30+ Powerful Bible Verses About Gossip

Gossip can quietly slip into conversations and leave behind broken trust, hurt feelings, and strained relationships. Many people search for guidance on how to deal with harmful words, and that is where turning to Bible Verses About Gossip offers real clarity. Scripture does not avoid the subject but speaks directly to the damage gossip causes and the responsibility believers have with their words.

If you have ever felt the sting of rumors or struggled with the temptation to share what should be left unsaid, you are not alone. The Bible provides wisdom that not only warns against gossip but also shows a better way to build peace and strengthen community.

Table of Contents

What Does The Bible Say About Gossip?

The Bible speaks clearly about the dangers of gossip and the harm it causes. Gossip spreads lies, creates division, and damages relationships. Proverbs 16:28 says, “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” This reminds us how easily words can break trust and peace.

God calls us to use our words for good and not for harm. Ephesians 4:29 teaches, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.” Instead of gossiping, believers are encouraged to speak truth, kindness, and encouragement that bring healing and unity.

The List Of Bible Verses About Gossip

Old Testament

Proverbs 11:13

“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”

Meaning: This verse shows the sharp contrast between a gossip and a faithful person. Gossip destroys trust by spreading what should remain private. A trustworthy person protects others by keeping things safe.
Context: Proverbs often compares the wise with the foolish. Here, Solomon highlights how dangerous gossip is within friendships and communities. Trust is the foundation of relationships, and gossip tears it apart.
Practical Application: Be careful with what others share in confidence. Before speaking, ask if the words honor God and protect your friend’s dignity. Choose to be the person others can rely on for safety and loyalty.

Proverbs 16:28

“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”

Meaning: Gossip is pictured as fuel for division. It creates suspicion, resentment, and broken relationships. A gossip thrives on stirring conflict instead of peace.
Context: This verse is part of Solomon’s wisdom sayings about destructive behaviors. It reminds readers that division is not accidental — gossip often lies at the root.
Practical Application: If gossip threatens to divide your friendships or family, step back. Do not pass on harmful words. Instead, work to restore peace by speaking kindly and refusing to repeat damaging talk.

Proverbs 18:8

“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.”

Meaning: Gossip can sound attractive, like a tasty bite of food. Yet once swallowed, it settles deep and leaves lasting harm.
Context: This proverb uses imagery to show how gossip spreads quickly and embeds itself in people’s hearts. What seems small at first becomes deeply damaging.
Practical Application: When gossip tempts you, remember it is not harmless chatter. It plants seeds that stay with people. Train yourself to walk away when others start gossiping.

Proverbs 20:19

“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.”

Meaning: Gossipers cannot be trusted with secrets. Their habit of talking too freely makes them dangerous to relationships.
Context: This verse continues the wisdom theme of guarding one’s speech. It warns believers to be cautious about who they spend time with, because constant talkers often reveal too much.
Practical Application: If someone is known for spreading gossip, limit the personal details you share with them. Choose wise friends who value honesty and discretion.

Proverbs 26:20

“Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.”

Meaning: Gossip is compared to firewood that keeps conflict burning. Without it, arguments lose their fuel and peace is restored.
Context: Proverbs often uses vivid word pictures. Here, gossip is shown as the spark and fuel for fights. It keeps trouble alive when it should be ending.
Practical Application: Do not add words that stir up arguments. If gossip reaches you, stop it instead of passing it on. By refusing to feed the fire, you help restore peace.

Proverbs 26:22

“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.”

Meaning: This verse highlights how gossip can be tempting and appealing, like a delicious bite of food, yet it penetrates deeply and causes hidden harm.
Context: Proverbs is a book of wisdom, offering moral guidance. Here, Solomon warns that gossip spreads easily and embeds itself deep in the hearts of listeners, often leading to division and hurt.
Practical Application: Be mindful of what you listen to and share. Gossip may feel harmless in the moment, but it can deeply affect relationships and reputations. Instead, focus on speaking words that build others up.

Proverbs 26:28

“A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.”

Meaning: This verse shows how lies and gossip are rooted in malice. A liar doesn’t just deceive—they actively harm others, and false flattery also destroys trust.
Context: In the wisdom literature of Proverbs, Solomon consistently contrasts truth with deceit. Here, lying and gossip are shown as destructive tools that reveal a lack of love for others.
Practical Application: Guard your speech. Avoid both lies and gossip, which corrode relationships. Speak honestly and kindly so your words strengthen, not harm, the people around you.

Proverbs 10:18

“Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.”

Meaning: The verse equates gossip and slander with foolishness. Hiding hatred with lies or spreading rumors exposes the true condition of the heart.
Context: Proverbs often contrasts the wise with the foolish. Here, the foolish person is not just careless but destructive—using gossip as a weapon.
Practical Application: Be honest about your feelings instead of covering them with gossip. If conflict arises, resolve it with truth and love, not hidden malice or rumors.

