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 16:28KJV
“A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.”
James 3:5KJV
“Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!”
Proverbs 11:13KJV
“A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.”
Proverbs 26:20KJV
“Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.”
Leviticus 19:16KJV
“Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD.”
Ephesians 4:29KJV
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
Proverbs 20:19KJV
“He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.”
Go Deeper
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