Gossip

Gossip is warned against in the Bible, especially in Proverbs. This page lists verses on talebearing, slander, gossip in lists of sins, and guarding speech.

Talebearing in Proverbs

• Proverbs 11:13
  A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.
  Show context · Read Proverbs 11 →
• Proverbs 16:28
  A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.
  Show context · Read Proverbs 16 →
• Proverbs 18:8
  The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
  Show context · Read Proverbs 18 →
• Proverbs 20:19
  He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
  Show context · Read Proverbs 20 →
• Proverbs 26:20
  Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
  Show context · Read Proverbs 26 →

Slander

• 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.
  Show context · Read Leviticus 19 →
• Exodus 23:1
  Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.
  Show context · Read Exodus 23 →
• Psalm 101:5
  Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
  Show context · Read Psalm 101 →
• James 4:11
  Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.
  Show context · Read James 4 →

In lists of sins

• Romans 1:29-30
  ²⁹Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, ³⁰Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
  Show context · Read Romans 1 →
• 2 Corinthians 12:20
  For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:
  Show context · Read 2 Corinthians 12 →
• 1 Timothy 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.
  Show context · Read 1 Timothy 5 →

Guarding speech

• Ephesians 4:29
  Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
  Show context · Read Ephesians 4 →
• Psalm 141:3
  Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.
  Show context · Read Psalm 141 →
• Proverbs 21:23
  Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
  Show context · Read Proverbs 21 →

See also

• Speech
• Lying
• Judging others

Notes

1. Verses are quoted in the translation chosen in the Translation menu at the top of the page. See Translations for sources and copyright notices.
2. Each reference links to the full chapter so the verse can be read in context.