Ten Proverbs About Gossip

The book of Proverbs has a ton of practical wisdom about life! One of the areas of life that Proverbs speaks to is relationships and our words. Proverbs remind us that our words are powerful and can be used as a force for good or evil. Here are 10 Proverbs that address the subject of gossip.

1. SCRIPTURE CALLS THE GOSSIP A FOOL

The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool. — Proverbs 10:18 ESV

A big theme in the book of Proverbs is the wise versus the foolish. The whole book of Proverbs is a plea for people to live under God's wisdom, as opposed to foolishness. The fact that this proverb puts slander/gossip in the category of foolishness is reason enough to avoid it.

2. SCRIPTURE CALLS THOSE IN CONTROL OF THEIR WORDS WISE

When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. — Proverbs 10:19 ESV

As opposed to the foolish gossiper, this proverb tells us that the one who is in control of what they say, who is restrained, prudent, intentional about their words, falls into the category of those who are wise.

3. OUR SLANDEROUS WORDS CAN CAUSE DESTRUCTION

With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered. — Proverbs 11:9 ESV

Our words have the power to cause destruction! Gossip and slander have the potential to destroy reputations, trust, and ultimately relationships. Be careful with your words.

4. GOSSIP IS AN INDICATOR OF OUR LACK OF TRUSTWORTHINESS

Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered. — Proverbs 11:13 ESV

This proverb makes it clear that a person's decision about whether or not to engage in gossip demonstrates whether or not that person is trustworthy. Be someone who is trustworthy; refuse to gossip and slander someone.

5. GOSSIP POISONS RELATIONSHIPS

A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.                       — Proverbs 16:28 ESV

Not only does this proverb point to the fact that the one who is a gossip, the one who is a slanderer, the one who stirs up controversy is considered a dishonest person, but this proverb points to the reality that gossip is relational poison. Gossip ruins friendships because it violates trust.

6. REFUSING TO GOSSIP STRENGTHENS RELATIONSHIPS

Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends. — Proverbs 17:9 ESV

While gossip can ruin a friendship, the opposite is also true. Choosing not to gossip, choosing to be trustworthy, choosing to defend the honor of someone builds trust and strengthens relationships. In terms of relationships, if gossip is poison, refusing to gossip is like vitamins.

7. WISDOM WITH YOUR WORDS CAN KEEP YOU OUT OF TROUBLE

A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating. A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. — Proverbs 18:6-7 ESV

This proverb describes the foolish person as being careless with his words. That carelessness ultimately gets him into trouble. Be wise; be careful with your words. This will help you avoid consequences you’ll come to regret.

8. GOSSIP IS TEMPTING

The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body. — Proverbs 18:8 ESV

This proverb points to the reality that one of the reasons we engage in gossip is because it is so tempting. The proverb uses the word picture of a delicious piece of food that you want to eat. Many of us want to feel like we are “in the know,” either by listening to gossip or by sharing gossip. Gossip can be very tempting, but we must avoid it.

9. AVOID THOSE WHO GOSSIP

Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler. — Proverbs 20:19 ESV

This proverb warns us to avoid being in a relationship with people who are known to gossip. That person cannot be trusted. If they are willing to betray someone else’s confidence, be assured they will betray your confidence as well. Stay away!

10. GOSSIP IS CONFLICT FUEL!

For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases. — Proverbs 26:20 ESV

This proverb alerts us to an important truth: often, the words of the gossip, the words of the slanderer, the words of the whisperer are like fuel to the fire of conflict. If you find yourself regularly in relational conflict, it might be helpful to take an inventory of your words and see if perhaps you have been adding fuel to the fires of conflict in your relationships.