Gossip is a subtle yet destructive force that can fracture relationships, erode trust, and sow discord in communities. The Bible consistently warns against the dangers of harmful speech, urging believers to use words to uplift, encourage, and honor God.
By exploring 100 Bible verses about gossip, categorized into five key themes, this collection offers timeless wisdom to guide our speech.
Each verse includes a brief description and interpretation, helping us apply biblical principles to foster love, truth, and unity in our daily interactions.
The Dangers of Gossip
- Proverbs 11:13
Verse: “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
Description: Gossip breaks trust by revealing secrets.
Interpretation: Trust is vital for relationships; gossip destroys it. - Proverbs 16:28
Verse: “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
Description: Gossip divides even the closest relationships.
Interpretation: Avoid gossip to preserve friendships and harmony. - Proverbs 18:8
Verse: “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.”
Description: Gossip is tempting but harmful.
Interpretation: Its allure hides its destructive impact on hearts. - Proverbs 20:19
Verse: “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.”
Description: Gossips cannot be trusted with secrets.
Interpretation: Choose trustworthy companions to avoid betrayal. - Proverbs 26:20
Verse: “Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.”
Description: Gossip fuels conflict like wood fuels fire.
Interpretation: Silence can end disputes and restore peace. - James 3:6
Verse: “The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body…”
Description: The tongue’s words, like gossip, cause widespread harm.
Interpretation: Our speech can corrupt lives if not controlled. - Romans 1:29
Verse: “They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips…”
Description: Gossip is listed among serious sins.
Interpretation: It’s a grave offense, not a minor fault. - 2 Corinthians 12:20
Verse: “I fear that there may be discord, jealousy… slander, gossip, arrogance…”
Description: Gossip disrupts church unity.
Interpretation: It threatens community harmony and faith. - Leviticus 19:16
Verse: “Do not go about spreading slander among your people…”
Description: God forbids gossip and slander.
Interpretation: Protect others’ reputations with your words. - Psalm 34:13
Verse: “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”
Description: Avoid deceitful speech like gossip.
Interpretation: Righteous speech promotes peace. - Proverbs 10:31
Verse: “From the mouth of the righteous comes wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be silenced.”
Description: Gossip contrasts with wise speech.
Interpretation: Speak wisely to avoid judgment. - Proverbs 17:4
Verse: “A wicked person listens to deceitful lips; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.”
Description: Gossips attract those who love evil.
Interpretation: Avoid gossip to steer clear of wickedness. - Ecclesiastes 10:20
Verse: “Do not revile the king… for a bird in the sky may carry your words…”
Description: Gossip spreads uncontrollably.
Interpretation: Words can reach unintended ears, causing harm. - Proverbs 25:9
Verse: “If you take your neighbor to court, do not betray another’s confidence…”
Description: Gossip violates trust in disputes.
Interpretation: Resolve conflicts privately to maintain trust. - 2 Timothy 3:3
Verse: “Without love… slanderers, without self-control…”
Description: Gossip marks a lack of love and control.
Interpretation: It reflects a heart turned from God. - Psalm 50:20
Verse: “You sit and testify against your brother and slander your own mother’s son.”
Description: Gossip slanders even family.
Interpretation: It destroys familial bonds and trust. - Proverbs 26:22
Verse: “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels…”
Description: Gossip is enticing but damaging.
Interpretation: Resist its temptation to protect relationships. - Exodus 23:1
Verse: “Do not spread false reports…”
Description: God commands against spreading lies.
Interpretation: Gossip violates God’s call for truth. - Proverbs 11:9
Verse: “With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors…”
Description: Gossip destroys others’ reputations.
Interpretation: Guard words to avoid harming others. - James 4:11
Verse: “Do not slander one another…”
Description: Slander, like gossip, is forbidden among believers.
Interpretation: Speak with love, not judgment.
Guarding Your Speech

- Proverbs 21:23
Verse: “Those who guard their mouths… keep themselves from calamity.”
Description: Controlled speech prevents trouble.
Interpretation: Avoid gossip to maintain peace. - Ephesians 4:29
Verse: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths…”
Description: Speak only to build others up.
