What Does the Bible Say About Gossip?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary holds a degree in theology and she has a deep understanding of biblical texts. She works as an elementary school teacher in Alabama.

Gossip, it’s something we’ve all been involved in, whether we’ve been the subject or the speaker. The Bible is clear that gossip isn’t something to be taken lightly. It’s described as harmful and deceitful, causing strife and discord among people. Proverbs 16:28 states that a gossip separates close friends, emphasizing the destructive power of spreading unsubstantiated or harmful talk. The Bible guides us to speak truth, edify others, and encourage one another instead of engaging in harmful talk.

Aren’t intrigued to know more about how you can align your conversations with Biblical principles?

What Does the Bible Say About Gossip?

Gossip is portrayed in the Bible as a sin, and its destructive nature is highlighted throughout both the Old and New Testament. It is depicted not merely as idle talk but as words that have the power to harm relationships, tarnish reputations, and cause strife within communities.

Proverbs, particularly, is a book in the Bible that deals extensively with the topic of gossip. It provides many warnings about the pitfalls of indulging in careless talk and underscores the importance of guarding one’s tongue. Words are depicted as having immense power, with the ability to bring life or cause destruction, making it crucial for individuals to be mindful of their speech.

The New Testament, through the teachings of Jesus, emphasizes the importance of speaking words that are true, kind, and edifying. Jesus himself exemplified this through his interactions with people, speaking words of truth, grace, and love. Jesus encouraged his followers to do the same, to use words to build up rather than tear down, to be messengers of peace and reconciliation.

This is also corroborated in the writings of the apostles, especially Paul, who urged believers to let their conversations be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that they may know how to answer everyone (Colossians 4:6). Paul’s letters are consistent in their message about maintaining the integrity of speech, making a conscious effort to avoid slander, and promoting unity and peace within the Christian community.

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The Bible, therefore, is unequivocal about God’s view on gossip. It’s a practice that is not allowed as it goes against the very essence of Christian living, which is to love one another as Jesus loved us. The importance of being truthful, promoting peace, edifying others, and avoiding malicious talk is not just a moral principle but a divine command aimed at fostering love and unity among believers.

Bible Verses About Gossip

  1. Proverbs 16:28 explains the divisive nature of gossip, stating, “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” This emphasizes how gossip can sever even the strongest of bonds, highlighting the importance of cautious speech.
  2. Proverbs 18:8 illustrates the compelling nature of gossip, describing it as “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.” This analogy demonstrates how gossip can infiltrate and influence one’s thoughts and perspectives deeply.
  3. In Ephesians 4:29, Paul advises against corrupt talk, saying, “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.” This urges believers to utter only words that edify and bring positive impacts to the hearer.
  4. Leviticus 19:16 warns against spreading slander, asserting, “Do not go about spreading slander among your people,” reinforcing the prohibition against maligning others within the community.
  5. The power and impact of words are underscored in Proverbs 21:23, “Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.” This verse reminds believers of the protective power in being mindful and restrained in speech.
  6. James 1:26 touches on religious practice, noting, “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” It brings attention to the correlation between one’s speech and the authenticity of their faith.
  7. In 2 Corinthians 12:20, Paul expresses his concern about gossip within the church, “For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I want you to be… I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.”
  8. Proverbs 26:20 elucidates on the fueling nature of gossip, “Without wood, a fire goes out; without a gossip, a quarrel dies down.” This symbolizes how abstaining from gossip can lead to the resolution of conflicts.
  9. Titus 3:2 reminds believers to “speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” This verse extends the guideline to avoid gossip and encourages believers to maintain a demeanor of kindness and courtesy towards others, emphasizing the positive impact of wholesome speech.
  10. 1 Timothy 5:13 warns against idle talk, stating, “Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not.” Paul’s advice to Timothy highlights the significance of engaging in constructive activities and refraining from harmful and unnecessary talk about others.
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Reflecting on these verses, it becomes evident that the Bible underscores the immense power that words hold. It is not just a moral obligation to avoid gossip, but it is also a spiritual directive aimed at promoting love, peace, and unity among believers and within the larger community. The emphasis is laid on fostering conversations that are full of grace, truth, and love, aligning with the teachings and the life of Jesus.

The teachings across both the Old and New Testament are congruent in expressing God’s displeasure towards gossip and emphasize the importance of maintaining the sanctity of speech. The Bible encourages believers to use their words to build each other up, to spread love, to encourage, and to speak the truth in love. This aligns with the greatest commandment that Jesus proclaimed, to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves.

In a world rampant with unverified information and casual conversations that can harm reputations, the biblical advice on gossip remains ever pertinent. It serves as a constant reminder to measure our words and to ensure that our conversations are edifying, truthful, and reflective of the love that God has for each one of us. By doing so, we adhere to the divine command and move closer to the life that God intends for us, a life of love, peace, and unity in Christ Jesus.

In conclusion, being mindful of our words and avoiding gossip are not just about adhering to a set of rules; it’s about living a life that is pleasing to God and beneficial to those around us. It’s about embodying the values and teachings of Jesus, making a conscious effort to speak words of life and love, and fostering relationships that are grounded in truth and mutual respect. The Bible’s wisdom on gossip, if followed, can transform our interactions and our communities, leading to a more harmonious and loving world.