Gossip, slander, and speaking negatively about others are issues we all face in our daily lives. As Christians, we know the importance of uplifting and encouraging one another, rather than tearing each other down with our words.
Today, we will reflect on 35 Bible verses that remind us of the power of our words and the detrimental effects of speaking ill about others.
Let’s look into these verses together and discover the wisdom they offer for our speech and interactions with others.
Bible Verses About Talking Bad about Others
James 4:11 – Speak positively instead of negatively about others
“Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.” – James 4:11
Titus 3:2 – We should avoid speaking ill of anyone
“To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all.” – Titus 3:2
Proverbs 16:28 – Gossip can destroy relationships
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” – Proverbs 16:28
Proverbs 12:18 – Words can harm or heal
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” – Proverbs 12:18
Matthew 12:36 – We will be accountable for our words
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.” – Matthew 12:36
1 Peter 2:1 – Put away harmful speech
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.” – 1 Peter 2:1
Colossians 3:8 – Replace bad talk with good
“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” – Colossians 3:8
Proverbs 20:19 – Avoid gossiping about others
“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.” – Proverbs 20:19
Romans 1:29 – Bad talking leads to many sins
“They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice.” – Romans 1:29
Ephesians 4:29 – Build others up with your words
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.” – Ephesians 4:29
Proverbs 10:18 – Concealing hatred leads to slander
“Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.” – Proverbs 10:18
Proverbs 11:13 – A trustworthy person keeps secrets
“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.” – Proverbs 11:13
1 Timothy 5:13 – Avoid being idle in bad talking
“Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to.” – 1 Timothy 5:13
Proverbs 26:20 – Without gossip, conflict dies down
“Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.” – Proverbs 26:20
Psalm 101:5 – God detests those who slander
“Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate.” – Psalm 101:5
Proverbs 18:8 – The impact of slanderous words
“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.” – Proverbs 18:8
Matthew 7:1 – Be careful in judging others
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” – Matthew 7:1
Galatians 5:15 – Destructive gossip harms the community
“If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” – Galatians 5:15
Proverbs 15:28 – The righteous think before speaking
“The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.” – Proverbs 15:28
Psalm 34:13 – Guard your tongue to avoid evil
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.” – Psalm 34:13
Ephesians 5:4 – Let your speech be filled with gratitude
“Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” – Ephesians 5:4
Proverbs 27:17 – Speak words that strengthen
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
Proverbs 30:10 – Avoid slandering a servant to their master
“Do not slander a servant to their master, or the servant will curse you, and you will pay for it.” – Proverbs 30:10
Romans 14:10 – Respect each other’s opinions
“You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.” – Romans 14:10
2 Corinthians 12:20 – Disunity arises from negative talk
“I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.” – 2 Corinthians 12:20
Proverbs 19:5 – False witnesses face dire consequences
“A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free.” – Proverbs 19:5
1 John 3:15 – Hatred equates to murder in the heart
“Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.” – 1 John 3:15
Psalm 15:3 – The character of those who dwell with God
“Whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others.” – Psalm 15:3
Also Read: 35 Important Bible Verses About Giving Thanks for Friends
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, as Christians, we are called to live a life that is marked by love, compassion, and kindness.
he Bible repeatedly warns us about the dangers of talking bad about others. Instead, we are encouraged to build each other up, speak words of encouragement, and choose our words wisely.
Gossip and slander not only harm others but also tarnish our own character and witness. Let us remember the power that our words hold and choose to use them for good. By doing so, we can exemplify Christ’s love and create a positive impact in the lives of those around us.