• Leviticus 19:16
    You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people; nor shall you take a stand against the life of your neighbor: I am the LORD.
     
  • Proverbs 6:16-19
    These six things the LORD hates,
    Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
    A proud look,
    A lying tongue,
    Hands that shed innocent blood,
    A heart that devises wicked plans,
    Feet that are swift in running to evil,
    A false witness who speaks lies,
    And one who sows discord among brethren.
     
  • Ephesians 4:29-31
    Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.
     
  • James 3:2-6
    For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed, we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.
     
  • James 3:8
    But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
     
  • Psalm 15:1-3
    LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle?
    Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly,
    And works righteousness,
    And speaks the truth in his heart;
    He who does not backbite with his tongue,
    Nor does evil to his neighbor,
    Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend;

     
  • Matthew 12:36-37
    But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."
     
For more scripture references, please see Bible verses for Gossip


Resources

Gossip

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The apostle James says that the tongue can metaphorically start a dangerous fire. He warns that gossip, tale-bearing and being a busy-body is like murder.


Rumors Will Fly

CGG Weekly by John O. Reid

It does not matter to what organization one belongs - office, team, or church - rumors and gossip always fly. Intentional or not, rumors produce results.


Making the Cut (Part Four)

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

A word here or an anecdote there into the right ears can eventually cut another down like knives in the back, blindsiding the subject with wounding gossip.


Penalty of Death

Sermonette by Bill Onisick

Gossip is like scattering feathers in a wind: It is just as impossible to reverse the damage done by gossip as it is to regather the feathers.


Reacting to Criticism

Commentary by Martin G. Collins

All have been guilty of malicious gossip; consequently, they should not become offended when they hear gossip about themselves (Ecclesiastes 7:21).


Are You Sharp-Tongued? (Part One)

'Ready Answer' by Staff

The tongue may be the most untamed beast on earth! James says we all offend in word. But James 3 is filled with wisdom regarding how we can overcome the beast.


Purging the Rumor Bug from the Body of Christ

'Ready Answer' by David F. Maas

The church grapevine is good at spreading news, but it can be evil when it spreads gossip and rumor. Gossip actually harms the gossip himself. Here's how.


Making the Cut (Part Three)

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

King David's list of required character traits in Psalm 15 starts off by setting an impossibly high standard: the very character of God Himself.



For more resources, please see the library topic for Gossip