The Bible has a lot to say about the topic of spreading rumors. God cares deeply about the words that come out of our mouths and the motives of our hearts. Throughout Scripture, spreading rumors is associated with gossip, slander, deceit, and sowing discord. The Bible makes it clear that Christians should avoid gossip and talebearing that can destroy reputations and divide relationships. Instead, believers are called to speak truthfully, build others up, and pursue peace.
Rumors Are Deceitful and Destructive
The book of Proverbs, especially, offers much wisdom about the danger of rumors and gossip. Proverbs 11:13 says, “Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.” Spreading rumors often reveals private or sensitive information that should remain confidential. Rumors can disclose things told in secret and destroy trust.
Proverbs 16:28 also warns, “A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.” Rumor-spreading tends to divide relationships and stir up dissension. Once a rumor is out, it is difficult to fully repair the damage done. Proverbs 18:8 further states, “The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.” People may enjoy passing on and hearing rumors as if they were tasty food, but rumors fail to nourish our spirits like truth and wisdom do.
Overall, Scripture consistently portrays rumors and gossip in a negative light. Rumors are associated with slander, flattery, deceit, backbiting, dishonesty, strife, discord, and more. The book of Proverbs uses vivid metaphors to illustrate the destructive consequences of rumors and gossip.
Do Not Spread False Reports
Not only are rumors morally wrong and relationally destructive, but they often spread misinformation and falsehood. Exodus 23:1 commands plainly, “You shall not spread a false report.” In a fallen world where rumors fly frequently, God’s people must take care not to pass on unsubstantiated information that may turn out to be untrue.
The Bible teaches that spreading false reports can have devastating effects. Proverbs 26:18-19 depicts how, “Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death is one who deceives their neighbor and says, ‘I was only joking!'” Once a harmful rumor is unleashed, extracting it can be nearly impossible. Proverbs 26:20 adds, “Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.” Just as fuel feeds fires, rumors fuel conflict and discord.
Therefore, Christians must reject the temptation to believe or spread rumors before verifying their truthfulness. Paul instructs in 1 Thessalonians 5:21, “Test everything; hold fast what is good.” Even if a report seems interesting or plausible, followers of Jesus Christ have a duty to fact check before repeating potential misinformation.
Speak Truthfully with Love
Rather than spreading hearsay and rumors, Scripture guides believers to speak truthfully, constructively, and lovingly. Ephesians 4:15 says, “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” Speaking truthfully means being honest, accurate, and faithful with our words. But truth must be balanced with grace, compassion, and care.
The Bible frequently commands guarding our tongues and thinking carefully about how our words affect others. Psalm 141:3 pleads, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” Words cannot be taken back once released. So followers of Christ must remember their responsibility to build up others with their speech.
Pursue Peace and Reconciliation
When rumors and slander spread, hurts happen, and relationships get damaged. Still, through the power of Christ, restoration is possible. Matthew 5:23-24 charges, “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” Pursuing peace often requires initiative, courage, and sacrifice.
Romans 12:18 also urges, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Believers should make every reasonable effort to clear up misunderstandings, ask forgiveness, resolve conflicts, and bring reconciliation. Jesus promises peacemakers will be blessed and called sons of God (Matthew 5:9). So Christians must lead the way in making peace and restoring relationships damaged by gossip.
Put Away Falsehood and Speak Truth
Ultimately, followers of Jesus Christ are called to be people of truth, honesty, and integrity. Ephesians 4:25 commands plainly, “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” Half-truths, hearsay, and unsubstantiated rumors have no place in the life of a Christian.
Proverbs 12:22 affirms, “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.” Those who belong to God and seek his wisdom will be careful and sparing with their words. They will avoid indulging in or spreading gossip, slander, and rumors that could mislead or tear down.
When believers put away falsehood and speak truth, their words can build others up, provide wise counsel, offer praise, and point people to Jesus Christ. By God’s grace, Christians can use their speech to spread the good news of the gospel, not hurtful rumors and gossip.
Key Bible Passages
The Bible contains many warnings against spreading rumors, gossip, slander, and false reports. Here are some key verses to keep in mind:
- Proverbs 11:13 – “Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.”
- Proverbs 16:28 – “A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.”
- Proverbs 18:8 – “The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.”
- Proverbs 26:20 – “Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.”
- Exodus 23:1 – “You shall not spread a false report.”
- Ephesians 4:15 – “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.”
- Psalm 141:3 – “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!”
- Matthew 5:9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
- Ephesians 4:25 – “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.”
- Proverbs 12:22 – “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.”
Examples of Rumors and Their Effects
To illustrate the destructive nature of rumors, consider these examples and their negative effects from Scripture:
- Joseph’s brothers spread the rumor that Joseph was dead after selling him into slavery (Genesis 37:31-35). This caused terrible grief for their father Jacob.
- The spies returning from Canaan spread an exaggerated negative report about the Promised Land (Numbers 13). This rumor discouraged the Israelites from entering the land God promised.
- The Pharisees spread the rumor that Jesus was empowered by Satan (Matthew 12:22-24). This blasphemous lie sought to discredit Christ’s ministry.
- False witnesses spread rumors that Stephen was speaking blasphemy against the Temple (Acts 6:13-14). This led to Stephen being stoned to death.
These examples demonstrate how rumors breed distrust, discord, fear, sorrow, violence, and injustice. Words have power and consequences. So followers of Jesus must guard against using their speech in unloving or unethical ways.
How Should Christians Respond to Rumors?
When confronting rumors and gossip, believers should:
- Pray – Ask God for wisdom and guidance for how to respond righteously (James 1:5). Pray also for the person spreading rumors.
- Verify facts – Check sources and investigate evidence before repeating claims. Do not pass on unverified information (Proverbs 18:13).
- Speak truth in love – If a rumor is false, correct it gently and lovingly with facts. Do not return evil for evil (1 Peter 3:9).
- Avoid passing it on – Refuse to continue spreading potential misinformation or slander (Exodus 23:1).
- Confront appropriately – Privately approach the source to clarify facts and reconcile, when appropriate. Seek to restore peace if feasible.
- Repent if necessary – If you have participated in spreading damaging rumors, take responsibility and seek forgiveness from those harmed.
Jesus calls his followers to stand out from the world by demonstrating love, truthfulness, integrity, and grace in their speech. Believers must rely on the wisdom and power of the Holy Spirit to tame their tongues and purify their hearts’ motives.
Conclusion
The Bible contains timeless principles and warnings against using our words in destructive ways. Spreading rumors, gossip, and unverified information fails to show the love of Christ and often breeds dissension and division. Followers of Jesus are called to speak truthfully, pursue peace, and build others up with their speech. Through the Holy Spirit’s enabling power, Christians can honor God and bless others with how they talk about others.