Bible Verses

The Best 50+ Bible Verses About Gossip

Created:
January 15, 2025
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Updated:
February 3, 2025
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Author:
Joseph Cox

Ever found yourself caught in the whirlwind of rumors and whispers? It's easy to get swept up, but the impact of gossip can be more profound than we realize.

Let's explore some timeless wisdom that sheds light on the power of our words and the importance of speaking with kindness and integrity.

50 Bible Verses About Gossip

10 Bible Verses on Gossip and Relationships

Proverbs 16:28
  • "A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends." — Proverbs 16:28
  • "He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends." — Proverbs 17:9
  • "He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips." — Proverbs 20:19
  • "Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases." — Proverbs 26:20
  • "The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body." — Proverbs 26:22
  • "Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell." — James 3:5-6
  • "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." — Ephesians 4:29
  • "But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth." — Colossians 3:8
  • "For 'He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit.'" — 1 Peter 3:10
  • "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment." — Matthew 12:36

10 Bible Verses on Consequences of Gossip

Proverbs 18:8
  • "The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body." — Proverbs 18:8
  • "A talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter." — Proverbs 11:13
  • "Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge." — James 4:11
  • "Being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers." — Romans 1:29
  • "For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults." — 2 Corinthians 12:20
  • "Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, Him I will destroy; The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, Him I will not endure." — Psalm 101:5
  • "You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people; nor shall you take a stand against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord." — Leviticus 19:16
  • "Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man." — Matthew 15:11
  • "But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!" — Galatians 5:15
  • "And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not." — 1 Timothy 5:13

10 Bible Verses on Avoiding Gossip

Proverbs 21:23
  • "Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles." — Proverbs 21:23
  • "In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise." — Proverbs 10:19
  • "That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you." — 1 Thessalonians 4:11
  • "To speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men." — Titus 3:2
  • "Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking." — 1 Peter 2:1
  • "Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks." — Ephesians 5:4
  • "But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness." — 2 Timothy 2:16
  • "Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit." — Psalm 34:13
  • "He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction." — Proverbs 13:3
  • "If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless." — James 1:26

10 Bible Verses on Gossip in Proverbs

Proverbs 11:9
  • "The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered." — Proverbs 11:9
  • "The north wind brings forth rain, And a backbiting tongue an angry countenance." — Proverbs 25:23
  • "A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, And a flattering mouth works ruin." — Proverbs 26:28
  • "There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health." — Proverbs 12:18
  • "A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit." — Proverbs 15:4
  • "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit." — Proverbs 18:21
  • "Getting treasures by a lying tongue Is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death." — Proverbs 21:6
  • "A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back." — Proverbs 29:11
  • "Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, And whoever spreads slander is a fool." — Proverbs 10:18
  • "A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger." — Proverbs 15:1

10 Bible Verses on Gossip and Integrity

Psalm 15:2-3
  • "He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart; He who does not backbite with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend." — Psalm 15:2-3
  • "Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool." — Proverbs 19:1
  • "Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich." — Proverbs 28:6
  • "Having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation." — 1 Peter 2:12
  • "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." — Philippians 4:8
  • "A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach." — 1 Timothy 3:2
  • "In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you." — Titus 2:7-8
  • "Providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men." — 2 Corinthians 8:21
  • "Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds." — Colossians 3:9
  • "My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth." — 1 John 3:18

What Does the Bible Say About Gossip

The Bible offers profound insights into the nature and consequences of gossip, urging us to be mindful of our words. Proverbs 16:28 warns that a whisperer can separate the best of friends, highlighting how gossip can erode trust and damage relationships. Similarly, Proverbs 17:9 emphasizes the value of covering transgressions to seek love, rather than repeating matters that can cause division.

Gossip not only affects our relationships but also has personal consequences. James 3:5-6 likens the tongue to a small fire that can set a great forest ablaze, illustrating the destructive power of careless words. Ephesians 4:29 encourages us to speak words that edify and impart grace to the hearers, reminding us of the positive impact our speech can have.

The Bible also provides guidance on avoiding gossip. Proverbs 21:23 advises guarding our mouth and tongue to keep our soul from troubles. 1 Thessalonians 4:11 encourages us to lead a quiet life and mind our own business, promoting peace and harmony. By following these teachings, we can foster a more compassionate and loving community.

Ultimately, the Bible calls us to integrity and truthfulness. Psalm 15:2-3 praises those who speak the truth in their heart and do not backbite. By embracing these principles, we can build stronger, more trusting relationships and create a more positive environment for everyone.

How to Apply Gossip Bible Verses in Daily Life

Applying the Bible's teachings on gossip in daily life can transform our relationships and personal well-being. Start by being mindful of your words and their potential impact.

Here are some actionable steps to help you avoid gossip:

  • Think before you speak: Reflect on whether your words are true, necessary, and kind.
  • Change the subject: If a conversation veers towards gossip, steer it in a more positive direction.
  • Set boundaries: Politely let others know you prefer not to engage in gossip.
  • Practice empathy: Consider how you would feel if you were the subject of gossip.
  • Encourage positivity: Compliment and uplift others instead of focusing on their flaws.

By incorporating these steps, you can foster a more supportive and loving environment. Remember, small changes in your speech can lead to significant improvements in your relationships.

Explore more prayers and Bible verses on PrayersFor or use our Bible Verse Generator to deepen your understanding and faith.

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