What Does The Bible Say About Gossip And Slander?

Gossip and slander. Most of us have engaged in these behaviors at some point in our lives. They can seem harmless on the surface. But what does the Bible say about gossip and slander? If you’re short on time, the Bible clearly condemns both gossip and slander as sins we must avoid.

In this comprehensive article, we will dive deep into various biblical passages that address gossip and slander. We will look at definitions and examples of each. We will explore reasons these are labeled as sins. And we will discuss the dangers and impacts of engaging in gossip and slander.

By the end, you will have a thorough understanding of what the Bible says about gossip and slander, and why God commands us to avoid these harmful practices.

Defining Gossip and Slander

Gossip Definition and Examples

Gossip is generally defined as idle talk or rumor, especially about the personal or private affairs of others. It often involves revealing potentially embarrassing or socially damaging information about someone who is not present. Gossip can take many forms, including:

• Sharing private information about someone’s life, relationships, or activities
• Making negative, judgmental, or mocking comments about others
• Spreading unverified stories or rumors, often with a dramatic or sensationalist twist
• Discussing someone’s personal matters or relationships without their consent

For example, office gossip may involve coworkers discussing rumors about a colleague’s marriage or critiquing someone’s appearance. Gossip often spreads quickly and can be difficult to stop once it starts.

The old adage “idle hands are the devil’s workshop” warns about the dangers of idle gossip and rumor-mongering. Gossip may start small but can swiftly get out of hand.

Slander Definition and Examples

Slander refers specifically to false, defamatory oral statements made about someone to a third party. Unlike libel, which covers false published statements, slander refers to verbal remarks that damage someone’s reputation. To qualify as slander, the statements must meet several criteria:

• The statements are spoken, not written
• The statements are heard by at least one other party besides the target
• The statements are injurious to the reputation or character of the target
• The statements are false or were made recklessly without regard for truth

Examples of slander include making false accusations about a coworker stealing money, spreading rumors that someone cheated on their spouse, or making up damaging stories about someone’s medical history.

Slander may have legal consequences if the target can demonstrate real damage was done to their reputation or livelihood.

Key Differences Between Gossip and Slander

While gossip and slander overlap in some areas, there are key differences:

Biblical Passages Condemning Gossip and Slander

Old Testament Verses

The Old Testament contains several clear admonitions against gossip and slander. For example, Leviticus 19:16 states plainly, “Do not go about spreading slander among your people.” Similar warnings can be found in Psalms and Proverbs, which emphasize the destructive nature of gossip and urge people to restrain their speech and avoid defamation of others.

Several verses, like Proverbs 20:19, caution that those who “go around as a slanderer” will likely reveal secrets and cannot be trusted. Proverbs 16:28 even describes the “whisperer” or gossip as one who “separates close friends.”

This highlights the deeply divisive impact gossip can have within a community.

New Testament Verses

The New Testament authors also address the subjects of gossip, slander, and righteousness in speech. For instance, 2 Corinthians 12:20 lists “gossip” and “slander” among other sins that threaten to divide the church community.

And Ephesians 4:31 instructs readers to “get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” This again reinforces the destructive capacity of gossip and rumor-mongering.

Several texts emphasize the hypocrisy of judging others while being guilty of sin oneself (e.g. Romans 2:1-3). The Second Epistle of Peter condemns “false teachers” who are audacious and self-willed, doing harm through slanderous speech (2 Peter 2:10-11).

Overall, the New Testament writers clearly view gossip and slander as antithetical to righteous Christian community.

Jesus’ Teachings on Gossip and Slander

Though He never uttered the words “gossip” or “slander” specifically, Jesus’ teachings strongly imply restrictions against defamation, rumor-spreading, and careless speech that could harm others’ reputations.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ preaches against insulting or speaking ill of others (Matthew 5:11). He criticizes hypocritical judging of others’ minor faults while ignoring major faults of one’s own (Matthew 7:1-5).

When questioned about the greatest commandment in the Law, Jesus replies to “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). The clear implication is that gossiping about and slandering one’s neighbor is contradictory to loving them.

Additionally, when disputing with Pharisees about sin and righteousness, Christ clarifies that “For out of the heart come evil thoughts–murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander” (Matthew 15:19). Here He ranks “slander” among very serious moral transgressions like murder.

While Jesus makes no explicit, verbatim condemnations of gossip and rumor-mongering, His teachings strongly convey the spiritual importance of loving, not defaming or falsely accusing, one’s fellow man.

Why Gossip and Slander are Labeled as Sins

Damages Relationships

Gossip and slander can deeply damage relationships between friends, family members, church congregations, and coworkers. When someone shares information or makes accusations that are not grounded in facts, it breeds distrust, resentment, and conflict within relationships.

Rather than bringing people together, gossip drives them apart.

For example, false rumors spread about someone at work could undermine their reputation among colleagues. Instead of giving the benefit of the doubt or clarifying directly with the individual involved, gossip jumps to conclusions that may not be true.

