50 Bible Verses about Talking Bad About Others

The act of speaking ill about others can be likened to a small spark that has the potential to ignite a vast forest; it’s a seemingly insignificant action that can lead to widespread harm. The Bible addresses this human tendency with a blend of wisdom and caution.

“Do not speak evil against one another, brothers,” James 4:11 admonishes, reminding us of the power of our words and the importance of using them responsibly. As we journey through life, these verses serve as a moral compass, guiding us towards kindness and integrity in our speech.

The Scriptures are replete with teachings that encourage us to use our words to uplift rather than tear down. The wisdom of Proverbs echoes this sentiment, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue,” Proverbs 18:21 declares, highlighting the profound impact our words can have on others and ourselves. It’s a sobering reminder that what we say can either nurture or erode the bonds of community and trust.

In addressing the issue of speaking negatively about others, the Bible doesn’t just prohibit this behavior; it also offers insight into the root causes, such as envy, pride, and anger. Jesus’ teachings urge us to look inward and address these underlying issues.

“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks,” Jesus says in Matthew 12:34, suggesting that our words are a reflection of our inner state. This perspective invites us to cultivate a heart of compassion and understanding, thereby transforming the way we speak about others.

Moreover, the scriptures provide practical guidance on how to handle conflicts and grievances in a manner that honors both truth and love.

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift,” Matthew 5:23-24 advises, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation and direct communication over speaking ill of others behind their backs.

In this collection of 50 Bible verses about talking bad about others, we delve into the teachings that urge us to use our words wisely, to build up rather than destroy. May these verses guide you in cultivating a manner of speaking that reflects respect, kindness, and a deep awareness of the impact your words have on the world around you.

Speaking Kindly and Avoiding Gossip

Ephesians 4:29

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

James 4:11

“Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law.

Proverbs 16:28

A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.

Proverbs 11:13

“Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.”

Leviticus 19:16

“You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life of your neighbor: I am the LORD.”

The Harm of Hurtful Words

Proverbs 26:20

“For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.

Proverbs 18:21

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

Matthew 12:36

“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.”

Psalm 34:13

“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.”

Proverbs 10:18

“The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool.

Encouraging Righteous Speech

Colossians 4:6

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

1 Peter 3:10

“For ‘Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.'”

Proverbs 15:4

“A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”

James 1:26

“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.”

Proverbs 21:23

“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”

The Impact of Our Words on Others

Proverbs 12:18

“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 25:23

“The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.

Proverbs 17:9

“Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.”

Titus 3:2

“To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.”

Ephesians 4:31

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.”

Wisdom in Silence and Listening

Proverbs 10:19

“When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”

James 1:19

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”

Proverbs 17:27-28

“Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.”

Ecclesiastes 5:2

Do not be rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you upon earth. Therefore let your words be few.”

Proverbs 13:3

“Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.”

The Value of Truthful Communication

Zechariah 8:16

“These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace.

Ephesians 4:15

“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.”

Proverbs 24:26

“An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.”

2 Corinthians 4:2

“But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.

Proverbs 12:19

“Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.”

Fostering Peace and Understanding

Matthew 5:9

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

James 3:18

“And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

Proverbs 15:1

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Romans 14:19

So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

Proverbs 16:24

“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”

The Power of a Controlled Tongue

James 3:2

“For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.”

Proverbs 13:2-3

“From the fruit of his mouth a man eats what is good, but the desire of the treacherous is for violence. He who guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.”

Proverbs 18:13

“If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.

Proverbs 21:23

“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”

Psalm 141:3

“Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!

This collection of scriptures highlights the importance of speaking kindly, avoiding gossip and slander, the harmful effects of hurtful words, encouraging righteous and gracious speech, understanding the impact of our words on others, and the wisdom found in silence and listening.