52 Bible Verses About Gossip And Slander

Bible verses about gossip and slander remind us that these actions can destroy relationships, ruin reputations, and deeply wound hearts. They warn against gossip that often starts with casual talk but quickly spreads, causing division even within the Church. Such behavior weakens Christian unity and can drive people away from faith communities.

God does not minimize or justify tale-bearing and character assassination, placing them in the same category as murder, hating God, and inventing evil. James warns that religion without control over the tongue is worthless, and God promises to destroy anyone who slanders a neighbor.

Scripture shows the power of words, from Proverbs of Solomon to the teachings of Jesus and letters of Paul, giving guidance for taming the tongue and speaking with integrity. Words can build up, tear down, heal, harm, encourage, or devastate, and sharing information irresponsibly harms spiritual well-being.

Bible teaches that our speech reflects character and relationship with God, calling followers of Christ to use words wisely, honor Him, show love, and choose the godly alternative.

Bible Verses about Gossip and Slander

Controlling Your Tongue

1: Ephesians 4:29-32

Avoid corrupting talk and use your mouths to build up others. Every occasion is a chance to share grace with hearers and honor the Holy Spirit of God. Sealed for the day of redemption, put away bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, and malice. Instead, show kindness, remain tenderhearted, and be forgiving, following Christ’s example.

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

2: James 1:26

Being religious means more than appearances; one must bridle tongue and not deceive heart, for a religion without this is worthless.

True faith affects our speech, and our words should never tear others down through gossip or slander. Authentic believers align their profession of faith with integrity in both heart and words.

“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.”

3: Proverbs 21:23

Whoever keeps mouth and keeps tongue carefully keeps out of trouble. Controlling speech not only protects us from various troubles but also prevents gossip, broken relationships, damaged reputations, and personal regrets.

Practicing thoughtful restraint in our speech helps avoid unnecessary problems and promotes peace and integrity in our interactions.

“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”

4: Proverbs 12:18

Our tongues can produce either harmful speech or healing words. The words we choose have the power to wound or restore, so we should speak with encouragement, comfort, and wisdom. Avoid damaging gossip and instead use your speech to uplift and strengthen others.

“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

5: Proverbs 15:4

Solomon uses powerful imagery to show how our words can affect others, either give life or crush spirits. The impact of our speech is significant, so we should intentionally cultivate words that refresh others and promote encouragement and peace.

“A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”

6: Colossians 4:6

Paul encourages gracious speech and flavorful speech, which are the opposite of gossip and the opposite of slander. We should practice speaking in ways that are kind and truthful, taking care to avoid harsh criticism and avoid empty flattery, so that our words build up and bless others.

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

7: Proverbs 31:26

The virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 is known for her wise speech and faithful speech. Her words consistently reflect wisdom and faithfulness, avoiding pettiness and malice, which builds a reputation for integrity in all she does.

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”

8: 1 Peter 3:10

Peter connects quality of life with our speech habits, showing that the words we choose directly impact our well-being.

Those who desire a better life should focus on controlling tongue and consistently speaking truthfully and speaking kindly about others, even when they are not present. By cultivating these habits, believers reflect integrity and promote peace in every interaction.

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

9: Proverbs 10:19

Solomon teaches that excessive talking often leads to sin. We don’t need to comment on everything or share information unnecessarily. Choosing silence is often the wisest choice, allowing us to speak thoughtfully, avoid mistakes, and maintain integrity in our words.

“When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but the one who restrains their lips is wise.”

10: Ecclesiastes 5:2

Solomon advises practicing thoughtful speech and measured speech instead of speaking hasty words. Always pause before speaking, especially when tempted to share information about others. Ensure your words honor God and help others, reflecting wisdom and integrity in every conversation.

“Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God.”

11: Psalm 141:3

David’s prayer highlights our need for divine help in controlling speech. Make this your daily prayer, relying on your dependence on God to avoid gossip and slander. Only with His help can we consistently speak with integrity in all situations.

“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.”

12: James 3:2

We all stumble in many ways, and if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is considered a perfect man who can bridle whole body. James highlights the universal struggle with speech and the importance of controlling tongues.

This is a lifelong process of growth, requiring us to be patient and continue striving for improvement in our words and conduct.

“For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.”

13: James 3:9-10

James highlights the inconsistency of using our tongues for both worship and harmful speech. We must remember that those we might gossip about are created in God’s image and deserve respect.

