77 Profound Bible Verses About Gossip and Lies

What does the Bible say about gossip and lies? As believers, understanding what Scripture teaches about gossip is essential for living a life that honors God. The Bible is filled with powerful warnings about the dangers of gossip, slander, lying, and careless speech — and it also offers us hope and guidance for guarding our tongues and speaking truth.

We know the world is filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice, and deceit. We see character assassination happen daily in the news and on social media. But to the world, lies and gossip are like choice morsels. It feels like we are in on a secret. It feels like we have a moral upper hand on someone.

A gossip betrays confidence and reveals secrets. In Psalm 101:5, we learn that the Lord hates gossip:

Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly, I will destroy. Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart will not endure.

The devil breathes out lies and spreads strife. Haters of God become the inventors of evil — they will lie and say "religion is worthless" or "God isn't real." Gossip stirs up conflict and separates close friends. Corruption and deceit shed innocent blood and lead to envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness, and destruction.

How to Avoid Gossip and Lies According to the Bible

So how do you avoid gossip and lies? The answer begins with drawing closer to God through His Word. Daily Bible study will bring you closer to the Kingdom of God. It helps you in speaking the truth. It enables you to stay obedient to God's will. When we fill our hearts and minds with Scripture, we are better equipped to resist the temptation to engage in gossip, slander, and dishonesty.

One powerful way to build this daily habit is through Christian meditation, which involves reflecting on God's Word and allowing it to transform how we think and speak. When we meditate on Scripture, we replace the world's patterns of gossip and negativity with God's truth and grace. You might also explore different types of meditation rooted in faith to help you stay grounded in truth each day.

In today's Bible study, we will read 77 profound Bible verses about gossip and lies. We will learn what God says about these sins and how to avoid them through the power of His Word.

Bible Verses About Gossip

The following Scriptures speak directly to the sin of gossip — including talebearing, slander, backbiting, and careless speech. As you read through each verse, ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas where you may need to guard your tongue more carefully.

1. Proverbs 29:12 KJV

If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.

2. 1 Thessalonians 4:11 KJV

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

3. Proverbs 16:28 KJV

A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

4. Proverbs 12:22 KJV

Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.

5. Revelation 2:2 KJV

I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

6. John 10:10 KJV

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

7. Proverbs 25:23 KJV

The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.

8. Proverbs 10:18 KJV

He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.

9. Matthew 12:36 KJV

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

10. Proverbs 10:19 KJV

In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

11. Psalms 101:5 KJV

Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.

12. 1 Peter 4:15 KJV

But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.

13. Psalms 34:13 KJV

Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

14. Proverbs 19:9 KJV

A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.

15. Zephaniah 3:13 KJV

The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.

16. James 4:11 KJV

Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

17. Colossians 3:9 KJV

Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

18. Exodus 23:1 KJV

Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.

19. Proverbs 17:9 KJV

He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

20. Romans 1:29 KJV

Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

What the Bible Says About Guarding Your Tongue

Scripture makes it abundantly clear that our words carry tremendous power. The tongue has the power of life and death, and gossip is one of the most destructive ways we can misuse the gift of speech. The verses below remind us to guard our mouths, speak with grace, and use our words to build others up rather than tear them down.

If you struggle with anxiety about what others say about you, or if the weight of gossip and slander has left you feeling wounded, consider turning to God in prayer. These prayers for anxiety and depression can help you find peace and rest in the Lord's protection.

21. Proverbs 11:12 KJV

He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

22. Ephesians 4:29 KJV

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

23. Proverbs 21:23 KJV

Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

24. Philippians 4:8 KJV

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

25. Psalms 119:163 KJV

I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.

26. Ephesians 4:31 KJV

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

27. Matthew 18:17 KJV

And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

28. Exodus 20:16 KJV

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

29. 1 Peter 2:1 KJV

Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

30. Titus 3:2 KJV

To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

31. 1 Timothy 5:13 KJV

And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

32. 1 Peter 3:16 KJV

Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

33. James 1:26 KJV

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

34. Hebrews 6:18 KJV

That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

35. Proverbs 26:20 KJV

Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

36. Psalms 101:7 KJV

He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.

