Words have power.
They can build people up, or they can tear them down.
Gossip and slander are two of the most destructive uses of words, and the Bible has a lot to say about them.
Many people don’t think twice about spreading rumors, whispering about others, or twisting the truth to make someone look bad.
But in God’s eyes, gossip and slander are serious sins that can damage reputations, destroy relationships, and even separate people from Him.
If we want to honor God with our words, we need to understand what Scripture says about gossip and slander—and how to avoid falling into these harmful habits.
What Is Gossip?
Gossip is sharing information about someone else, usually in a way that is unnecessary, unkind, or harmful.
Even if the information is true, spreading it without the person’s permission can still be wrong.
Gossip often comes in the form of casual conversations, disguised as concern or curiosity.
It can sound like, “Did you hear what happened to her?” or “I probably shouldn’t say this, but…”
But beneath the surface, gossip is often driven by jealousy, pride, or the desire to feel important.
Proverbs 11:13 warns,
“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
Gossipers break trust.
They take private matters and turn them into public entertainment.
Instead of helping others, they spread news that can wound hearts and ruin relationships.
What Is Slander?
Slander goes a step beyond gossip.
While gossip is often about sharing information, slander involves deliberately saying false or misleading things to damage someone’s reputation.
It is often done out of anger, revenge, or personal gain.
Psalm 101:5 says,
“Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate.”
God takes slander seriously because it can destroy a person’s life.
Lies and misrepresentations can cause someone to lose friendships, jobs, and even their sense of self-worth.
Slander is not just careless speech—it is a weapon used to harm others.
Gossip and Slander Displease God
God calls His people to use their words to bring life, not destruction.
Ephesians 4:29 says,
“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.”
When we gossip or slander, we do the opposite of what God desires.
Instead of building up, we tear down.
Instead of speaking truth, we spread harm.
God values truth and righteousness.
Leviticus 19:16 commands,
“Do not go about spreading slander among your people.
Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life.
I am the Lord.”
This verse shows that gossip and slander are not just bad habits—they are sins that can bring real danger to others.
Gossip and Slander Lead to Destruction
The Bible warns that gossip and slander can have serious consequences.
Proverbs 16:28 says,
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
Many friendships have been ruined by careless words.
People who once trusted each other have become enemies because of rumors and lies.
James 3:6 compares the tongue to a fire, saying,
“The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.
It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.”
Words are not harmless.
They can spread like flames, destroying lives in the process.
Once gossip and slander are spoken, they are almost impossible to take back.
Why Do People Gossip and Slander?
Gossip and slander often come from deeper heart issues.
Sometimes, people gossip because they want to feel important.
Sharing information makes them feel like they are “in the know” or part of an inner circle.
Other times, people gossip out of jealousy.
They want to bring someone else down because they feel insecure.
Slander is often driven by anger or revenge.
Someone who feels wronged may spread lies to damage the reputation of the person who hurt them.
Proverbs 10:18 says,
“Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.”
People who slander often have bitterness in their hearts.
Instead of seeking peace, they use their words to cause harm.
How to Avoid Gossip and Slander
If gossip and slander are so destructive, how can we avoid them?
The Bible gives several practical ways to guard our words.
One of the best ways to avoid gossip is to refuse to listen to it.
Proverbs 26:20 says,
“Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.”
Gossip only spreads when people are willing to listen.
If we refuse to entertain it, we stop it from growing.
Another way to avoid gossip is to think before we speak.
Proverbs 21:23 says,
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
Before sharing information, we should ask ourselves, “Is this true?
Is it necessary?
Is it helpful?”
If the answer is no, it is better to stay silent.
Finally, choosing to speak life instead of destruction helps keep gossip and slander out of our conversations.
Colossians 4:6 encourages,
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
When we focus on uplifting others, there is no room for gossip or slander.
The Reward of Speaking Truth
God blesses those who choose to speak truthfully and lovingly.
Psalm 34:13-14 says,
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.
Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
Speaking with honesty and kindness brings peace.
It creates stronger relationships, builds trust, and reflects God’s character.
Proverbs 12:18 reminds us,
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Our words can either wound or heal.
Choosing to speak with wisdom and love allows us to be a source of encouragement rather than destruction.
Final Thoughts
The Bible makes it clear that gossip and slander are not just bad habits—they are sins that can cause real harm.
They destroy friendships, damage reputations, and create division.
God calls His people to speak truth, show love, and avoid harmful speech.
By refusing to listen to gossip, guarding our words, and choosing to uplift others, we can avoid falling into these destructive patterns.
Words are powerful, and God wants us to use them wisely.
Instead of tearing others down, we should build them up.
Instead of spreading rumors, we should spread kindness.
By following God’s guidance, we can use our words in a way that honors Him and strengthens our relationships.