What Does the Bible Say About Gossip?
What Does the Bible Say About Gossip? The Bible strongly condemns gossip as destructive, comparing it to a fire that destroys relationships and communities.
Key verse: Proverbs 16:28 (KJV)
The Bible strongly condemns gossip as destructive, comparing it to a fire that destroys relationships and communities.
The Bible strongly condemns gossip as destructive, comparing it to a fire that destroys relationships and communities.
"A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends." — Proverbs 16:28 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
Scripture repeatedly warns against gossip and slander. Proverbs 16:28 says 'A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.' Proverbs 26:20 teaches that without gossip, strife ceases — 'Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.' Paul lists gossip among serious sins (Romans 1:29-30) and warns about idle busybodies (1 Timothy 5:13). James compares the tongue to a small fire that sets a great forest ablaze (James 3:5-6). The remedy is speaking truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), using words to build up rather than tear down (Ephesians 4:29), and addressing issues directly with the person involved (Matthew 18:15).
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Gossip?
What the Bible teaches about gossip, slander, and the destructive power of careless words.
Key Scripture References
"A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends."
"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."
Frequently asked questions
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Related Questions
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The Bible teaches that the tongue has extraordinary power — for both life and death — and calls believers to guard their speech.
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
The unforgivable sin, or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is the persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Jesus Christ.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
Jesus died as a substitutionary sacrifice to pay the penalty for human sin and reconcile humanity to God.
How Are You Saved According to the Bible?
Salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ — not by works or human effort.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley • 1739
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The answer above sits inside Proverbs. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Proverbs on day 159 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Gossip?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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