The Best 50+ Bible Verses About Talking Bad About Others

Gossip and negative talk can be harmful. They can damage relationships and create unnecessary conflict.

This article offers 50 Bible verses that address the issue of talking bad about others. These verses provide wisdom and guidance on how to speak kindly and avoid harmful speech.

50 Bible Verses About Talking Bad About Others

10 Bible Verses on Talking Bad About Others' Character

• "A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter." — Proverbs 11:13
• "He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips." — Proverbs 20:19
• "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
• "These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren." — Proverbs 6:16-19
• "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." — Matthew 7:1-2
• "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
• "The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue an angry countenance." — Proverbs 25:23
• "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
• "Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking." — 1 Peter 2:1

10 Bible Verses on Consequences of Talking Bad About Others

• "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." — Proverbs 18:21
• "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." — Galatians 6:7
• "There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health." — Proverbs 12:18
• "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." — Matthew 12:36-37
• "Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." — Luke 6:37
• "A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends." — Proverbs 16:28
• "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
• "Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases." — Proverbs 26:20
• "The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool shall swallow him up." — Ecclesiastes 10:12
• "Each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is." — 1 Corinthians 3:13

10 Bible Verses on Talking Bad About Others in Gossip

• "An ungodly man digs up evil, and it is on his lips like a burning fire." — Proverbs 16:27
• "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
• "The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous will be delivered." — Proverbs 11:9
• "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
• "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
• "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 15:3
• "The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, and they go down into the inmost body." — Proverbs 26:22
• "Being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents." — Romans 1:29-30
• "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
• "He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friends." — Proverbs 17:9

10 Bible Verses on Talking Bad About Others and Forgiveness

• "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." — Matthew 6:14-15
• "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." — Ephesians 4:32
• "Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." — Colossians 3:13
• "Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him." — Luke 17:3-4
• "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses." — Mark 11:25
• "Then Peter came to Him and said, 'Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.'" — Matthew 18:21-22
• "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." — James 5:16
• "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." — 1 John 1:9
• "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." — Psalm 103:12
• "Come now, and let us reason together,' says the Lord, 'Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.'" — Isaiah 1:18

10 Bible Verses on Talking Bad About Others in Relationships

• "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." — Proverbs 27:17
• "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up." — Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
• "Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing." — 1 Thessalonians 5:11
• "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." — Philippians 2:3-4
• "Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another." — Romans 12:10
• "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil." — 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
• "Submitting to one another in the fear of God." — Ephesians 5:21
• "For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." — Galatians 5:13
• "And above all things have fervent love for one another, for 'love will cover a multitude of sins.'" — 1 Peter 4:8
• "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." — Hebrews 10:24-25

What Does the Bible Say About Talking Bad About Others

The Bible has a lot to say about how we speak about others. It encourages us to be mindful of our words and the impact they can have. Talking bad about others can harm relationships and create unnecessary conflict. The verses provided offer wisdom and guidance on how to speak kindly and avoid harmful speech.

One key theme is the importance of guarding our tongues. Verses like Proverbs 11:13 and Ephesians 4:29 remind us to avoid gossip and speak words that build others up. The Bible teaches that our words should be used to encourage and support, not to tear down.

Another theme is the consequences of negative speech. Proverbs 18:21 and Galatians 6:7 highlight that our words have power and can lead to serious consequences. Speaking negatively can bring harm not only to others but also to ourselves. It's a reminder to choose our words wisely.

Forgiveness is also a significant theme. Verses like Matthew 6:14-15 and Colossians 3:13 emphasize the importance of forgiving others as we have been forgiven. Holding onto grudges and speaking ill of others can hinder our own spiritual growth and relationships.

Lastly, the Bible encourages us to foster positive relationships. Proverbs 27:17 and 1 Thessalonians 5:11 show that we should support and uplift one another. Building each other up strengthens our bonds and creates a more loving and supportive community.

How to Apply These Bible Verses About Talking Bad About Others

Applying the Bible's teachings about talking bad about others can make a big difference in our daily lives. These verses guide us to speak kindly and avoid harmful speech, which can strengthen our relationships and create a more positive environment.

• Think Before You Speak: Pause and consider the impact of your words before you say them. Ask yourself if what you're about to say is kind and necessary.
• Practice Gratitude: Focus on the positive aspects of people around you. Make it a habit to express appreciation and encouragement instead of criticism.
• Pray for Guidance: Ask God to help you control your tongue and speak words that build others up. A simple prayer each morning can set the tone for your day.
• Join a Supportive Community: Surround yourself with people who encourage positive speech. Engage in group activities that promote kindness and understanding.
• Reflect on Your Day: At the end of each day, think about your conversations. Did you speak kindly? If not, consider how you can improve tomorrow.

Remember, God is always with you, helping you grow and transform. With faith and effort, you can make a positive impact through your words.

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