Proverbs 25:9-10

“If you take your neighbor to court, do not betray another’s confidence, or the one who hears it may shame you and the charge against you will stand.”

Meaning: This verse warns against exposing private matters or betraying someone’s trust, especially in disputes. Gossip often arises from such betrayals and can lead to lasting shame.
Context: In the wisdom of Proverbs, integrity in relationships is highly valued. Here, Solomon stresses the importance of keeping confidences, even when facing conflict, to maintain peace and honor.
Practical Application: Avoid sharing secrets or private details as gossip, particularly in moments of anger or conflict. Respecting confidentiality builds trust and prevents unnecessary damage to relationships.

Proverbs 6:16, 19

“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: … a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”

Meaning: God despises deceit and division. Gossip is directly tied to both—spreading lies and stirring conflict among people is deeply offensive to Him.
Context: This passage lists behaviors that God finds detestable. Among them, false testimony and causing strife are directly connected to gossip, revealing its seriousness in God’s eyes.
Practical Application: Recognize that gossip is not a minor fault but a sin that God condemns. Strive to be a peacemaker instead of fueling division with words. Speak truth and encourage unity.

Psalm 15:2-3

“The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others.”

Meaning: This verse shows that a godly life is marked by truth, integrity, and restraint in speech. Gossip and slander destroy trust and oppose righteousness.
Context: Psalm 15 describes the qualities of those who may dwell in God’s presence. Living without gossip or slander is central to walking blamelessly before Him.
Practical Application: Guard your words. Speak truth with kindness and avoid negative talk about others. Living this way brings you closer to God and strengthens relationships.

Psalm 101:5

“Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, him will I put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate.”

Meaning: God opposes slander and hidden gossip. Speaking negatively in secret against others is seen as destructive and prideful.
Context: In this psalm, David sets a standard for his household and leadership, rejecting gossip and arrogance. It reflects God’s own standard for holiness.
Practical Application: Avoid secret conversations that tear others down. Choose honesty and humility instead of hidden criticism. God calls us to silence gossip, not join it.

Leviticus 19:16

“Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the Lord.”

Meaning: Gossip is not just careless talk but a sin that harms others and damages community trust.
Context: In the Law of Moses, God commanded His people to live holy and upright lives. Spreading slander was forbidden because it causes harm and division.
Practical Application: Stop rumors before they spread. Instead of passing harmful words, protect your neighbor’s reputation. This obedience honors God and preserves unity.

Exodus 23:1

“Do not spread false reports. Do not help a guilty person by being a malicious witness.”

Meaning: False reports and lies are a form of gossip that destroys justice and relationships. Speaking falsely supports wrongdoing.
Context: God gave this law to Israel to ensure fairness and justice in their courts and communities. Lies and gossip were directly tied to injustice.
Practical Application: Commit to truth in every situation. Refuse to exaggerate, twist facts, or repeat unverified stories. Truthful words protect justice and relationships.

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Numbers 12:1-2

“Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite. ‘Has the Lord spoken only through Moses?’ they asked. ‘Hasn’t he also spoken through us?’ And the Lord heard this.”

Meaning: This passage shows how gossip and jealousy can lead to questioning authority and dishonoring God’s chosen leaders.
Context: Miriam and Aaron, Moses’ own siblings, gossiped about him. Their words revealed pride and resentment, which angered God and brought consequences.
Practical Application: Be careful not to gossip about leaders, family, or others out of envy or pride. Instead, practice respect and humility, remembering that God hears every word.

Micah 6:12

“Your rich people are violent; your inhabitants are liars and their tongues speak deceitfully.”

Meaning: This verse highlights how dishonesty and harmful speech corrupt a community. Gossip and deceitful words reflect a heart turned away from God.
Context: Micah rebukes Israel for its corruption and sin. Deceitful tongues were part of the nation’s downfall, showing how words can destroy justice and holiness.
Practical Application: Avoid deceit and harmful talk. Gossip may seem small, but it damages communities and separates people from God. Choose truth and fairness in speech.

Jeremiah 6:28

“They are all hardened rebels, going about to slander. They are bronze and iron; they all act corruptly.”

Meaning: Slander is described as the mark of a rebellious people. Gossip reveals stubbornness against God and contributes to corruption.
Context: Jeremiah speaks of Israel’s sin and rebellion against God. Slander was one of the many ways the people showed their disobedience and hardened hearts.
Practical Application: Recognize gossip as rebellion, not harmless talk. Following God means resisting the temptation to slander and living with purity of speech.

Jeremiah 9:4

“Beware of your friends; do not trust anyone in your clan. For every one of them is a deceiver, and every friend a slanderer.”