Our speech should consistently honor God and honor others, reflecting integrity, love, and faithfulness in every interaction.

“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”

Read also this article: 39 Top Bible Verses about Betrayal

Avoiding Gossip and Slander

14: Proverbs 20:19

This verse warns against slandering because it reveals secrets. We are instructed to do not associate with a simple babbler. Practical wisdom teaches us to be cautious around people who constantly talk about others. Avoid those who share secrets, and instead choose friends who demonstrate discretion in their words and actions.

“Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.”

15: Leviticus 19:16

The Lord commands us to avoid slander and not harm our neighbor. Treating people with respect and integrity reflects obedience to God’s instructions and promotes peace within the community.

“You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord.”

16: Proverbs 16:28

A dishonest man who spreads strife and acts as a whisperer separates friends. Gossip has damaging effects, creating wedges between people, breaking trust, and fostering suspicion in friendship. Sharing a juicy story carelessly with words can harm a valued relationship, so we must speak wisely and with integrity.

“A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.”

17: Proverbs 26:20

Just as for lack of wood the fire goes out, when there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases. Gossip fuels conflict, but we can extinguish disagreements by refusing to spread gossip and refusing to listen to gossip. Be a peacemaker by carefully handling information, avoiding actions that could inflame tensions among others.

“For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.”

18: Proverbs 10:18

The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool. This verse exposes the foolishness of slander and deception. Wise people handle conflicts and avoid negative stories by addressing directly with wisdom, speaking truthfully, and speaking respectfully.

“The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool.”

19: 1 Timothy 5:13

Paul warns that some become idlers, going house to house, and not only idlers but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not.

Believers are encouraged to avoid spreading inappropriate information, use time productively, and use words productively. They should avoid involvement in matters that don’t concern you, focusing on building up rather than breaking down others.

“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.”

20: 1 Peter 2:1-25

Put away malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. Like newborn infants, long for pure spiritual milk so that you may grow into salvation and deepen your relationship with the Lord.

You are called to be a living stone, though rejected by men, yet in the sight of God you are chosen and precious. Like living stones, you are being built into a spiritual house, forming a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

“So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. As you come to Him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

21: Psalm 101:5

David explains in this psalm that slanders against a neighbor, done secretly, will be destroyed. God does not tolerate a haughty look or an arrogant heart.

This reflects God’s attitude toward sin, as He will oppose those who tear down others with their words. Slanderous speech does not escape God’s notice, even when done privately.

“Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy. Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure.”

22: Proverbs 17:4

An evildoer who listens to wicked lips and a liar who gives ear to a mischievous tongue is influenced by gossip and reveals a character flaw. Cultivating spiritual maturity means taking no pleasure in negative reports about others, including opponents, and focusing on integrity in speech and relationships.

“An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.”

23: Colossians 3:8

Paul instructs believers to eliminate slander along with other sinful behaviors, reminding us of the punishment for slander in the Bible and how seriously God views harmful speech.  As Christians, we are called to grow in Christ-likeness, which includes purifying speech.

Recognize patterns of gossip and slander in life, and actively eliminate them to reflect integrity and godly character.

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

24: 1 Peter 2:1

Peter calls believers to purge slander from their lives as part of their spiritual growth. He reminds us that slander often stems from negative heart conditions such as malice, deceit, and envy.

These root issues can only be overcome through prayer and consistent spiritual discipline, leading to a pure heart and Christlike character.

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

25: Matthew 15:18-19

Jesus teaches that slander is one of the serious sins that originate in the heart. Genuine transformation involves controlling gossip through inner transformation, not superficial behavior modification.

Ask God to purify heart and cleanse the desires that lead to harmful speech, so your words reflect purity, compassion, and truth.

“But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.”

Judgment and Accountability

26: Matthew 18:15-17

Jesus teaches a clear process for reconciliation when a brother sins. He tells us to tell his fault while alone, and if he listens, you have gained brother. If not, include two or three witnesses, and if needed, present it to the church.

If he still resists correction, treat him as a Gentile or tax collector. This method encourages addressing problems directly, avoiding gossiping, speaking privately instead of talking to others, and upholding truth and relationships rooted in love and respect.

“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”

27: Matthew 18:1-35

The disciples came to Jesus asking who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. He brought a child into their midst and explained that all must turn and become like children to enter the kingdom.

Those who humbles himself, receives child, and welcomes others in my name also receives me. Through this teaching, Jesus revealed that true greatness is found in humility, innocence, and a heart willing to serve others.

