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Gossip is defined as talk or rumors about the personal lives of others. A gossip is someone who repeats the stories about other people, often instigating drama.
It can devastate friendships, damage reputations, destroy self-esteem, and divide relationships.
Victims of gossip may suffer from anxiety, depression, and have thoughts of suicide because of the things that have been spoken about them. Here are 9 bible verses about gossip that reveal the destructive nature of this sin of the tongue.
The King James Version of the Bible calls a person who gossips a talebearer and a busybody. You will see these words come up when you search Bible verses about gossip.
9 Bible Verses About Gossip
- Leviticus 19:16
- Proverbs 11:13
- Proverbs 18:18
- Proverbs 20:19
- Proverbs 26:20
- Proverbs 26:22
- 1 Timothy 5:13
- 2 Thessalonians 3:11
- 1 Peter 4:15
What does the Bible say about gossip?
Leviticus 19:16 ~ Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD.
Proverbs 11:13 ~ A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
Bible verses about the damaging effects of gossip
Proverbs 18:8 ~ The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Proverbs 20:19 ~ He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
Proverbs 26:20 ~ Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
Proverbs 26:22 ~ The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Tattlers and busybodies:
1Timothy 5:13 ~ And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
The context of this passage is Paul’s instructions to Timothy about how to handle young widows. He was sharing a common thread he had witnessed and how to avoid having gossipers in the church. It reveals that idleness is a catalyst for women to become busybodies, meddling in the lives of others.
2 Thessalonians 3:11 ~ For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
1Peter 4:15 ~ But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.
Why Do We Gossip?
We know that gossip is a sin and can do a lot of damage, but we still find ourselves giving in to the temptation to dish the dirt on someone else. Why?
Gossiping about someone else may give us a temporary feeling of superiority or importance at being “in the know”. It may even bring a rush of adrenaline as we divulge the juicy details of a sordid tale. But those feelings will quickly give way to shame as our wicked ways are exposed.
When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. (Proverbs 11:2)
Instead of Gossiping, We Should:
Galatians 5:16 ~ This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
If gossiping is a product of letting our flesh rule us, then walking in the Spirit will keep us from telling the tales of others. When we walk in the Spirit love will cover their sins, meekness will prompt us to esteem them as better than ourselves, goodness will see the best in them, and temperance will help us filter our thoughts and words about them. (Gal. 5:22-23)
If I can enjoy a joke at the expense of another; if I can in any way slight another in conversation, or even in thought, then I know nothing of Calvary love. – Amy Carmichael
Conclusion
Rumor-spreading and secret-sharing should never be a part of the believer’s life. If gossip is a stronghold for you, I encourage you to repent. Tame your tongue. Run your words through the filter of- is it kind, helpful, or necessary– if it’s not, don’t say it!
Write these 9 bibles verses about gossip on notecards and place them where you can see them several times over the course of the day. Memorize them and recite them when you are tempted to speak about others.
Gossip is destructive. It’s a sharp tool of the enemy to sow discord among the body of Christ as we cut each other down.
Use your influence to build up and not tear down. Choose to share the story of Jesus instead! Repeat his words and speak of his wonderful works. Proclaim the gospel because it is life-giving and soul-saving. It’s the best news ever, and worthy of repeating!
Be a faithful follower of Christ and refuse to participate in the devil’s plan to divide and destroy.
