In short, the Bible doesn’t use the word “gossip” much, but it talks about similar sins. It mentions talebearers and whisperers who spread harmful information (Proverbs 11:13). It mentions backbiters who talk about others’ faults behind their backs (Romans 1:30). It discusses slanderers who speak to harm others (Psalm 101:5). It talks about false witnesses who lie about people (Proverbs 19:5). These actions can be done in secret or openly (Luke 12:3).

And, clearly, we know that God hates gossip. In Proverbs 6:16-19, the Bible is very clear that the fallout of gossip and other sins is deadly. It exhorts us to run away and avoid gossip and those who gossip. We also called to keep our ears from hearing slanders / negative reports and from speaking It.

So, before we move on, below you will find an assortment of verses on the topic:

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**RELEVANT BIBLE VERSES**

—Exodus 20:16: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”

—Exodus 23:1: “You shall not spread a false report.”

—Leviticus 19:16: “You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people.”

—2 Samuel 10:1-3: The princes of the Ammonites accused David’s servants of spying.

—Psalm 15:1-3: “Who does not slander with his tongue.”

—Psalm 31:13: “For I hear the whispering of many.”

—Psalm 34:13: “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.”

—Psalm 41:5-8: “They say, ‘A deadly thing is poured out on him.’”

—Psalm 101:5: “Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy.”

—Psalm 109:2: “For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me.”

—Proverbs 10:18: “Whoever utters slander is a fool.”

—Proverbs 16:28: “A whisperer separates close friends.”

—Proverbs 17:4: “A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.”

—Proverbs 17:9: “He who repeats a matter separates close friends.”

—Proverbs 18:8: “The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels.”

— Proverbs 19:5: “A false witness will not go unpunished.”

—Proverbs 20:19: “Do not associate with a simple babbler.”

—Proverbs 24:28: “Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause.”

— Proverbs 25:23: “A backbiting tongue brings angry looks.”

—Proverbs 26:20: “For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.”

—Proverbs 26:22: “The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels.”

—Jeremiah 6:28: “They are all stubbornly rebellious, going about with slanders.”

—Jeremiah 20:10: “Denounce him! Let us denounce him!”

—Romans 1:29-30: “They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God.”

—2 Corinthians 12:20: “There may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip.”

—Ephesians 4:31: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you.”

—Colossians 3:8: “But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander.”

—1 Timothy 3:11: “Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers.”

— 1 Timothy 5:13: “They learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies.”

—1 Timothy 6:4: “He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words.”

—2 Timothy 2:16: “Avoid irreverent babble.”

—2 Timothy 3:3: “Heartless, unappeasable, slanderous.”

—1 Peter 2:1: “Put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.”

—3 John 10: “Talking wicked nonsense against us.”

—Revelation 12:10: “The accuser of our brothers has been thrown down.”

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**WHY DO WE GOSSIP?**

There are certainly are many, many reasons.

1. Gossip often happens because we want to look good or feel better about ourselves. We might think sharing information will make us popular or help us in conflicts.

2. Sometimes, gossip is used to hurt others. We might gossip because we grew up around it, have poor role models, or keep bad company.

3. Other times, it’s just out of boredom.

Really, though, in essence, may boil down to these big three:

1. Sinful Nature: Gossip comes from our sinful hearts. “For out of the heart come evil thoughts… false witness, slander” (Matthew 15:19-20).

2. Personal Offense: The old saying, “Hurt people, hurt people” is true here. Hurt people often gossip to seek comfort and sympathy from others.

3. Idleness: The Bible warns that idle people often become gossips (1 Timothy 5:13).

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**GOSSIP: WHAT IS NOT**

Without any doubt, gossip is a sinful, serious issue. We need and should be careful to avoid it at all costs.

However, instead of blindly accepting the traditional view of gossip or, for that matter, the world’s view of gossip, we need to look to the Bible for our answer.

In most circles, gossip is defined simply as “talking about someone behind their back.” And good, godly Christian people often adhere to this understanding.

However, biblically speaking, gossip is more than that. If we only used that definition—“talking behind someone’s back”—we would have to concede that much of the Bible would be gossip. Practically, this would mean that God, his prophets, and his Holy Spirit-led apostles spread gossip. Clearly, since we believe the Bible is inspired, infallible, sufficient, and authoritative (Heb. 4:12; 2 Tim: 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21, etc.), we know this is not the case. Scripture shares stories to teach and guide us, not to gossip.

To make this point, let me give some examples:

—Paul Naming Names: Did Paul gossip by mentioning the failures of Peter and Barnabas (Gal. 2:11-13) or Demas (2 Tim. 4:10)?

—Calling Out Jezebel: Was Jesus spreading gossip when He called a woman in the church of Thyatira “Jezebel” (Rev. 2:20)?

