12:31).
3. It Reflects a Sinful Heart
- Matthew 15:18 tells us that “the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart.” Gossip reveals pride, jealousy, or bitterness within.
How to Handle Gossip Biblically
1. Confront the Gossiper Lovingly
- Matthew 18:15 advises us to go directly to a person causing harm. Addressing the issue privately can prevent further damage.
2. Pray for Wisdom
- James 1:5 encourages believers to seek wisdom. Pray for guidance on responding to gossip.
3. Guard Your Words
- Proverbs 21:23 reminds us that “those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.” Think before speaking.
4. Encourage Positive Speech
- Redirect conversations to uplifting topics. Ephesians 4:29 calls us to build others up with our words.
Conclusion
Gossip may seem like an insignificant sin, but its consequences are far-reaching. These Bible verses about gossip remind us of the importance of speaking truthfully and lovingly. By understanding why God hates gossip, recognizing examples from the Bible, and learning how to handle it biblically, we can cultivate a life that honors Him and uplifts others.
Read also: 40 Verses About Peace in Hard Times
