The Dangers of Gossip According to the Bible

The Bible speaks quite emphatically against gossip and spreading malicious rumors about others. Not only is gossip detrimental to individuals, but it also has the potential to hurt entire communities.

The Bible has much to say about how gossip and slander can lead to bitterness and other destructive behaviors. In Proverbs 16:28, we read, "A perverse person spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends." In other words, intentional gossip-mongering can do very real harm to relationships.

Proverbs 17:9 goes even further and states, "Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends." Thus, the Bible strongly urges its readers to make attempts at reconciliation rather than spreading rumors and gossip, which can drive a wedge between two individuals or even an entire community.

The apostle James wrote in James 4:11–12, "Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks evil against a brother or judges his brother speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy."

This scripture highlights the inherent danger of gossip, for every individual is uniquely responsible to God for his or her own behavior and must ultimately answer to him for their words and deeds.

The Bible also speaks clearly against tale-bearing. In Leviticus 19:16, God says, "Do not go around slandering among your people. Do not stand idle when your neighbor’s life is at stake. I am the Lord." This passage indicates that even in the worst of circumstances, it is unjustifiable to speak ill of another person and that one should instead seek to help and protect them.

Furthermore, in Leviticus 19:17–18, we read, "You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.

This passage underscores the importance of dealing with difficult situations in a loving, neighborly way rather than giving into anger, resentment, and jealousy. Perhaps one of the most powerful scriptures on the evils of gossip can be found in Romans 1:29–32, which reads, "They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, and malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, and ruthless. Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them."

This scripture explains how gossip and slander, if unchecked, can lead to the destruction of individuals, families, and even whole societies. In conclusion, the Bible speaks quite strongly against gossip and clearly illustrates both its potential for destruction and for reconciliation.

All believers must take care to speak in love and reason with one another rather than engage in harmful gossip. By being aware of the potential for destruction that comes with malicious gossip, Christians can show mercy and grace to those around them and ultimately help to establish peace and unity in their communi.

Your partner,
(c) Apostle Jonas Clark
www.jonasclark.com