Gossip might seem like harmless chatter, but its effects can be deeply damaging. The Bible is clear about the dangers of gossip—how it spreads strife, breaks trust, and dishonors both God and others. Spiritually, gossip reveals what’s in our hearts. It can hurt relationships, divide communities, and lead to sin if left unchecked.
Thankfully, the Bible doesn’t just warn us—it also offers wisdom, correction, and a better way. These Bible verses about gossip teach us how to speak truthfully, avoid slander, and build each other up instead of tearing others down. Whether you’re trying to stop gossip in your life or protect yourself from it, God’s Word is full of truth and direction.
Below are 35 Bible verses that address gossip and how to deal with it in a godly way.
35 Bible Verses About Gossip In The Bible
1. Proverbs 16:28
A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
Explanation:
Gossip ruins even the closest relationships. The verse shows how damaging whispers and secret talk can be to unity.
2. Proverbs 20:19
He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
Explanation:
This verse warns us not to trust those who gossip. A person who spreads secrets cannot be relied upon.
3. Leviticus 19:16
Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people…
Explanation:
God commands His people not to gossip. It’s considered a violation of His law of love and holiness.
4. Proverbs 11:13
A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
Explanation:
A trustworthy person knows when to stay silent. True loyalty protects others instead of exposing them.
5. James 1:26
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
Explanation:
Controlling your speech is part of genuine faith. Gossip reveals a disconnect between belief and behavior.
6. Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying…
Explanation:
We’re called to speak words that build up, not tear down. Gossip has no place in Christian speech.
7. Proverbs 26:20
Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
Explanation:
Gossip fuels conflict. When it stops, peace follows. Ending gossip is a path to unity.
8. Romans 1:29
Being filled with all unrighteousness…whisperers,
Explanation:
Gossip is listed alongside other serious sins. This shows how seriously God views secret, harmful talk.
9. 1 Timothy 5:13
…wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
Explanation:
Paul warns about idle talk and gossip, especially when it leads to unnecessary meddling and harm.
10. Titus 3:2
To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
Explanation:
Believers are called to speak kindly and avoid spreading negativity about others.
11. Psalm 101:5
Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off…
Explanation:
God takes slander seriously. Those who tear others down in secret will face consequences.
12. Matthew 12:36
But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Explanation:
Every word matters. Even small gossip has spiritual weight and consequences.
13. Proverbs 10:18
He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.
Explanation:
Gossip often comes from hidden bitterness. Speaking harmfully about others is foolish in God’s eyes.
14. Psalm 34:13
Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
Explanation:
We’re encouraged to guard our speech. Gossip is considered deceptive and harmful.
15. Colossians 3:8
But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
Explanation:
Gossip falls under “filthy communication” and should be left behind by anyone following Christ.
16. James 4:11
Speak not evil one of another, brethren…
Explanation:
James reminds believers to stop speaking badly about each other. Gossip divides God’s people.
17. Proverbs 26:22
The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Explanation:
Gossip may sound small, but it deeply wounds the heart. Words carry weight.
18. 2 Corinthians 12:20
…lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings…
Explanation:
Paul lists gossip among the behaviors that destroy community. It tears apart unity and trust.
19. Galatians 5:15
But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
Explanation:
Gossip is like spiritual cannibalism—it slowly destroys relationships. We must be careful not to turn on each other.
20. Proverbs 21:23
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
Explanation:
Staying silent when tempted to gossip can protect you from spiritual and relational harm.
21. Matthew 15:11
Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth…
Explanation:
Jesus teaches that our words reflect our hearts. Gossip reveals inner sin, not just social habits.
22. Psalm 15:3
He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour…
Explanation:
A person of integrity avoids gossip. This verse describes someone who walks rightly with God.
23. Exodus 23:1
Thou shalt not raise a false report…
Explanation:
False reports—often spread through gossip—go against God’s law. We’re called to uphold truth.
24. 3 John 1:10
…prating against us with malicious words…
Explanation:
Even in the early church, gossip was an issue. John points it out as harmful and unjust.
25. Proverbs 17:9
He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
Explanation:
Gossip stirs up past mistakes and damages friendships. Love chooses to protect, not expose.
26. Ecclesiastes 10:20
Curse not the king, no not in thy thought…
Explanation:
Even private words can be revealed. God calls us to be careful, even with what we think or say in secret.
27. Isaiah 29:20–21
…that make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate…
Explanation:
Those who twist words or attack others verbally are warned. Gossip often starts with such misuses of speech.
28. Job 15:5
For thy mouth uttereth thine iniquity, and thou choosest the tongue of the crafty.
Explanation:
Words reveal character. Gossip shows spiritual trouble and a need for repentance.
29. 1 Peter 2:1
Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
Explanation:
Peter calls believers to leave gossip behind. It’s part of the old self, not the new life in Christ.
30. Proverbs 6:16–19
…a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Explanation:
God hates gossip and slander. It divides His people and leads to strife.
31. Psalm 140:11
Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth…
Explanation:
God will not allow gossipers to flourish forever. Their words will eventually bring judgment.
32. James 3:8
But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
Explanation:
The tongue has great power, for good or harm. Gossip is a dangerous misuse of that power.
33. Proverbs 18:8
The words of a talebearer are as wounds…
Explanation:
Repeated from earlier, this verse emphasizes again how deeply gossip hurts.
34. Matthew 7:1–2
Judge not, that ye be not judged…
Explanation:
Gossip often comes from judgmental attitudes. Jesus warns against this mindset.
35. Titus 2:3
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness… not false accusers…
Explanation:
Even leaders in the church must be careful not to gossip. It’s a matter of personal holiness.
Final Thoughts on Gossip and Godly Speech
Gossip may seem like small talk, but its effects are powerful and lasting. These verses about gossip in the Bible show that God takes our words seriously. Whether you’re trying to guard your own speech or protect yourself from hurtful words, the Bible provides clarity, healing, and wisdom.
Let’s be people who use our words to bring life, not harm. Let’s choose truth, love, and restraint, trusting that God sees what’s said in secret and honors those who walk in integrity.
Which verse spoke to you the most? Have you ever struggled with gossip or been hurt by it? Share your story or a favorite verse in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you.