What Is Gossip According to the Bible?

Gossip in the Bible is more than just idle talk; it’s a pattern of communication that causes harm. The Hebrew word often translated as “gossip” in the Old Testament refers to a talebearer or one who reveals secrets. Proverbs 20:19 (NKJV) warns, “He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.” Leviticus 19:16 echoes this: “You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people.”

The Bible describes gossip not only as an action but also as a character trait. A gossip is someone who spreads damaging or shameful information, true or not, with the wrong intent. It often occurs in secret, behind someone’s back, and is fueled by pride, curiosity, or a desire to feel important. According to the biblical definition of gossip, it’s not just about what is said, but why it’s said and to whom.

So, what does the Bible say about gossip? It calls it dangerous, divisive, and deceitful. Unlike helpful or protective communication, gossiping in the Bible is always shown as spiritually unhealthy and relationally destructive.

Why God Hates Gossip

Proverbs 6:16–19 (NKJV) lists seven things the Lord hates, including “a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.” Gossip often does both. It spreads suspicion, plants division, and tears down relationships, especially when cloaked in concern or subtlety.

Scripture shows that gossip flows from a deeper spiritual problem. It often begins in pride (wanting to look important), envy (wanting others to fail), or idleness (having too much time and not enough purpose). 

In 1 Timothy 5:13, Paul warns against becoming “gossips and busybodies,” describing those who go from house to house speaking things they should not. This behavior isn’t harmless; it reflects a heart drifting away from Christ.

God hates gossip because it breaks down trust, damages His people, and mirrors the spirit of the enemy, not the Spirit of Christ. While gossip seems like a small sin, its ripple effect is wide and painful. 

Biblical Examples of Gossip and Its Consequences

It’s always best to analyze real examples from the Bible in order to fully understand concepts from a Biblical standpoint, and this applies to gossip as well. 

Joseph’s Brothers and the “Bad Report”

Genesis 37:2: “Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brothers… and Joseph brought a bad report of them to his father.”

Joseph shared negative information about his brothers, which increased their jealousy and hatred toward him. Whether the report was true or exaggerated, it created division and nearly cost Joseph his life. This shows how gossip can fuel envy and violence.

Miriam and Aaron Speaking Against Moses

Numbers 12:1–2: Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married… “Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses?”

Their private criticism of Moses’ leadership and personal life displeased the Lord. As a consequence, Miriam was struck with leprosy. Gossip in leadership circles undermines trust and invites God’s discipline.

David’s Enemies Whispering Behind His Back

Psalm 41:5–6: “When he comes to see me, he speaks lies; his heart gathers iniquity to itself; when he goes out, he tells it.”

David describes people who pretended to care while secretly spreading false or harmful talk. Their gossip added to his suffering and betrayal, a clear example of gossip causing emotional and spiritual harm.

The Spies and the Bad Report

Numbers 13:32: “And they gave the children of Israel a bad report of the land…”

Ten of the twelve spies spread fear by exaggerating the dangers of the Promised Land. Their gossip discouraged faith and caused an entire generation to wander the wilderness in judgment.

Idle Widows Becoming Gossips

1 Timothy 5:13: “And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house… not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.”

Paul warns that idleness can lead to destructive speech. Gossip wasn’t just a bad habit, it revealed a misuse of time and a failure to love others through words.

Bible Verses About Gossip and Slander

Scripture repeatedly warns against gossip and slander, not just because they hurt others, but because they reveal what’s going on in the heart. Below are four key gossip Bible verses that show how seriously God takes this sin and what He calls believers to do instead.

Romans 1:29–30 – Gossip Listed Among Serious Sins

“Being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness… whisperers, backbiters…”

This gossip scripture is part of a list of sins describing those who have rejected God. Here, gossip (whispering) is grouped with hatred, envy, and even murder. It shows that gossip isn’t trivial, it’s evidence of a heart turned away from God’s righteousness.

Psalm 101:5 – Secret Slander Condemned

“Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy…”

This Bible verse about slander reflects God’s justice. Slander is more than lying, it’s the deliberate tearing down of another person. God doesn’t tolerate it and promises judgment on those who do it in secret.

Proverbs 18:8 – The Lure of Gossip

“The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, and they go down into the inmost body.”