Meaning: This verse shows the pain of living in a society filled with gossip and slander. It warns that even close relationships can be poisoned by deceitful words.
Context: Jeremiah laments the unfaithfulness of his people. Slander and betrayal had become so common that trust between friends and family was broken.
Practical Application: Be the kind of friend or family member who can be trusted with words. Do not allow gossip to poison relationships. Build trust with honesty and respect.

Ezekiel 22:9

“In you are slanderous men bent on shedding blood; in you are those who eat at the mountain shrines and commit lewd acts.”

Meaning: Here, slander is linked to serious sins that destroy lives and communities. Gossip and slander are not harmless but dangerous and destructive.
Context: Ezekiel warns Israel of its sins before judgment. Slander was part of the corruption that brought God’s anger on the nation.
Practical Application: Treat gossip seriously. Understand it as harmful and sinful, not light conversation. Commit to speech that builds others up and honors God.

Psalm 34:13

“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”

Meaning: This verse calls for discipline in speech. Gossip, lies, and slander are part of the evil we must avoid.
Context: Psalm 34 is David’s encouragement to live a righteous life before God. Guarding our tongues is central to that call.
Practical Application: Practice self-control in conversation. When tempted to gossip or spread rumors, remember God’s command to keep your tongue from evil.

New Testament

Romans 1:29

“They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips.”

Meaning: Paul includes gossip among the list of serious sins, showing it is not small or harmless but part of human corruption apart from God.
Context: Romans 1 describes the sinful condition of humanity when it turns away from God. Gossip is mentioned alongside grave sins, revealing its destructive nature.
Practical Application: Do not treat gossip lightly. Understand it as a sin that separates people from God and leads to brokenness. Replace gossip with encouraging words that bring life.

Romans 1:30

“They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents.”

Meaning: This verse again identifies gossip and slander as traits of those who have rejected God. It reveals the spiritual danger behind careless words.
Context: Paul continues describing the unrighteousness of people who reject God. Gossip is grouped with rebellion, arrogance, and hatred, underlining its seriousness.
Practical Application: Examine your heart and speech. If gossip is present, confess it before God and turn toward righteousness. Seek to honor Him in every word spoken.

2 Corinthians 12:20

“For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be… there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.”

Meaning: Paul feared gossip and slander would weaken the Corinthian church and lead to division. Gossip creates disorder and damages unity in the body of Christ.
Context: In his letter, Paul warns the Corinthians against sinful behaviors that destroy fellowship. Gossip is listed among sins that ruin community and peace.
Practical Application: Guard your church and community from gossip. Instead of spreading disorder with words, be someone who encourages harmony and unity.

1 Timothy 5:13

“Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to.”

Meaning: Idleness can lead to gossip and meddling in others’ lives. The verse warns against becoming busybodies who misuse their time and words.
Context: Paul instructs Timothy on guiding the church, particularly in handling widows. He cautions against habits of idleness and gossip that damage reputation and witness.
Practical Application: Fill your time with purposeful work and uplifting conversation. Avoid idle talk that leads to gossip, and focus on building up others with your words.

2 Thessalonians 3:11

“We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.”

Meaning: Paul points out that gossip often comes from idleness. Instead of being productive, some choose to meddle and disrupt others with words.
Context: In Thessalonica, some believers were living in laziness and disorder. Paul corrected them, teaching that idleness and gossip go against God’s will for His people.
Practical Application: Stay focused on your own responsibilities. Resist the temptation to waste time with gossip or interference in others’ affairs. Honor God by living responsibly.

1 Peter 2:1

“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”

Meaning: Peter calls believers to remove harmful attitudes and speech from their lives. Gossip and slander are destructive habits that do not belong in a godly heart.
Context: This letter was written to encourage Christians facing trials. Peter reminds them that holy living requires rejecting sins that break unity and harm others.
Practical Application: Examine your heart for gossip, envy, or deceit. Replace negative talk with words of kindness and encouragement that reflect Christ’s character.

1 Peter 3:10

“For, ‘Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.’”

Meaning: This verse emphasizes that controlling the tongue leads to a life of peace and blessing. Gossip and lies bring destruction instead of good days.
Context: Peter quotes Psalm 34 to remind believers that godly speech is part of living a fulfilling life under God’s care.
Practical Application: Choose to speak words that give life rather than harm. If you want to enjoy peace and joy, avoid gossip and practice truth in speech.

James 1:26

“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”

Meaning: True faith is revealed by how we speak. Gossip and uncontrolled words make our witness empty and meaningless before God.
Context: James stresses the connection between faith and works. Controlling the tongue is one of the marks of genuine Christianity.
Practical Application: Measure your faith by your words. Let your speech reflect obedience to God, avoiding gossip and showing love through what you say.

James 3:5-6

“The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.”

