Gossip and slander may seem like minor offenses in everyday life, but they can leave deep emotional and spiritual wounds. These negative behaviors often stem from a place of insecurity, jealousy, or misunderstanding—and their effects ripple far beyond the initial words spoken.
Whether it’s whispered rumors or public accusations, the Bible is clear about the dangers of gossip and slander.
God’s Word not only warns against the harm these behaviors cause, but it also offers encouragement, healing, and guidance for how to respond with grace, truth, and love.
This post shares 35 Bible verses about gossip and slander, with clear explanations to help you understand their deeper meaning and apply them to your life.
Let’s dive in and let Scripture speak truth into our hearts.
1. Proverbs 16:28
A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.
Explanation:
This verse warns how gossip can break even the strongest bonds. It shows that gossip doesn’t just spread information—it damages relationships and causes division.
2. James 1:26
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.
Explanation:
Faith must be reflected in how we speak. If our words are careless or harmful, they contradict the faith we claim to live by.
3. Proverbs 11:13
A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
Explanation:
This verse contrasts gossip with integrity. Trust is built when we protect others’ privacy and resist the urge to share what isn’t ours to tell.
4. Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Explanation:
Paul encourages believers to use their words for good, uplifting others rather than tearing them down with gossip or slander.
5. Leviticus 19:16
Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the Lord.
Explanation:
This Old Testament law directly forbids slander, connecting it to harming others. Words can endanger lives and must be handled with care.
6. Proverbs 20:19
A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.
Explanation:
The verse advises caution around habitual gossips. Their words can’t be trusted, and their behavior often brings trouble.
7. Matthew 12:36
But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.
Explanation:
Jesus reminds us that our words have eternal weight. Gossip and slander are not harmless—they will be judged.
8. Romans 1:29-30
They have become filled with every kind of wickedness… They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters…
Explanation:
Paul lists gossip and slander alongside serious sins. This shows how seriously God views destructive speech.
9. Psalm 34:13
Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.
Explanation:
The psalmist urges believers to guard their speech as part of living a righteous life.
10. 2 Corinthians 12:20
For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be… quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip…
Explanation:
Paul expresses concern over toxic behaviors, including gossip, that destroy church unity and spiritual health.
11. Proverbs 18:8
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.
Explanation:
Gossip may be tempting to listen to, but it affects the heart deeply—often leaving pain and confusion.
12. Psalm 101:5
Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence…
Explanation:
God does not tolerate slander. This verse reminds us that He hears even what’s whispered and holds us accountable.
13. Titus 3:2
To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
Explanation:
Christians are called to peace, not harm. Avoiding slander is part of showing Christ-like love and humility.
14. Colossians 3:8
But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
Explanation:
Believers are called to leave behind harmful behaviors, including slander, as part of their new life in Christ.
15. Exodus 23:1
Do not spread false reports. Do not help a guilty person by being a malicious witness.
Explanation:
This command emphasizes truth and fairness. Spreading lies or slander goes against God’s justice.
16. Proverbs 10:18
Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.
Explanation:
Slander is not only wrong—it’s foolish. This verse calls for honesty and warns against disguising hatred with words.
17. Matthew 15:11
What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.
Explanation:
Jesus teaches that our speech reflects our heart. Gossip and slander reveal inner corruption.
18. 1 Peter 2:1
Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.
Explanation:
Peter instructs believers to let go of slander and other harmful attitudes to grow spiritually.
19. 1 Timothy 5:13
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.
Explanation:
Paul warns against idle talk that leads to gossip. It’s a reminder to be purposeful in speech and action.
20. Proverbs 26:20
Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.
Explanation:
Gossip fuels conflict. When it stops, peace can return. This verse urges restraint to bring healing.
21. Ephesians 5:4
Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
Explanation:
Our words should honor God. Replacing gossip with gratitude shifts our hearts and conversations.
22. Jeremiah 6:28
They are all hardened rebels, going about to slander. They are bronze and iron; they all act corruptly.
Explanation:
Slander is part of rebellion against God. Jeremiah uses strong imagery to show how corrupt hearts behave.
23. Proverbs 17:9
Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
Explanation:
Love forgives; gossip repeats. This verse reminds us that gossip ruins relationships, while love protects them.
24. 3 John 1:10
So if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us…
Explanation:
John calls out harmful speech in the church. Even early Christians had to deal with slander—and stand against it.
25. Psalm 15:3
Whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others.
Explanation:
A righteous person avoids slander. This verse highlights how godly character includes pure speech.
26. Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things the Lord hates… a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.
Explanation:
God despises lying and gossip that create strife. These actions go against His desire for peace and truth.
27. Isaiah 32:7
Scoundrels use wicked methods, they make up evil schemes to destroy the poor with lies…
Explanation:
Lies and slander are tools of the wicked. Isaiah reveals how these words can be used for injustice.
28. Luke 6:45
The mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
Explanation:
Our words show our heart’s condition. If gossip flows from us, we need to check what’s inside.
29. Psalm 109:2
For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me, speaking against me with lying tongues.
Explanation:
David cries out about being slandered. This verse offers comfort to anyone hurt by lies or false accusations.
30. Job 5:21
You will be protected from the lash of the tongue, and need not fear when destruction comes.
Explanation:
God promises to defend the innocent from slander. Trust in Him when words rise against you.
31. Proverbs 21:23
Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.
Explanation:
Careful speech protects us. By avoiding gossip, we steer clear of trouble and pain.
32. Ecclesiastes 10:20
Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird in the sky may carry your words…
Explanation:
Even private words can become public. Be wise with what you say, knowing it may come back to you.
33. Psalm 12:3-4
May the Lord silence all flattering lips and every boastful tongue—those who say, “By our tongues we will prevail…”
Explanation:
God judges boastful, manipulative speech. This verse reassures us that He values truth and justice.
34. Proverbs 26:22
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.
Explanation:
This repeated proverb stresses the harmful effect gossip has—deep and lasting damage to the soul.
35. 1 Peter 3:10
For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.”
Explanation:
A fulfilling life begins with godly speech. Avoiding slander is key to walking in blessing and peace.
Conclusion
Gossip and slander may feel like small sins, but their impact can be long-lasting and deeply damaging. These 35 Bible verses about gossip and slander remind us that God takes our words seriously. He calls us to speak life, truth, and love—even when it’s hard.
Whether you’re healing from the sting of someone else’s words or recognizing the need to change your own, God’s Word offers hope and direction. Let these scriptures inspire you to be a voice of encouragement, not division.
Have a favorite verse or a personal story about overcoming gossip or slander? Share it in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you.