What does the Bible say about Gossip?
Gossip may seem harmless at first—a little story here, a whispered word there—but the Bible warns us that it can be deeply destructive. Gossip damages reputations, sows division, and reveals a heart that is not aligned with God’s love and truth. Scripture urges us to guard our tongues, speak life, and pursue peace with others.
As followers of Christ, we are called to lift people up, not tear them down behind their backs. These verses will help you understand how seriously God takes gossip and how you can choose words that build instead of break.
1. Proverbs 16:28 (NIV)
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
Explanation:
Gossip ruins relationships. It divides even the closest friends and creates drama where there should be unity.
2. Proverbs 11:13 (NIV)
“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
Explanation:
True love and trust are seen in confidentiality. Gossip proves untrustworthy and violates the bond of friendship.
3. Proverbs 20:19 (NIV)
“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.”
Explanation:
Be cautious of those who gossip. Associating with talkers can draw you into sin and harm your integrity.
4. James 1:26 (NIV)
“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”
Explanation:
Your faith is reflected in your speech. Gossip shows a lack of spiritual maturity and self-control.
5. Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up…”
Explanation:
Words are meant to build, not break. Gossip is unwholesome speech and contradicts the call to edify others.
6. Leviticus 19:16 (NIV)
“Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life.”
Explanation:
God explicitly forbids slander and gossip. It not only wounds reputations but also endangers the well-being of others.
7. Psalm 34:13 (NIV)
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”
Explanation:
Guarding your speech is part of living righteously. Gossip and lies go hand in hand and must be avoided.
8. 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…”
Explanation:
Gossip often flows from idleness. A lack of purpose and focus can lead to being a busybody instead of a blessing.
9. Titus 3:2 (NIV)
“…to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”
Explanation:
God’s people are called to speak kindly and peacefully. Gossip opposes this calling and fosters division instead of peace.
10. 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.”
Explanation:
Words matter to God. We will answer for every careless and harmful thing we say—including gossip.
11. Proverbs 26:20 (NIV)
“Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.”
Explanation:
Gossip fuels conflict. When gossip stops, peace can begin. Removing it brings healing to broken relationships.
12. Romans 1:29-30 (NIV)
“They have become filled with every kind of wickedness… they are gossips, slanderers, God-haters…”
Explanation:
Paul includes gossip in a list of serious sins. It’s not a “small” issue—God sees it as a reflection of a rebellious heart.
13. Proverbs 10:18 (NIV)
“Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.”
Explanation:
Slander and gossip reveal hidden hate and foolishness. Loving others means speaking truth in love, not harm in secret.
14. Colossians 3:8 (NIV)
“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language…”
Explanation:
As new creations in Christ, we must clean up our speech. Gossip has no place in a life filled with God’s love and purpose.
15. James 3:6 (NIV)
“The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil… It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire…”
Explanation:
Our words have powerful consequences. Gossip can ignite chaos and destruction, affecting lives, families, and communities.
Conclusion:
Gossip may seem small, but its impact is huge. God calls us to speak life, not death—to be peacemakers, not rumor spreaders. Let your words reflect the heart of Jesus: full of truth, love, and grace. If you struggle with gossip, ask the Holy Spirit to help you speak with kindness and self-control. Words can build up or tear down. Choose to build.