What does the Bible say about gossip?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible warns that gossip is sinful speech that betrays trust, spreads harm, kindles conflict, and must be put away by those redeemed by Christ. Proverbs repeatedly contrasts the faithful person who keeps a confidence with the talebearer who reveals secrets and separates close friends (Proverbs 11:13; 16:28; 20:19). Gossip feeds on receptive ears and continues where there is no restraint, but it dies when its fuel is removed (Proverbs 18:8; 26:20). God commands His people not to go about as slanderers (Leviticus 19:16) and to guard their tongues (Psalms 34:13). Instead, believers should speak only what builds others up, with truth, grace, discretion, and love (Ephesians 4:29).
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Proverbs 16:28 4 votes
A perverse man stirs up strife. A whisperer separates close friends.
- Proverbs 20:19 3 votes
He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets; therefore don’t keep company with him who opens wide his lips.
- Proverbs 11:13 3 votes
One who brings gossip betrays a confidence, but one who is of a trustworthy spirit is one who keeps a secret.
- Ephesians 4:29 3 votes
Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but only what is good for building others up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.
- Proverbs 26:20 3 votes
For lack of wood a fire goes out. Without gossip, a quarrel dies down.
- Leviticus 19:16 2 votes
“‘You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people. “‘You shall not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am Yahweh.
- Proverbs 18:8 2 votes
The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels: they go down into a person’s innermost parts.
- Psalms 34:13 2 votes
Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking lies.
- Proverbs 10:18 2 votes
He who hides hatred has lying lips. He who utters a slander is a fool.
- 1 Timothy 5:13 2 votes
Besides, they also learn to be idle, going about from house to house. Not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.
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