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.’”

28: Matthew 7:1-29

Jesus teaches to judge not so that we be not judged, reminding us that the judgment and measure we apply to others will be used for us as well. Before pointing out the speck in our brother’s eye, we must first remove the log from our own eye.

A hypocrite cannot see clearly until they engage in honest self-examination. Once we take the log, we can take the speck from others with correction and humility, reflecting true spiritual maturity.

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”

29: Proverbs 25:9-10

In moments of conflict, we are called to maintain appropriate confidentiality and resist temptation to share private information about others, even when we feel upset. True integrity is shown by staying honorable and wise in difficult circumstances, protecting relationships and preserving trust.

“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.”

30: Galatians 6:1

When a brother is caught in sin, those who are spiritual should restore him gently, being mindful of their own vulnerability. The goal is restoration, not gossip or public shame. Information should be shared carefully, ensuring it does not become gossip material that undermines gentleness and humility.

“Brothers, if someone is caught in a transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”

31: Acts 15:1-35

Some men from Judea taught that the Gentiles must be circumcised to be saved, sparking a debate between Paul and Barnabas.

They were sent to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles and elders. On the way, they shared the news of the conversion of the Gentiles, bringing joy to the brothers. In Jerusalem, they were welcomed and shared all that God had done, but some Pharisee believers insisted on the Law of Moses.

“But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, ‘Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.’ And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question.”

 Guarding the Heart

32: Proverbs 4:23-24

In this verse Solomon emphasizes the importance of guarding our hearts, as they are the source of our actions and words. By protecting what we allow into our hearts, such as the media we consume and the company we keep, we can avoid harmful speech and negative influences. It’s crucial to be intentional about what influences us daily, as it directly impacts our words and actions.

“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you.”

33: Philippians 4:8

Paul provides a powerful filter for our thoughts, knowing that our thoughts directly shape our speech. By focusing on positive, uplifting content and dwelling on what is true, noble, praiseworthy, and admirable, our speech will naturally follow suit.

When tempted to gossip, we should redirect our thoughts toward the good and virtuous qualities in others, aligning our words with what is beneficial and honorable.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things.”

Warnings Against Ungodliness

34: Romans 1:28-32

In this passage, we see that because people did not acknowledge God, He gave them over to a debased mind to engage in actions that should never be done. They became filled with unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, and malice, as well as envy, murder, strife, deceit, and maliciousness.

They were also gossips, slanderers, haters of God, and displayed attitudes of insolence, haughtiness, and boastfulness, perfectly reflecting the warning found in the god hates gossip bible verse.

They were inventors of evil, disobedient to their parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, and ruthless. Even though they knew God’s righteous decree that those who commit such acts deserve to die, they not only continued to do them but also gave approval to others who practiced them.

“And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.”

35: 2 Corinthians 10:5

In this verse, Paul emphasizes that we must destroy any arguments or lofty opinions that are raised against the knowledge of God. We are called to bring every thought into captivity and ensure that it obeys Christ.

This highlights the importance of guarding our minds and aligning our thinking with God’s truth, rejecting anything that goes against it.

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”

36: Matthew 10:36

A person’s enemies can sometimes be found within their own household, creating conflict even among family members. Maintaining healthy relationships requires discernment, patience, and a commitment to truth and love in all interactions.

“And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household.”

37: 1 John 1:9

When we confess sins, God is faithful and just to forgive sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This verse assures believers of God’s mercy and highlights the importance of repentance to maintain a pure and righteous life.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

38: Titus 3:2

Paul instructs Titus to guide believers in Christian behavior, emphasizing the need to speak evil of no one and avoid quarreling. Followers should be gentle, show perfect courtesy to all people, and practice avoiding slander.

Living in a peaceable and considerate manner in all interactions reflects Christlike character and integrity.

“To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.”

39: Hebrews 1:1

Long ago, God spoke to our fathers in many times and through many ways, using the prophets to convey His guidance and will. These messages set the foundation for understanding His plan and prepared humanity for the revelation of Christ.

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets.”

40: Acts 17:26-27

From one man, every nation of mankind was created to live on the earth within allotted periods and boundaries of their dwelling place. God’s design ensures that all people have the opportunity to seek God, to feel their way, and to find Him.

This verse reminds us that God is intimately involved with creation and is not far from each one of us, guiding us toward a relationship with Him no matter our background or location.