—Chloe’s Report to Paul: When Chloe reported issues in the Corinthian church (1 Cor. 1:11), was she gossiping, or was Paul addressing sin?

— Luke’s Accounts: Was Luke gossiping when he recorded the disciples’ arguments at the Last Supper (Luke 22:24) or Peter’s denials (Luke 22:55-62)?

—Jesus and Negative Comments: Was Jesus gossiping when He spoke against Herod (Mark 8:15), the Pharisees (Matt. 12:38-40), the Teachers of the Law (Luke 20:45), and the Sadducees (Matt. 16:6)? Was it gossip when He warned His disciples about false teachers and prophets?

— Apostles Naming Names: Were Paul (1 Tim. 1:20; 2 Tim. 2:17; 4:14) and John (3 John 9-10) gossiping when they named individuals to protect the faith?

— Mark’s Account of James and John: Did Mark need permission from James and John before writing about their desire to be first (Mark 10:35-44)? Was he trying to ruin their reputation among his readers?

—Church Discipline: Is the process Jesus outlined in Matt. 18:15-20 a case of gossiping, or is it about restoring relationships?

This isn’t how we should define “gossip”! God is the One who reveals truth—both good and bad—and this isn’t gossip. Our goal is to become like him as we follow him (John 8:32).

Other ways one is not gossiping:

1. The matter is public record

Sharing information that is already public is not gossip. When the details are found in news reports, court records, or publicly announced church discipline, discussing them doesn't breach discretion. Matthew 18:15 applies to private offenses, not issues already made public.

Proverbs 12:17: "Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit."

2. You are seeking counsel

Seeking advice from a trusted, mature believer about how to handle a situation involving a brother or sister in Christ is not gossip. It becomes gossip only if shared with malicious intent. Seeking counsel with the intention of helping or restoring someone is a loving act.

Proverbs 15:22: "Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed."

Galatians 6:1: "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness."

3. Justice is at stake

When called to testify truthfully in legal or church discipline matters, even if it involves personal or sensitive information, it is not gossip. The Bible emphasizes that upholding the truth under oath is vital, even if it is uncomfortable.

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."

Exodus 23:1: "You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness."

4. You are protecting your neighbor's good name

Speaking about someone else is not gossip when the goal is to protect their reputation or clarify misinformation. Defending someone who is being wrongfully criticized upholds the biblical principle of loving your neighbor.

Proverbs 31:8-9: "Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy."

Psalm 15:2-3: "He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor."

5. You are a whistleblower against evil

Exposing sin, corruption, or abuse, especially within the church, is not gossip. It is a necessary action to protect the flock from harmful individuals. Highlighting these wrongdoings is in line with the biblical call to defend truth and oppose evil.

Ephesians 5:11: "Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them."

1 Timothy 5:20: "As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear."

In short, if we don’t truly understand what gossip is, then we might accuse God, Paul, Luke, or Mark, among others, as gossipers! Not understanding what gossip really is prevents us from learning from sinfulness of others and can hinder God’s plan for us to live in the light of His Word. When any church or Christians prevents real news under the label of “gossip,” this will, eventually, lead to lies, slander, gossip, and other things the Scriptures above warn us against.

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**WHAT IS GOSSIP, THEN?**

Dr. Matthew Mitchell, in his 2013 book (an outworking of his doctoral dissertation on the topic), “Resisting Gossip,” has, perhaps, what I would consider the most clear definition:

“The sin of gossip is bearing bad news behind someone’s back out of a bad heart.”

In sum, he breaks it down this way:

1. Bearing Bad News

Gossip is the opposite of the gospel. Instead of sharing good news, gossip spreads bad news—often about someone else’s sin or shame. This can involve false information, making it slander (Leviticus 19:16; Proverbs 19:5), or harmful truth that need not be shared, called a "bad report" (Genesis 37:2). Even true stories can become gossip when shared with wrong intent.

2. Behind Someone’s Back

Gossip happens when the person being discussed isn’t present. It’s secretive, hidden, and often more appealing when done in whispers (Proverbs 16:28). A good question to ask is, “Would I say this if the person were here?” Talking about others when necessary, like reporting a crime, is different from gossiping with malicious intent (Philippians 3:2).

3. Out of a Bad Heart

Gossip reveals a bad heart. Jesus said our words flow from what’s inside us (Matthew 12:33–37). We gossip because of sinful motives, but not all talk about others is wrong. We can speak about someone truthfully and with a loving intent for their good (Ephesians 4:29–5:17).

4. Better News

The good news is that we don’t have to gossip. Through faith in Christ, we are forgiven and can resist gossip through the power of the gospel (Philippians 3:9; 1 Corinthians 10:13). Christ gives us the strength to speak words that build up instead of tearing down.

