What does the Bible say about speaking ill of others?

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

• James 4:11-12

  [11] Don't speak against one another, brothers. He who speaks against a brother and judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge. [12] Only one is the lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge another?

• James 1:26

  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.

• Titus 3:1-15

  [1] Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, [2] to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men. [3] For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. [4] But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared, [5] not by works of righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, [6] which he poured out on us richly, through Jesus Christ our Savior; [7] that, being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. [8] This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you affirm confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men; [9] but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. [10] Avoid a factious man after a first and second warning; [11] knowing that such a one is perverted, and sins, being self-condemned. [12] When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me to Nicopolis, for I have determined to winter there. [13] Send Zenas, the lawyer, and Apollos on their journey speedily, that nothing may be lacking for them. [14] Let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they may not be unfruitful. [15] All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

• Ephesians 4:29

  Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.

• Ephesians 4:31

  Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander, be put away from you, with all malice.

• Colossians 3:8

  but now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth.

• Luke 6:37

  Don't judge, And you won't be judged. Don't condemn, And you won't be condemned. Set free, And you will be set free.

• Romans 12:19

  Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord."

• Philippians 4:8

  Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.

• Proverbs 11:12

  One who despises his neighbor is void of wisdom, But a man of understanding holds his peace.

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