“And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us.”

41: Acts 16:30-34

He brought them out and asked, what must I do to be saved. They replied, believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, including you and your household. They spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all in his house.

He took them at the same hour, washed wounds, and was baptized along with he and all his family. Afterwards, he brought them up, set food, and rejoiced with his entire household that they had believed in God.

“Then he brought them out and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ And they said, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.’ And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.’”

42: Acts 10:35

In every nation, anyone who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him. This verse reminds us that God’s acceptance is not limited by nationality or background but is based on reverence and righteous living, showing His impartial love for all people.

“But in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.”

43: Judges 21:25

At that time, there was no king in Israel, and everyone did what was right in their own eyes. This lack of centralized authority led to lawlessness and anarchy, emphasizing the importance of following God’s guidance and living according to His commands to maintain order and righteousness.

“In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

44: Revelation 12:10

A loud voice was heard in heaven, declaring that salvation, power, and the kingdom of God along with the authority of Christ have come.

The accuser of our brothers has been thrown down and no longer accuses day and night before our God. This verse highlights Christ’s victory and God’s supreme authority over all opposition against His people.

“And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, ‘Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.’”

45: 3 John 1:9

John had written to the church, but Diotrephes, who put himself first, does not acknowledge the apostles’ instruction or our authority.

This verse warns against arrogance and self-centeredness in leadership, reminding believers to remain humble and aligned with God’s truth rather than seeking personal power or recognition.

“I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority.”

46: 3 John 1:10

John promised to bring up the issue of talking wicked nonsense, pointing out how Diotrephes refuses to welcome the brothers, stops those who want to, and puts them out of the church. This wrong behavior causes division and church conflict, reminding believers to act with humility, kindness, and unity rather than seeking control or spreading discord.

“So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.”

Read also this article: 39 Bible Verses about Breakthrough

Leadership and Godly Living

47: 1 Timothy 3:11

Paul teaches that wives should be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded and faithful in all things. This verse stresses the value of character, integrity, and spiritual maturity in a woman’s life.

It reminds believers that true godliness is reflected through self-control, faithfulness, and respectful behavior that honors God and strengthens family and community relationships.

“Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.”

48: Luke 24:49

Jesus spoke of the promise of my Father, sending the Holy Spirit as a gift of divine empowerment to His followers. He instructed them to stay in the city and wait until they were clothed with power from on high.

This verse reminds believers of the value of obedience and waiting on God’s perfect timing, trusting that His Spirit equips and strengthens us for every purpose.

“And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

49: Romans 6:1-23

Paul teaches that believers must not continue in sin so grace may abound, for we have died to sin and now live in Christ. Through baptism into his death and being raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we receive new life and freedom from sin. This passage calls us to walk in newness of life through our union with Christ.

“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”

Prayer, Obedience, and Guidance

50: Matthew 12:36

Jesus warns that on the day of judgment, all will give account for every careless word they speak. This verse reminds believers of their accountability before God and that words matter because they reveal the heart’s intentions.

It calls us to speak with responsibility and reverence, recognizing the reality of divine justice in our daily conversations.

“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.”

Trustworthiness and Wisdom

51: Proverbs 25:11

Beautiful words and appropriate words are precious, like fine art carefully crafted to inspire and uplift. Speaking the right words at the right time leaves no room for gossip or no room for slander, showing wisdom and grace in conversation. Well-chosen words bring clarity and peace in difficult situations, turning speech into a tool for healing and understanding.

“Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word fitly spoken.”

52: Proverbs 13:3

This verse teaches the life-preserving value of careful speech, showing that protecting yourself from the consequences of gossip and slander requires intentional self-control.

By thinking before speaking and avoiding careless words when discussing others, we cultivate wisdom and maintain harmony in our relationships.

“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.”

Conclusion

Bible verses about gossip and slander offer profound teaching, reminding us that God takes our words seriously. What may seem like harmless entertainment often damages relationships, undermines trust, and grieves the Holy Spirit.

By spreading falsehoods, we can permanently harm reputations and lives, which goes against the call of followers of Christ to live by a higher standard. Our speech should reflect God’s character of truth and love as we address problems, speak what is difficult, and do so directly and respectfully, seeking restoration rather than acting with malicious intent.

Through forgiveness of past failures and the power for future growth, the Holy Spirit helps us develop new habits that build up, not tear down heal instead of wound and display Christlike grace to a watching world.

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