What Does the Bible Say About Gossip?
Why gossip is such a dangerous and destructive sin.
The Scriptures make it clear that the words a Christian uses and how we speak to others and about others matter.
One area we may not think about as much as we should is gossip – something God makes very clear is a sin. Gossip is not a sin limited to women – men also face the temptation to gossip.
Let’s consider some verses discussing gossip and then think about the difference between words that hurt and those that help.
17 Bible Verses About the Sin of Gossip.
Gossip Ought Not Be Found in the Church.
For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults; (2 Corinthians 12:20)
Corrupt Words and Evil Speaking Must Be Put Away.
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. (Ephesians 4:29-31)
Failing to Control Our Words Means Our Religion is Useless.
If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. (James 1:26)
Christians Must Not Speak Evil of One Another.
Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. (James 4:11)
Fools, Not the Wise, Spread Slander.
Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.(Proverbs 10:18)
The Wise Control Their Words and Choose Their Words Carefully.
In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is worth little. The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of wisdom.(Proverbs 10:19-21)
A Gossip Betrays Someone’s Confidence.
A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter. (Proverbs 11:13)
A Gossip Destroys Friendships.
A perverse [dishonest - ESV] man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends. (Proverbs 16:28)
To Keep Talking About a Matter We Shouldn’t Shows a Lack of Love.
He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friends. (Proverbs 17:9)
A Fool’s Mouth Causes Them Many Problems.
A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for blows. A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. (Proverbs 18:6-7)
Gossip Sounds So Good at First.
The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, and they go down into the inmost body. (Proverbs 18:8)
A Gossip Will Find Themselves Without Friends.
He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips. (Proverbs 20:19)
Without a Gossip, Many Problems Would Cease to Exist.
Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. As charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife.The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, and they go down into the inmost body. (Proverbs 26:20-22)
Idleness Can Lead to Gossip.
And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. (1 Timothy 5:13)
The Leaders of the Church and Their Wives Must Be Above Reproach in Their Speech.
Therefore an overseer must be above reproach…Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued…Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. (1 Timothy 3:2, 8, 11)
Gossip is Included in Paul’s List of Evil among the Godless.
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting…they are whisperers, backbiters…who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:28-32)
Proper Behavior in the Church Includes Controlling Our Words.
But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine…the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers…Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. (Titus 2:1-8)
What’s the Difference Between Gossip and Conferring?
Gossip is condemned and prohibited among God’s people.
However, conferring with others for the sake of strengthening and helping our brothers and sisters is praised and encouraged.
Conferral is praised (Proverbs 1:5; 13:10; 15:22).
Failing to confer shows an error in judgment (Proverbs 18:17).
Also, the leadership of the church must have open communication among themselves about the struggles and shortcomings of the sheep (1 Peter 5:1-4; 1 Corinthians 1:11).
While we ought to keep some matters to ourselves, that doesn’t mean we “cover up” someone else’s sinful living for them so they can continue living in sin – we must seek to help them (Matthew 18:16-17; Galatians 6:1; 1 Timothy 5:20).
Sometimes, we must talk to somebody else about what’s happening in someone’s life. But how do we ensure we aren’t gossiping when we do so?
I found the following table in an article online, and I think it does an excellent job of showing the difference.
Jesus’ words were always used to help others and call them to turn from sin and turn to God.
If we use our words for things like gossip, how can we show others that Christ is living in us?
Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2:1-4)
We have a responsibility to let our light shine (Matthew 5:13-16) and to reach the lost with the gospel (Matthew 28:18-20). Gossip not only hurts our mission as God’s people – it also endangers our own soul.
May we not overlook the danger and destructiveness of gossip. May our focus on Jesus be demonstrated even in the way we speak.
Great chart at the end... well done!