Words are powerful.
They can build someone up, encourage, and bring life.
But they can also tear someone down, spread harm, and create division.
Talking bad about others—whether through gossip, slander, or criticism—is something the Bible warns against many times.
It might seem like a small thing, just a comment here or there, but words have consequences.
They shape relationships, affect reputations, and reveal what is in a person’s heart.
The Bible teaches that our words should reflect God’s love, not cause harm.
Understanding what Scripture says about talking bad about others can help us choose our words wisely and use them in a way that honors God.
The Power of Words
Words are not just sounds that disappear after they are spoken.
They have weight and impact.
Proverbs 18:21 makes this clear:
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
What we say can either bring life or destroy it.
A kind word can heal a wounded heart, while a harsh word can break someone’s spirit.
This means that how we speak about others matters deeply to God.
Every conversation is an opportunity to either encourage or tear down.
The Bible calls us to use our words wisely because they reflect the condition of our hearts.
Gossip and Slander: Silent Killers
One of the most common ways people talk bad about others is through gossip and slander.
Gossip is spreading information about someone, whether true or false, that does not need to be shared.
Slander is speaking lies or exaggerated truths to damage someone’s reputation.
Both are destructive.
Proverbs 16:28 warns,
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
Gossip creates division, breaks trust, and ruins relationships.
It often starts as a small conversation, but once words are spoken, they cannot be taken back.
Slander is even more dangerous.
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 does not take slander lightly.
It is a serious sin that harms not only the one being spoken about but also the one speaking.
When we gossip or slander, we allow the enemy to use our words for destruction rather than good.
Why Do People Talk Bad About Others?
People often talk badly about others for many reasons.
Sometimes it is to feel better about themselves, sometimes it is out of jealousy, and other times it is just a bad habit.
But at its core, speaking negatively about others comes from a deeper issue in the heart.
Luke 6:45 says,
“A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.
For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”
This means that if someone constantly speaks negatively about others, it reveals something about their own heart.
God wants us to examine our motives and ask ourselves why we feel the need to speak badly about others.
Instead of tearing people down, He calls us to build them up.
The Danger of Judging Others
Sometimes, talking bad about others comes from a place of judgment.
It is easy to see someone’s faults and criticize them.
But the Bible warns against having a judgmental heart.
Matthew 7:1-2 says,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
This does not mean we should never correct someone or speak the truth, but it does mean we should be careful about how we talk about others.
Before pointing out someone else’s flaws, we need to examine our own.
God calls us to humility, not to a critical spirit.
When we focus on our own growth and relationship with God, we are less likely to spend time speaking negatively about others.
Using Words to Encourage Instead
Instead of using words to harm, God calls us to use them to encourage.
Ephesians 4:29 gives clear instructions:
“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 means that before speaking, we should ask ourselves:
Will this help or hurt?
Will this lift someone up or tear them down?
If our words do not bring encouragement, they are likely not worth saying.
Choosing to speak life instead of negativity is a way to reflect God’s love to those around us.
How to Stop Talking Bad About Others
Breaking the habit of speaking negatively about others takes intentional effort.
James 1:19 gives wise advice:
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”
This means that before saying something about someone else, we should pause and think.
Is it necessary?
Is it kind?
Is it true?
If it does not meet these standards, it is best left unsaid.
Another way to stop negative speech is to pray for those we are tempted to speak badly about.
Matthew 5:44 says,
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
When we pray for others, our hearts change.
Instead of seeing their flaws, we begin to see them through God’s eyes.
Replacing negative talk with prayer and kindness leads to a heart that pleases God.
The Consequences of Negative Speech
Talking badly about others may seem harmless, but the Bible warns of the consequences.
Matthew 12:36 says,
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”
This is a sobering reminder that God hears every word we say.
He takes our words seriously because they reveal what is in our hearts.
Negative speech also damages relationships.
Friendships are lost, trust is broken, and people are hurt when harmful words are spoken.
Proverbs 11:9 says,
“With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape.”
God calls us to be mindful of our words, knowing that they have lasting effects.
Choosing to speak wisely protects relationships and honors God.
Speaking Words That Please God
God desires for His people to use their words for good.
Colossians 4:6 says,
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Speaking with grace means being kind, thoughtful, and full of love.
When our words reflect God’s grace, we bring light into the world instead of darkness.
Psalm 19:14 is a beautiful prayer that should guide the way we speak:
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Asking God to guide our words helps us avoid negative speech and focus on words that bring life.
Final Thoughts
The Bible is clear that talking badly about others is not something that honors God.
Words have power, and we are called to use them wisely.
Gossip, slander, and criticism may feel easy, but they bring destruction.
Instead, God calls us to speak with love, grace, and encouragement.
Choosing words that build others up instead of tearing them down reflects the heart of Christ.
By pausing before speaking, praying for others, and filling our hearts with God’s love, we can break the habit of negative speech.
In doing so, we bring glory to God and peace to our relationships.
Our words should reflect the goodness of God—so let’s use them to spread kindness, not harm.