Gossip is a common but harmful behavior that the Bible warns against many times. Here is an overview of some key Bible verses about gossip and the danger it poses:
Proverbs 26:20-22
For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases. As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.
This passage compares a gossip to charcoal that fuels a fire. Their words stir up strife and spread easily like a wildfire. Gossip is tempting to listen to, but harmful.
Proverbs 16:28
A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.
Gossip drives people apart instead of bringing them together. It destroys relationships.
Proverbs 18:8
The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.
This repeats the idea that gossip is tempting to receive and spread, but it corrupts one’s character.
Proverbs 20:19
Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.
It’s best not to associate with those who gossip, or you may get caught up in it.
2 Corinthians 12:20
For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder.
This lists gossip alongside many other sins that can damage the church community.
Romans 1:29-30
They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,
Gossiping is grouped with other serious sins like envy and deceit. It reflects an unrighteous character.
Galatians 5:19-21
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Gossiping leads to divisions and strife, which are labeled “works of the flesh” that can hinder one’s salvation.
Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Instead of gossip that tears down, Christians are instructed to build others up with their words.
1 Timothy 5:13
Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not.
Those who gossip are idle, going place to place, interfering in matters that don’t concern them.
Titus 3:2
To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
Christians should not speak evil of others through gossip. Courtesy and gentleness are encouraged instead.
James 4:11-12
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. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?
We should avoid evil speech against others, as there is only one true judge – God Himself. We are in no place to judge our neighbor.
3 John 1:9-10
I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.
Diotrephes abused his authority and influence in the church to gossip and slander against others. This was called “wicked nonsense” that drove people out.
Proverbs 17:9
Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.
Spreading gossip divides people. Love overlooks minor offenses and faults of others.
Matthew 18:15-17
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
Jesus gave instructions for dealing with conflict between believers. Go directly to the person, not to others to gossip. If they refuse to listen after private rebuke, then bring others as witnesses. Only after these steps fail is it appropriate to bring the issue before the church.
Exodus 23:1
“You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness.
Bearing false witness and spreading lies about others is forbidden in the Old Testament law.
Leviticus 19:16
You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord.
Slandering and gossiping against others is condemned, as it can threaten their well-being and reputation.
Psalm 50:19-22
“You give your mouth free rein for evil, and your tongue frames deceit. You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother’s son. These things you have done, and I have been silent; you thought that I was one like yourself. But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you.
God condemns those who speak evil against their brothers and sisters. He is not like men, and will rebuke those who gossip and slander.
Proverbs 11:13
Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.
Gossips cannot keep secrets and betray confidences. But the trustworthy person knows when to keep damaging information covered.
There are many more Bible verses warning about the dangers of gossip and how to deal with it. The main themes throughout Scripture on gossip include:
- Gossip is tempting but corrupting
- It spreads easily like fire
- Gossip destroys relationships and divides people
- It reflects a sinful, unrighteous character
- It is associated with idleness and wasting time
- Christians should speak words that build up instead of tear down
- Deal with people directly rather than through gossip
- Avoid passing judgment and negative speech against others
- Be trustworthy and overlook minor offenses
In summary, the Bible consistently presents gossip as a serious sin that undermines relationships. Christians are called to use their speech to build others up rather than tear them down through gossip. Examining one’s own heart and motives, along with finding purpose through service, can reduce the temptation to engage in this destructive behavior.
While gossip is a universal human problem, God can give us wisdom, grace and the strength to overcome it. Through the power of His Spirit, we can choose to honor others with our words and glorify God through our conduct.