Interpretation: Replace gossip with encouraging words. - Colossians 3:8
Verse: “Rid yourselves of… slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
Description: Eliminate harmful speech like gossip.
Interpretation: Transform speech to reflect faith. - Matthew 12:36
Verse: “Everyone will have to give account… for every empty word…”
Description: We’re accountable for our words.
Interpretation: Avoid gossip to honor God. - Proverbs 13:3
Verse: “Those who guard their lips preserve their lives…”
Description: Careful speech protects from ruin.
Interpretation: Discretion prevents gossip’s consequences. - Proverbs 15:4
Verse: “The soothing tongue is a tree of life…”
Description: Kind words heal, unlike gossip.
Interpretation: Use speech to uplift others. - Psalm 141:3
Verse: “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord…”
Description: Pray for help to control speech.
Interpretation: Seek God to avoid gossip. - James 1:26
Verse: “Those who… do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves…”
Description: Uncontrolled speech undermines faith.
Interpretation: Align words with godly values. - Proverbs 10:19
Verse: “Sin is not ended by multiplying words…”
Description: Excessive talk leads to sin.
Interpretation: Practice restraint to avoid gossip. - Titus 3:2
Verse: “Slander no one… be peaceable and considerate…”
Description: Avoid gossip; be gentle.
Interpretation: Promote peace through kind speech. - Proverbs 17:28
Verse: “Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent…”
Description: Silence can prevent foolish gossip.
Interpretation: Wisdom lies in restraint. - Proverbs 12:23
Verse: “The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves…”
Description: Wise people avoid reckless talk.
Interpretation: Guard words to stay wise. - Psalm 39:1
Verse: “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin…”
Description: Commit to avoiding sinful speech.
Interpretation: Be vigilant against gossip. - Proverbs 18:13
Verse: “To answer before listening… is folly and shame.”
Description: Rash speech leads to gossip.
Interpretation: Listen before speaking to avoid harm. - Ecclesiastes 5:2
Verse: “Do not be quick with your mouth…”
Description: Hasty speech leads to sin.
Interpretation: Think before speaking to avoid gossip. - Proverbs 14:23
Verse: “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
Description: Idle talk, like gossip, is fruitless.
Interpretation: Focus on productive speech. - James 3:2
Verse: “We all stumble… If anyone is never at fault in what they say…”
Description: Controlling speech shows maturity.
Interpretation: Strive to avoid gossip. - Proverbs 15:2
Verse: “The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge…”
Description: Wise speech avoids gossip.
Interpretation: Speak to share wisdom, not harm. - Psalm 19:14
Verse: “May these words of my mouth… be pleasing in your sight…”
Description: Pray for God-pleasing speech.
Interpretation: Align words with God’s will. - Proverbs 31:26
Verse: “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”
Description: Wise speech reflects godliness.
Interpretation: Replace gossip with wise words.
Consequences of Gossip
- Proverbs 17:9
Verse: “Whoever… repeats the matter separates close friends.”
Description: Gossip destroys relationships.
Interpretation: Choose love over harmful talk. - Psalm 101:5
Verse: “Whoever slanders their neighbor… I will put to silence…”
Description: God opposes gossipers.
Interpretation: Gossip invites divine judgment. - Proverbs 6:16-19
Verse: “There are six things the Lord hates… a person who stirs up conflict…”
Description: Gossip is detestable to God.
Interpretation: It disrupts communities and offends God. - Proverbs 19:5
Verse: “A false witness will not go unpunished…”
Description: Gossipers face consequences.
Interpretation: Lies and gossip lead to judgment. - Jeremiah 9:4
Verse: “Beware of your friends… every friend a slanderer.”
Description: Gossip breeds distrust.
Interpretation: It erodes relational trust. - Micah 7:5
Verse: “Do not trust a neighbor… guard the words of your lips.”
Description: Gossip destroys confidence.
Interpretation: Be cautious to avoid betrayal. - Proverbs 10:18
Verse: “Whoever… spreads slander is a fool.”
Description: Gossip reflects foolishness.
Interpretation: It masks deeper malice. - Proverbs 12:13
Verse: “Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk…”
Description: Gossip traps the speaker.
Interpretation: Harmful words backfire. - Matthew 15:11
Verse: “What comes out of their mouth… defiles them.”