37. Psalms 141:3 KJV

Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

38. Revelation 21:8 KJV

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

39. Proverbs 30:8 KJV

Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:

40. Proverbs 11:13 KJV

A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

41. Proverbs 11:9 KJV

An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.

42. James 3:5 KJV

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

43. Leviticus 19:16 KJV

Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the Lord.

44. Colossians 3:8 KJV

But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

45. Colossians 4:6 KJV

Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

46. Proverbs 26:28 KJV

A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.

47. Nahum 3:1 KJV

Woe to the bloody city! it is all full of lies and robbery; the prey departeth not;

48. Ephesians 5:11 KJV

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

49. Psalms 19:14 KJV

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

Bible Verses About Lies and Dishonesty

Lying is a sin that God takes very seriously. From the Garden of Eden — where the serpent deceived Eve — to the warnings in Revelation about the fate of liars, the Bible leaves no room for doubt: God hates dishonesty. The following verses address lying, false witness, deceit, and the consequences that come with speaking falsehood.

As you study these Scriptures, remember that God's truth sets us free. Building your faith and trust in God is the surest way to overcome the temptation to lie and to find strength when others lie about you.

50. Proverbs 12:5 KJV

The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

51. Leviticus 19:11 KJV

Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.

52. Matthew 7:1 KJV

Judge not, that ye be not judged.

53. Psalms 31:18 KJV

Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.

54. James 3:8 KJV

But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

55. Deuteronomy 13:14 KJV

Then shalt thou enquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought among you;

56. Luke 6:31 KJV

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

57. Proverbs 26:17 KJV

He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

58. Proverbs 19:5 KJV

A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.

59. Hosea 7:3 KJV

They make the king glad with their wickedness, and the princes with their lies.

60. Proverbs 13:3 KJV

He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

61. Proverbs 17:4 KJV

A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.

62. 1 Timothy 4:2 KJV

Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

63. Proverbs 18:21 KJV

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

64. 2 Timothy 2:16 KJV

But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

65. Proverbs 14:5 KJV

A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.

66. Proverbs 18:8 KJV

The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

67. Jeremiah 6:28 KJV

They are all grievous revolters, walking with slanders: they are brass and iron; they are all corrupters.

68. Matthew 7:12 KJV

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Bible Verses About the Father of Lies and the Origin of Deception

The Bible reveals that lying has a spiritual origin. Satan himself is called the "father of lies" in John 8:44. From the very beginning in the Garden of Eden, deception has been one of the enemy's primary weapons against God's people. These final verses point to the spiritual roots of dishonesty and remind us that God's truth always triumphs over the enemy's schemes.

69. Genesis 3:13 KJV

And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.

70. 2 Corinthians 12:20 KJV

For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:

71. Hosea 10:13 KJV

Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men.

72. John 8:44 KJV

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

73. Proverbs 20:19 KJV

He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

74. Ephesians 4:25 KJV

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

75. Psalms 58:3 KJV

The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.

76. 1 Timothy 5:19 KJV

Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

77. Proverbs 26:22 KJV

The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

How to Overcome Gossip and Lies Through Faith

Now that you have studied these 77 Bible verses about gossip and lies, it is important to put God's Word into practice. Here are some biblical principles for overcoming gossip and dishonesty in your daily life:

Guard your tongue daily. Psalms 141:3 gives us a beautiful prayer: "Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips." Make this your daily prayer and ask God to help you speak only words that honor Him.

Fill your mind with God's truth. Philippians 4:8 tells us to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, and lovely. When your mind is filled with God's Word, there is less room for gossip, negativity, and deception. Practicing mindfulness activities rooted in Scripture can help you stay focused on what is true and good.

Speak life, not death. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that death and life are in the power of the tongue. Choose to use your words to encourage, uplift, and speak truth — even when it is difficult.

Walk away from gossip. Proverbs 26:20 teaches that where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. Sometimes the most godly thing you can do is simply remove yourself from a conversation that is headed toward gossip or slander.

Trust God with your reputation. When others lie about you or gossip behind your back, remember that God sees all and will bring every hidden thing to light. Rest in His justice and respond with grace, knowing that He is your defender.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Bible say about gossip?

The Bible consistently condemns gossip as a destructive sin. Proverbs 16:28 warns that "a whisperer separateth chief friends," and Leviticus 19:16 commands us not to go about as a talebearer among our people. God calls us