What does the Bible say about gossip and lies?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible condemns gossip and lies as sins of the tongue that harm neighbors, divide communities, and reveal the need for a heart renewed by God’s grace. Ephesians 4:29 calls believers to speak what builds others up, while Proverbs 6:16-19 names lying and sowing discord among the things the Lord hates. Proverbs 16:28 and 20:19 warn that a gossip separates friends and betrays confidences. Jesus teaches in Matthew 12:36 that people will answer for careless words. Therefore Christians should guard their speech, refuse slander, pursue truth and peace, and ask the Lord to make their words gentle, honest, and edifying.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Ephesians 4:29 6 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 6:16-19 5 votes
There are six things which Yahweh hates; yes, seven which are an abomination to him: arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are swift in running to mischief, a false witness who utters lies, and he who sows discord among brothers.
- Proverbs 16:28 4 votes
A perverse man stirs up strife. A whisperer separates close friends.
- Proverbs 21:23 4 votes
Whoever guards his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.
- James 1:26 4 votes
If anyone among you thinks himself to be religious while he doesn’t bridle his tongue, but deceives his heart, this man’s religion is worthless.
- 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.
- Matthew 12:36 3 votes
I tell you that every idle word that men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.
- Psalms 101:5 2 votes
I will silence whoever secretly slanders his neighbor. I won’t tolerate one who is arrogant and conceited.
- Psalms 34:13 2 votes
Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking lies.
- Titus 3:2 2 votes
to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men.
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