Biblical Teaching on Gossip:
Introduction: The Subtlety and Danger of Gossip
Gossip is often seen as a trivial sin, but in reality, it has the potential to wreak havoc on relationships, communities, and even the body of Christ.
Gossip is often disguised as concern, "prayer requests," or "sharing information."
This makes it harder for believers to identify and address, as it frequently wears the guise of good intentions.
While it may seem harmless or even innocuous in some contexts, Scripture reveals the severe consequences of gossip and the harm it causes.
The Bible makes it clear that gossip is far from trivial. It is destructive, and in many cases, it acts as a gateway to greater sin.
Words are not neutral; they can either build up or destroy.
This teaching explores what the Bible says about gossip, its effects, and how believers are called to address it in a way that honors God, builds up others, and preserves unity within the church.
Before continuing, take a moment to reflect on your own life.
Have there been times when you’ve found yourself involved in gossip whether intentionally or unintentionally?
How has it affected your relationships? How would you feel if someone gossiped about you in the same way?
1. Defining Gossip
In biblical terms, gossip is any form of malicious speech that reveals or spreads information about someone with the intent to harm their reputation, cause division, or stir up conflict.
It can involve slander, backbiting, tail-bearing, or whispering.
Each term captures different aspects of spreading harmful information.
Regardless of the form, gossip ultimately seeks to tear down rather than build up.
The Bible makes it clear that speech is not neutral.
Words can either build up or destroy, and gossip is specifically condemned because of its destructive nature.
Gossip often emerges from pride, insecurity, or envy, and when left unchecked, it can poison relationships and destroy the unity of the body of Christ.
A Real-Life Example:
Consider the case of "Rachel" (name changed for privacy), a dedicated member of a church who began to hear rumors about another sister in Christ, "Sarah," who had recently gone through a difficult divorce.
The gossip started small, but soon, Rachel shared the story with a few friends.
Unbeknownst to Sarah, the gossip spread, and what began as a private matter became a public issue.
Sarah felt deeply betrayed, and the trust between her and several church members was broken.
Over time, the community became divided, and many members lost faith in the unity of the church.
The harm done by this gossip was not just in Sarah’s pain, but in the fractured relationships within the church body.
2. What the Bible Says About Gossip
A. Key Bible Verses on Gossip
Proverbs 11:13 (KJV): “A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.”
The Bible contrasts a gossip, who cannot be trusted with private matters, with the faithful person who guards the privacy of others.
A gossiper seeks to expose, while the faithful person seeks to protect.
Proverbs 16:28 (KJV): “A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.”
Gossip divides and sows discord. Even among the closest of relationships, gossip can introduce suspicion and cause lasting harm, separating friends.
Proverbs 18:8 (KJV): “The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.”
Gossip is likened to a wound.
It goes beyond surface-level damage and affects a person’s inner being.
The emotional and relational pain it causes can be deep and long-lasting.
Proverbs 20:19 (KJV): “He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.”
This verse emphasizes the danger of associating with gossips. Those who indulge in gossip will betray trust and cause harm to others.
It is wise to avoid such people.
James 4:11 (KJV): “Speak not evil one of another, brethren.
He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.”
Gossip is associated with judging others, which is a violation of God's law.
Instead of speaking evil, we are called to speak the truth in love.
Romans 1:29-30 (KJV): “Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents…”
Gossip is listed alongside serious sins, including murder and deceit.
This highlights the gravity of gossip in God’s eyes, associating it with deep moral corruption.
Leviticus 19:16 (KJV): “Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the Lord.”
Gossip is condemned as a sin against God’s people.
It disrupts community life and is directly opposed to God’s commands for peace and unity.
3. The Harmful Effects of Gossip
Gossip is not just a minor issue. The Bible shows that it has devastating consequences for relationships, the church, and the individual involved.
A. Damaging Relationships
Proverbs 6:16-19 (KJV): “These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”
Gossip is specifically linked to sowing discord among believers.
It is a sin that creates division within relationships and undermines unity in the body of Christ.
Proverbs 26:20-22 (KJV): “Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.”
Gossip is compared to fire—just as fire requires fuel, gossip requires a “talebearer” to keep the conflict alive.
It creates wounds that go deep and causes long-term damage to relationships.
B. Reputational Damage
Proverbs 25:9-10 (KJV): “Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.”
Gossip causes shame and public disgrace. The consequences of revealing private matters to others can have lasting repercussions.
Just like Sarah in the story earlier, reputations can be irreparably damaged by gossip.
4. The Biblical Call to Protect the Church and Community from Gossip
God calls His people to protect the unity of the body by guarding our speech.
Gossip is divisive, and we are to speak in a way that builds up rather than tears down.
A. Speak Truth in Love
Ephesians 4:15 (KJV): “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.”
Speaking the truth in love is the key to healthy communication.
When we speak truth without love, it can easily become gossip, but truth spoken with love builds up.
B. Avoid Harmful Speech
Ephesians 4:29 (KJV): “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.”
Our words should always be edifying, meaning they should build others up.
Gossip, by contrast, is destructive and contrary to this command.
5. Practical Steps for Handling Gossip in the Church
A. Confront Gossip When It Arises
Galatians 6:1 (KJV): “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”
When gossip arises, it is the responsibility of spiritually mature believers to address it gently and restore the person involved.
B. Purge Gossip from the Fellowship
1 Corinthians 5:11 (KJV): “But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.”
Church discipline, including confronting gossip, is necessary to protect the purity and unity of the church.
If a believer persists in gossip, they must be lovingly confronted, and fellowship may need to be restricted.
6. Conclusion: Guarding Our Speech for the Glory of God
Gossip is a serious sin with far-reaching consequences.
It destroys relationships, damages reputations, and divides the church.
However, Scripture provides clear guidance on how to handle speech in a way that builds up, encourages unity, and honors God.
By guarding our tongues, speaking truth in love, and actively working to prevent gossip, we contribute to a church that reflects Christ’s love and holiness.
Reflection Questions for Application
Have you been involved in gossip or allowed it to persist in your relationships or church community?
What steps can you take to address this issue?
How can you encourage a culture of godly speech in your church, workplace, and personal relationships?
What biblical steps can you take if you hear gossip in your community?
How can you redirect the conversation toward reconciliation and edification?
Final Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word that guides us in our relationships with others.
We repent of the times when we have spoken words that harm, tear down, or divide.
Help us to guard our tongues and speak only words that bring life, healing, and unity.
Holy Spirit, fill us with the grace to confront gossip when we hear it and to be peacemakers in the body of Christ.
May our speech honor You and reflect Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.