Gossip feels good in the moment, but this Proverbs gossip verse warns it affects us deeply, feeding sin and damaging both speaker and listener.

The Impact of Gossip on Relationships and Community

According to Proverbs 16:28, “A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends.” This verse highlights a common consequence of gossip in the Bible: it destroys even close bonds.

In churches, gossip damages unity. Instead of strengthening the body of Christ, it spreads suspicion, shame, and discord. Proverbs 26:20 warns, “Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.” Without gossip, conflict often dies out quickly, but with it, small issues can grow into major rifts.

In families, friendships, and communities, gossip is like a slow poison. Whether it's whispers in secret or “venting” disguised as concern, gossip spreads negativity. As James 3:6 says, “The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity… it defiles the whole body.” This is why Scripture about gossiping always urges believers to guard their words and pursue peace.

How to Respond When Someone Gossips About You

Being the subject of gossip can make you feel exposed and betrayed. The Bible doesn’t ignore that pain, but it does call us to respond with wisdom, humility, and grace. Psalm 34:13 says, “Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.” Even when others speak against us, we are not to retaliate in kind.

Jesus taught, “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake” (Matthew 5:11). When someone talks badly about you, the Bible says your identity is not defined by their words, but by God’s truth.

Instead of defending yourself in pride or spreading counter-gossip, Scripture calls us to forgive. Romans 12:17–18 urges, “Repay no one evil for evil… as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” That doesn’t mean you can’t set boundaries, but it does mean releasing the desire for revenge.

If gossip is harming you, go to the Lord in prayer and trust Him to vindicate you. Psalm 37:5–6 promises, “He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light.”

How to Stop Gossiping: A Biblical Strategy

If you struggle with gossip, God’s Word provides a path forward. The first step is recognizing gossip for what it is: a sin of speech and motive. As Proverbs 21:23 reminds us, “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.”

Ask yourself before speaking:

• Is this true?
• Is this helpful?
• Is this mine to share?

When you feel tempted to gossip, pray for the person instead. Redirect the conversation or speak well of them instead of poorly. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification.”

Accountability also helps. Surround yourself with people who speak wisely and don’t feed drama. According to Proverbs 13:20, “He who walks with wise men will be wise.”

Learning how to stop gossiping biblically means training your heart and tongue through the Spirit. God doesn’t just command us to avoid gossip, He empowers us to speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

Verses to Memorize to Resist the Temptation to Gossip

Having God’s Word stored in your heart can help you resist the lure of gossip. Below is a Scripture toolkit with key Bible verses about gossip and controlling the tongue.

Proverbs 11:13

“A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.”

This verse contrasts gossip with faithfulness. A trustworthy person knows when to stay silent.

James 1:26

“If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue… this one’s religion is useless.”

Controlling your tongue is not optional, it’s essential to true godliness.

Ephesians 4:29–32

“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth… be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another.”

These verses remind us that our speech should reflect the grace we’ve received.

Titus 3:2

“To speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.”

A strong reminder that the Christian life includes restraining speech and promoting peace.

Leave Gossip Behind With the Help of the Bible Chat App

Struggling with gossip—whether speaking it or being affected by it—can feel overwhelming. The Bible Chat App offers biblical guidance, encouraging verses, and helpful answers to your real questions, all rooted in Scripture. 

If you need daily support, reminders to guard your tongue, or wisdom for navigating tough conversations, this app can walk with you through it.

📱 Download the app today from Google Play or the Apple App Store.

Conclusion

The Bible clearly teaches that gossip is a sin, one that damages relationships, reflects a wrong heart, and opposes God’s call to speak with love and integrity.

From Joseph’s story to Paul’s letters, Scripture shows that gossip divides, wounds, and leads us away from Christ. But through God’s Word and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can choose speech that heals instead of harms, silence that protects rather than exposes, and hearts that seek peace over drama.

References

• The Holy Bible, New King James Version. (1987). Thomas Nelson;
• What Is Gossip? Exposing a Common and Dangerous Sin, https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/what-is-gossip, accessed on 23.06.2025;
• What does the Bible say about gossip?, https://www.gotquestions.org/gossip-Bible.html, accessed on 23.06.2025;

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