Talking about others is something that happens every day.
Sometimes it is done in a positive way, sharing good news, encouraging words, or admiration.
Other times, it turns into gossip, criticism, or judgment.
The Bible has a lot to say about how we speak about others and the impact our words can have.
God cares deeply about the way we use our words because they have the power to heal or harm, to build up or tear down.
Let’s take a deeper look at what the Bible teaches about speaking about others and how we can follow God’s guidance in our conversations.
The Power of Words
The Bible repeatedly emphasizes that words have great power.
They are not just empty sounds but carry the ability to shape lives, relationships, and even our own hearts.
Proverbs 18:21 says that the tongue has the power of life and death.
This means that what we say can either encourage or destroy.
Jesus also warned about the seriousness of words in Matthew 12:36, saying that everyone will have to give an account for every careless word they have spoken.
The way we speak matters to God, and He wants us to use our words for good rather than harm.
Gossip and the Bible’s Warnings
One of the most common ways people talk about others is through gossip.
Gossip is sharing information, often negative, about someone who is not present.
The Bible is clear that gossip is destructive and should be avoided.
Proverbs 16:28 says that a gossip separates close friends.
What seems like an innocent conversation can actually cause division and break relationships.
Paul also warned against gossip in 2 Corinthians 12:20, listing it alongside jealousy, anger, and slander.
Gossip is not just a minor issue—it is a habit that creates harm and leads people away from godly living.
Instead of spreading harmful words, the Bible calls believers to speak with wisdom and kindness.
Slander and False Speech
Slander is another dangerous form of speech that the Bible warns against.
It is when someone speaks falsely or negatively about another person in a way that damages their reputation.
Leviticus 19:16 commands, do not go about spreading slander among your people.
Slander is not just a casual mistake—it is serious enough for God to command against it.
James 4:11 also says, brothers and sisters, do not slander one another.
Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law.
Instead of speaking negatively about others, God calls His people to use their words with integrity and love.
Speaking the Truth in Love
Not all conversations about others are harmful.
Sometimes it is necessary to talk about a situation or address an issue.
The key is to do so with love and honesty rather than judgment or malice.
Ephesians 4:29 gives clear guidance, saying that no unwholesome talk should come from our mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.
If words are not helpful, uplifting, or spoken with good intent, they are better left unsaid.
Colossians 4:6 encourages believers to let their speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.
This means that words should be filled with wisdom, grace, and kindness rather than carelessness and harm.
When It Is Right to Talk About Others
There are times when speaking about someone else is necessary and even right.
The Bible provides guidance on when and how to approach these situations with godly wisdom.
One of these times is when offering encouragement.
The Bible encourages believers to speak words of affirmation and encouragement.
Hebrews 10:24 says to spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Praising someone’s faith, kindness, or service is a way to honor them and glorify God.
Another situation is when confronting sin with love.
Matthew 18:15 says that if a brother or sister sins, you should go and point out their fault, just between the two of you.
This shows that addressing wrongdoing should first be done privately rather than through gossip or public criticism.
If reconciliation is not possible, bringing others into the conversation in a wise and godly manner can be the next step.
A third instance is when warning others about danger.
There are times when it is necessary to share information to protect others from harm.
Proverbs 27:12 says that the prudent see danger and take refuge.
Warning someone about a dishonest or harmful person is not gossip when it is done with the right intentions.
However, even in these cases, words should be chosen carefully, and the motivation should always be love rather than anger or revenge.
Guarding Our Speech
The Bible calls believers to be mindful of their words and intentional about how they speak.
Controlling speech is an important part of spiritual maturity.
Proverbs 21:23 says that those who guard their mouths and tongues keep themselves from trouble.
Thinking before speaking is one of the most effective ways to prevent harm.
Before talking about someone, it is wise to ask if the words are true, necessary, and helpful.
James 3:5-6 warns about the power of the tongue, comparing it to a small fire that can set an entire forest ablaze.
Words, once spoken, cannot be taken back.
Prayer is another key to guarding speech.
Psalm 141:3 is a great verse to pray: set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.
Asking God for wisdom in speech helps believers avoid harmful conversations and speak with love and grace.
Another way to guard speech is by avoiding gossip and negative conversations.
Proverbs 20:19 warns to stay away from anyone who talks too much and spreads gossip.
Choosing to walk away from gossip or change the topic protects both the speaker and the listener from sin.
Surrounding oneself with people who speak with kindness and wisdom also influences speech in a positive way.
Using Words to Build Others Up
Instead of using words to harm, the Bible calls believers to use their words for good.
Encouragement, kindness, and truth are powerful ways to reflect God’s love.
Proverbs 15:4 says that the soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.
Words have the ability to bring healing and life to those who hear them.
Philippians 2:3-4 encourages believers to value others above themselves and to look out for the interests of others.
Speaking words that encourage, support, and strengthen others aligns with this teaching.
Jesus set an example of using words for good.
Even when correcting others, He spoke with truth and love rather than slander or gossip.
As His followers, believers are called to follow His example by choosing their words carefully and speaking in a way that honors God.
Final Thoughts
The Bible is clear that the way people speak about others matters.
Gossip, slander, and careless words can bring great harm, while encouragement, truth, and love can bring life.
Before speaking about someone, it is important to consider whether the words honor God, build others up, and reflect kindness.
Talking about others is a responsibility, not just an action.
It has consequences, both in relationships and in spiritual growth.
By choosing words wisely, seeking wisdom in speech, and using conversation to encourage rather than tear down, believers can reflect God’s love in everything they say.
The next time a conversation turns toward talking about someone else, pause and ask—are these words bringing life or harm?
Will they glorify God?
And most importantly, would they still be spoken if the person being discussed were standing right there?
Choosing to speak with love and wisdom is a way to honor God and reflect His goodness in every conversation.