This breaks down working relationships that are meant to have openness, understanding, and charity.

Reveals a Dark Heart

The Bible teaches us that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). Our words reveal what is truly inside of us. When someone frequently engages in gossip and slander, it demonstrates that their heart harbors things like bitterness, judgmental attitudes, pride, and envy.

Rather than rejoicing in truth and thinking the best of others as Scripture instructs (1 Corinthians 13:7), the gossip imputes negative motives and spreads rumors without concern for the damage. They feel superior by putting others down.

But in God’s eyes, “There are six things the Lord hates…a lying tongue” (Proverbs 6:16-17).

Spreads Lies and Hurts Reputations

Unlike constructive criticism shared discreetly with righteous motives, gossip and slander breed falsehoods that can take on a life of their own. Rather than protecting others’ privacy and dignity, gossip spreads misinformation and distorted views of people.

For example, consider how fast rumors flow on social media platforms. Something taken out of context goes viral, and thousands of people now have a skewed perspective of someone that is very difficult retract. Reputations and relationships built up over many years can be destroyed in moments.

The Bible warns that “a lying tongue is temporary” versus “a false witness who pours out lies” (Proverbs 12:19). Gossip is often a “temporary” slip of the tongue. But when left unchecked and embellished, it morphs into a more deliberate smear campaign that qualifies as “bearing false witness” against others.

Dangers and Impacts of Gossip and Slander

Loss of Trust

Gossip and slander can quickly destroy relationships and community trust. When someone shares private information or makes false accusations, it creates suspicion and breaks confidence among people. This loss of trust makes it hard to have open and honest relationships, which are vital for a healthy church.

Gossip often stems from bitterness, jealousy, or insecurity, which erode the unity Christ desires for His people (John 17:20-23). Proverbs 16:28 warns that “a perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” Overall, gossip hinders true fellowship in the body of Christ.

Conflict in Community

Spreading rumors or false information frequently leads to arguments, divisions, and damaged reputations. Gossip incites strife by turning people against each other through hearsay and accusations that may lack context or truth.

James 3:16 says, “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” When gossip takes root, communities crumble. Trust is broken, relationships grow cold, and an “us vs. them” mentality emerges. This is the opposite of Jesus’ prayer for unity (John 17:21).

Overall, gossip destroys the “one another” commands for Christians to love, accept, and forgive one another (Romans 15:7; Ephesians 4:32).

Hinders Evangelism

Gossip contradicts the Christian witness for Christ. When unbelievers hear gossip within the church, it affirms their skepticism and negative assumptions about Christianity. A 2008 Barna survey found that only 16% of non-Christians believed the church exhibited real honesty and integrity.

Malicious talk and slander reinforce the stereotype that Christians are judgmental hypocrites. It distorts the truth and beauty of the gospel. Overall, gossip repels nonbelievers from the message of Christ. As Francis Chan warns, “When you gossip, you lose an opportunity to share Jesus.”

Our speech should be gracious, uplifting, and point people to Christ (Ephesians 4:29).

How to Stop Gossip and Slander

Guard Your Tongue

The Bible says that the tongue has the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21). Before speaking, we must consider how our words will affect others. Think carefully before speaking about someone else’s private matters. Refuse to participate when others are gossiping.

Politely change the subject or remove yourself from the conversation if necessary. Ask God to help you use your words to build others up instead of tearing them down.

Avoid Gossips

The Bible warns us to avoid people who gossip habitually (Proverbs 20:19). Their toxic words can rub off on us. Seek out positive friendships that encourage growth in godly character. Lovingly confront friends who are gossiping. Explain how their gossip hurts others and damages relationships.

Urge them to repent and use their words constructively.

Speak Positively About Others

Make a habit of saying positive things about people, even those you may not like. Compliment their strengths and pray for their growth areas. The Bible instructs us to speak evil of no one (Titus 3:2). When we speak well of others, we reflect Christ’s love.

Our positive words can build others up and inspire them to live honorable lives. As Hebrews 10:24 says, “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.”

Repent When You Fail

No one is immune to gossip and slander. We all stumble in our speech (James 3:2). When you catch yourself speaking negatively about someone, be quick to repent. Confess to God and ask for His forgiveness and help. If appropriate, apologize to the person you wronged through your words.

Allow your failure to deepen your dependence on God’s mercy and grace. By God’s strength, you can have self-control over your tongue.

Conclusion

Gossip and slander clearly go against God’s commands for how we are to speak about and treat others. The Bible contains many verses prohibiting and warning against engaging in these harmful practices.

While it may not seem like gossip does much harm on the surface, it can severely damage relationships, reputations, and our Christian witness. Slander spreads outright lies and is even more dangerous.

As followers of Christ, we must diligently guard our tongues. Seek to build others up with your words, not tear them down. Avoid those who regularly gossip. And repent swiftly when you gossip or slander, asking forgiveness from both God and the one you wronged.