Gossip is condemned throughout Scripture as destructive, divisive, and sinful. It tears down others and spreads strife. Proverbs 16:28 says, “A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends.” Gossip harms relationships and grieves the heart of God.
Leviticus 19:16 commands, “You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people.” This shows that speaking about others in a harmful or secretive way is contrary to God’s law.
Paul warned the Church often about gossip. In 2 Corinthians 12:20, he feared finding “contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings.” Gossip was among the sins he hoped not to see among believers.
Proverbs 11:13 says, “A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.” The wise guard their words, while the foolish spread what should be covered in love.
Jesus teaches in Matthew 12:36, “Every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.” That includes gossip, slander, and whispering.
Ephesians 4:29 commands, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification.” Our words must build up, not destroy.
Gossip is sin, and the believer is to avoid it entirely, choosing instead to speak truth in love and keep confidence with integrity.