Meaning: James compares the tongue to fire, showing how gossip and careless words can cause massive destruction. A single harmful word can spread far and hurt deeply.
Context: In this passage, James teaches about the power of the tongue. Though small, it has the ability to control and influence lives for good or for evil.
Practical Application: Think before you speak. Avoid letting gossip ignite conflict or pain. Use your words to heal, not to destroy.

James 4:11

“Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it.”

Meaning: James directly forbids slander and gossip within the Christian community. Speaking against others goes against God’s law of love.
Context: James was addressing divisions and quarrels among believers. He warned that gossip and slander weaken the church and dishonor God.
Practical Application: Choose love over criticism. When tempted to gossip about another believer, remember God calls you to build unity, not to break it.

Titus 2:3

“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.”

Meaning: Slander is seen as unworthy behavior, especially for those called to be examples. Words have power, and spreading gossip goes against living reverently.
Context: Paul instructs Titus on guiding the church community. Older women were to model godliness, avoiding gossip and using their speech to teach good.
Practical Application: Use your influence to encourage and build up others. Choose words that inspire faith instead of gossip that tears down.

Titus 3:2

“To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”

Meaning: Believers are called to reject gossip and slander completely, instead living in peace and showing kindness to all.
Context: Paul reminds Titus of the conduct expected of Christians. Avoiding gossip was part of living as a testimony to God’s grace.
Practical Application: Commit to speaking respectfully about everyone, even in difficult situations. Replace gossip with gentleness and peace.

Ephesians 4:29

“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.”

Meaning: Words are meant to strengthen others, not tear them down. Gossip is unwholesome talk that provides no benefit to anyone.
Context: Paul calls believers in Ephesus to live in unity and holiness. Their speech was to reflect Christ’s love and truth.
Practical Application: Before speaking, ask if your words build up or break down. Choose uplifting words over gossip or negativity.

Ephesians 4:31

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”

Meaning: Slander is grouped with bitterness and anger as sins that must be removed from the believer’s life. Gossip poisons relationships and hearts.
Context: Paul teaches that a new life in Christ requires putting away harmful habits, including speech that divides and destroys.
Practical Application: Identify any bitterness or gossip in your life and surrender it to God. Speak words that heal rather than harm.

Colossians 3:8

“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”

Meaning: Slander is part of the old sinful nature that must be put away when we live in Christ.
Context: Paul tells believers in Colossae to put off their old selves and embrace their new life in Christ. This included a transformation in speech.
Practical Application: Make a conscious effort to remove gossip and negative talk from your daily life. Speak as one who belongs to Christ.

Matthew 12:36

“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”

Meaning: Every careless word matters to God. Gossip, slander, and idle talk will be judged.
Context: Jesus warns the Pharisees about the seriousness of their words. He teaches that speech reveals the heart and carries eternal weight.
Practical Application: Be intentional with your words, knowing that God hears them all. Use your speech for good, not idle gossip.

Matthew 15:11

“What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”

Meaning: Sin is revealed not by what we consume but by the words we speak. Gossip and slander defile a person’s character before God.
Context: Jesus corrected false teachings about ceremonial laws. He emphasized that true holiness is measured by the heart and speech.
Practical Application: Focus less on outward appearances and more on the purity of your words. Avoid gossip, as it reflects the sin in the heart.

Matthew 12:37

“For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Meaning: Words carry eternal consequences. Gossip and slander condemn, while truth and love bring life.
Context: Jesus emphasized the power of words, teaching that they reveal the heart and will be part of God’s final judgment.
Practical Application: Guard your tongue, knowing your words shape your witness and reflect your faith. Choose speech that honors God.

Luke 6:45

“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.”

Meaning: Speech reveals the true state of the heart. Gossip and slander come from inner corruption, while good words flow from a pure heart.
Context: Jesus was teaching about the fruit of a person’s life. Words are an outward sign of inner character.
Practical Application: Work on filling your heart with God’s Word and love, so your speech reflects goodness, not gossip.

Galatians 5:14-15

“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”

Meaning: Gossip is one way believers “bite and devour” each other. It destroys love and unity, leading to mutual harm.
Context: Paul warned the Galatian church against divisions and infighting. He pointed them back to the central law of love.
Practical Application: Love your neighbor by refusing to gossip. Instead of tearing down, build up, and protect unity within your community.

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Conclusion

In the end, the Bible makes it very clear that gossip is not harmless talk but a destructive force that damages trust, relationships, and even spiritual growth. Through the verses we explored, we saw how God calls His people to guard their words, to speak with honesty, and to use their tongues for encouragement rather than harm. Each passage shows that gossip leads to division while truth and kindness build unity and peace.

By looking closely at these teachings, the message becomes simple yet powerful: our words carry weight, and choosing to honor God with them brings blessing. May these bible verses about gossip remind us to walk in wisdom, speak with love, and live in a way that reflects a heart rooted in truth.