What Does the Bible Say About Gossip?
Key Scriptures and spiritual guidance on gossip
The Bible addresses gossip in many places, warning against its harmful effects on relationships and communities. Gossip is often associated with spreading falsehoods or speaking negatively about others behind their backs, causing strife and division. Proverbs 16:28 cautions that a perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends. The book of James compares the destructive power of the tongue to a small spark that can set a whole forest ablaze, emphasizing the importance of guarding our speech and refraining from gossip. As believers, we are called to speak truth in love, edifying and building up one another rather than tearing down with gossip.
Bible Verses About Gossip
Proverbs 16:28
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
James 3:5
“The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.”
Proverbs 11:13
“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
Proverbs 26:20
“Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.”
Leviticus 19:16
“Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor's life. I am the Lord.”
Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Proverbs 20:19
“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.”
Go Deeper
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