• James 3:8
    But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
     
  • 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.
     
  • 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.
     
  • 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 18:15
    "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.
     
  • 1 Timothy 5:13
    And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.
     
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.


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.


Reviler

Sermonette by Ronny H. Graham

As culture degenerates, the sin of reviling has become more pervasive, as impatient narcissists lash out at others, using foul and abusive language.


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.


Salt

Article by Mike Ford

Jesus calls His disciples "the salt of the earth." Do we know what He meant? Here is the spiritual side of this common mineral compound.



For more resources, please see the library topic for Gossip