Description: Gossip defiles the speaker.
Interpretation: Words reflect the heart’s state. - Proverbs 25:23
Verse: “Like a north wind… is a sly tongue…”
Description: Gossip unsettles relationships.
Interpretation: It disrupts like an unexpected storm. - Proverbs 18:7
Verse: “The mouths of fools are their undoing…”
Description: Gossip leads to ruin.
Interpretation: Foolish talk invites trouble. - Psalm 15:3
Verse: “Whose tongue utters no slander…”
Description: Slanderers cannot dwell with God.
Interpretation: Gossip distances us from God. - Proverbs 19:9
Verse: “A false witness will not go unpunished…”
Description: Lies and gossip bring punishment.
Interpretation: Truth avoids consequences. - Numbers 14:36
Verse: “The men… spread a bad report…”
Description: False reports caused harm.
Interpretation: Gossip can lead to collective harm. - Proverbs 26:28
Verse: “A lying tongue hates those it hurts…”
Description: Gossip stems from malice.
Interpretation: It reveals a hateful heart. - 2 Thessalonians 3:11
Verse: “Some… are busybodies…”
Description: Gossip is idle meddling.
Interpretation: It wastes time and causes harm. - Proverbs 11:12
Verse: “Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense…”
Description: Gossip shows lack of wisdom.
Interpretation: Wise speech respects others. - Ezekiel 22:9
Verse: “Slanderers are among you…”
Description: Gossip marks a corrupt community.
Interpretation: It signals moral decline. - Proverbs 24:28
Verse: “Do not testify against your neighbor without cause…”
Description: Unjust gossip harms others.
Interpretation: Speak only with valid reason. - Psalm 64:3
Verse: “They sharpen their tongues like swords…”
Description: Gossip wounds like a weapon.
Interpretation: Words can cause deep harm.
How to Overcome Gossip
- Proverbs 26:22
Verse: “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels…”
Description: Gossip tempts but harms.
Interpretation: Recognize its lure to resist it. - James 3:9-10
Verse: “With the tongue we praise… and curse human beings…”
Description: Inconsistent speech is wrong.
Interpretation: Use words consistently for good. - Colossians 4:6
Verse: “Let your conversation be always full of grace…”
Description: Speak with grace, not gossip.
Interpretation: Gracious speech builds others up. - 1 Peter 3:10
Verse: “Whoever would love life… must keep their tongue from evil…”
Description: Righteous speech brings blessings.
Interpretation: Avoid gossip for a good life. - Ephesians 4:31
Verse: “Get rid of all bitterness… slander, along with every form of malice.”
Description: Remove emotions fueling gossip.
Interpretation: Transform the heart to stop gossip. - Proverbs 17:27
Verse: “The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint…”
Description: Wisdom restrains speech.
Interpretation: Think before speaking. - Psalm 19:14
Verse: “May these words… be pleasing in your sight…”
Description: Pray for pure speech.
Interpretation: Seek God’s help to avoid gossip. - Titus 2:8
Verse: “Soundness of speech that cannot be condemned…”
Description: Speak with integrity.
Interpretation: Godly speech leaves no room for gossip. - Proverbs 15:28
Verse: “The heart of the righteous weighs its answers…”
Description: Righteous speech is deliberate.
Interpretation: Avoid rash words like gossip. - Philippians 4:8
Verse: “Whatever is true, noble, right, pure… think about such things.”
Description: Focus on godly thoughts.
Interpretation: Positive thinking reduces gossip. - Proverbs 16:24
Verse: “Gracious words are a honeycomb…”
Description: Kind words heal.
Interpretation: Replace gossip with kindness. - James 3:5
Verse: “The tongue is a small part… but it makes great boasts…”
Description: Small words cause big harm.
Interpretation: Control speech to avoid gossip. - Proverbs 18:4
Verse: “The words of the mouth are deep waters…”
Description: Words have deep impact.
Interpretation: Choose words that refresh, not harm. - 2 Corinthians 10:5
Verse: “We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
Description: Control thoughts to control speech.
Interpretation: Godly thoughts prevent gossip. - Proverbs 22:11
Verse: “One who loves a pure heart and speaks with grace…”
Description: Pure speech gains favor.
Interpretation: Avoid gossip for godly influence. - Matthew 5:37
Verse: “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’…”
Description: Speak simply and truthfully.
Interpretation: Honesty prevents gossip. - Proverbs 8:7
Verse: “My mouth speaks what is true…”
Description: Truthful speech avoids gossip.
Interpretation: Commit to honesty in words. - Romans 12:2
Verse: “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
Description: Renewed minds avoid gossip.
Interpretation: Transformation leads to godly speech. - Psalm 51:10
Verse: “Create in me a pure heart, O God…”
Description: Pure hearts produce pure speech.
Interpretation: Seek heart renewal to stop gossip. - Proverbs 4:24
Verse: “Keep your mouth free of perversity…”
Description: Avoid corrupt speech.
Interpretation: Stay vigilant against gossip.
Encouraging Godly Speech

- Proverbs 12:18
Verse: “The tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Description: Wise words heal, unlike gossip.
Interpretation: Speak to restore others. - 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Verse: “Encourage one another and build each other up…”
Description: Focus on encouragement.
Interpretation: Replace gossip with uplifting words. - Proverbs 15:1
Verse: “A gentle answer turns away wrath…”
Description: Gentle speech calms conflicts.
Interpretation: Avoid gossip to promote peace. - Hebrews 10:24
Verse: “Spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
Description: Encourage positive actions.
Interpretation: Focus on love, not gossip. - Proverbs 18:21
Verse: “The tongue has the power of life and death…”
Description: Words can give life or harm.
Interpretation: Choose life-giving speech. - Isaiah 50:4
Verse: “The Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue…”
Description: Godly speech sustains others.
Interpretation: Seek wisdom for uplifting words. - 1 Peter 4:8
Verse: “Love each other deeply… love covers over a multitude of sins.”
Description: Love prevents gossip.
Interpretation: Let love guide speech. - Proverbs 27:17
Verse: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Description: Godly relationships uplift.
Interpretation: Build others up, don’t tear down. - Matthew 5:9
Verse: “Blessed are the peacemakers…”
Description: Peacemakers avoid gossip.
Interpretation: Promote harmony with words. - Psalm 141:3
Verse: “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord…”
Description: Pray for controlled speech.
Interpretation: Seek God’s help to avoid gossip. - Proverbs 16:21
Verse: “The wise in heart are called discerning…”
Description: Wise speech reflects discernment.
Interpretation: Speak thoughtfully to avoid harm. - Ephesians 5:4
Verse: “Nor should there be obscenity… but rather thanksgiving.”
Description: Replace harmful talk with gratitude.
Interpretation: Gratitude counters gossip. - Proverbs 10:11
Verse: “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life…”
Description: Righteous speech brings life.
Interpretation: Avoid gossip to bless others. - Colossians 3:16
Verse: “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly…”
Description: Christ’s message guides speech.
Interpretation: Speak words that reflect faith. - Proverbs 15:26
Verse: “The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure…”
Description: Gracious words please God.
Interpretation: Choose pure speech over gossip. - Luke 6:45
Verse: “The mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”
Description: Speech reflects the heart.
Interpretation: Fill your heart with good to avoid gossip. - Proverbs 25:11
Verse: “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold…”
Description: Timely words are precious.
Interpretation: Speak wisely to uplift. - 1 Timothy 4:12
Verse: “Set an example… in speech, in conduct, in love…”
Description: Model godly speech.
Interpretation: Inspire others by avoiding gossip. - Proverbs 31:8
Verse: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves…”
Description: Use speech to defend, not harm.
Interpretation: Advocate for others, not gossip. - John 7:24
Verse: “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”
Description: Avoid judgmental gossip.
Interpretation: Seek truth in speech.
Conclusion
Gossip undermines trust, divides communities, and dishonors God, but the Bible provides clear guidance to overcome it. These 100 verses encourage us to guard our speech, seek God’s help, and use words to build up others. By embracing godly speech, we foster love, peace, and unity in our relationships.

David Smith is an experienced SEO expert and the founder of BibleVersesPrayers.com, a platform dedicated to sharing the truth, hope, and power of God’s Word through meaningful Bible verses and heartfelt prayers.