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**CAN WE TALK ABOUT PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT PRESENT?**

Mitchell argues:

"Certainly there are times when we can, and even must, speak about people who are not present. You are not being a gossip when you call the police about a crime you witness, when you earnestly seek counsel on how to relate to someone in your life, or when you carefully warn someone else about a dangerous person (2 Tim. 4:14–15; Rom. 16:17; Philippians 3:2). The presence of gossip depends in large measure on how you talk about people who are not present and why you talk about them.

(Source: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/what-is-gossip).

And, further, McCallum, et. al. argues:

“The Bible encourages us to seek further consultation. Failing to confer on important matters is a common error in discernment. Proverbs 18:17 ‘The first to plead his case seems right, until another comes and examines him.’ You may need to ask yourself a few questions to determine if you’re conferring or gossiping. Will the person with whom you are conferring be able to give you wise counsel? Is the driving force concern or curiosity? Are you seeking help or are you broadcasting someone’s lurid secrets to get a response from people? Are we actually looking for input or are we simply venting frustration? The Bible condemns and prohibits gossip. Yet, it commends conferral for the sake of building up fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.”

Source: https://www.dwellcc.org/essays/confidentiality-gossip-and-openness-body-christ

And they also provide a helpful summary for conferral vs. gossip:

Conferral:

—Motivated by the desire to help the person and the body of Christ.

—Confers only with responsible people who can help.

—Confers only about current issues.

—Done in addition to talking to the person if needed.

—Carefully explains the context of the problem.

—Promotes trust, openness, and reduces gossip in the body of Christ.

— Discourages irrelevant sharing. Respects “need-to-know” information limits.

Gossip:

—Motivated by a lack of concern or desire to hurt the person and exalt self.

—Talks to anyone without regard for its effect.

—Talks about past, dead, or purely personal issues.

—Done instead of talking to the person if needed.

— Neglects or distorts the context of the problem.

—Promotes fear of openness and increases gossip.

—Pressures others to share for the pleasure of being “in the know.”

—Feels entitled to know everything.

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**OTHER TAKEAWAYS**

1. Gossip doesn't seek truth – Unlike Scripture or healthy Christian conversations, gossip spreads lies and distorts reality (Proverbs 6:16-19). Gossips don't care about accurately portraying people, but instead thrive on falsehood (Exodus 20:16).

2. Slander goes further than gossip – While gossip might carelessly spread rumors, slander actively tries to destroy reputations, making harmful accusations and attributing bad motives (Proverbs 10:18).

3. The harmful effects of gossip and slander – Though gossip may feel satisfying in the moment, like all sin, it carries heavy consequences. It damages real people, destroys relationships, and leads to self-deception and division (Proverbs 16:28, Proverbs 18:8).

4. Engaging in gossip is foolish – Gossip not only hurts others but also corrupts the gossiper, making them foolish (Proverbs 13:3).

5. Difference between gossip and accountability – The Bible encourages accountability and sometimes this means involving others, especially when the goal is restoration and healing, not harm (Galatians 6:1, Matthew 18:15-17).

6. Church discipline is not gossip – Proper church discipline addresses unrepentant sin, not spreading harmful information. The key is the intent of the heart—to heal, not harm (Ephesians 4:29).

7. Use discretion in what to share – Not everything needs to be said. The motive should always be love—both for the truth and for others (Proverbs 10:19, 1 Corinthians 13:6). Silence is often wiser when a matter doesn't need public discussion (Proverbs 17:9).

8. Prayer requests can disguise gossip – Sometimes, what seems like a prayer request is actually a subtle way of gossiping. We need to be careful and examine our motives: "Why am I sharing this?" (James 4:11).

9. Confronting gossip – When hearing gossip, ask for evidence or motive. Avoid being a busybody and participating in unnecessary conversations (1 Timothy 5:13).

10. Not all truths need to be shared – Even when we know something is true, we must consider why we are sharing it. Just having information doesn’t mean we should spread it (Proverbs 17:27).

11. Ask important questions before sharing – Before speaking, ask yourself: "Does this person need to know?" and "Will it help them?" If the answer is no, it's better to stay silent (Proverbs 12:23).

12. Responsibility in sharing information – If it's not your responsibility to share information, or the listener isn't in a position to help resolve the issue, you're likely engaging in gossip (Proverbs 26:20, James 4:11).

13. Avoid spreading unnecessary details – Sharing secrets or embellishing stories for personal satisfaction violates Scripture. Instead, focus on truth, love, and discretion in all conversations (Ephesians 4:15).

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Alan Redpath suggested that before we speak - THINK:

—T—Is it TRUE? (Assumptions? Hearsay? Verified?)

—H—Is it HELPFUL? (Does what you speak help you and the listener? Does it break the trust? Does what you speak disrepute someone’s image before the listener?)

—I—Is it INSPIRING? (Is it encouraging to the hearer? How are you benefiting the listener by what you speak?)

—N—Is it NECESSARY? (Is the hearer a part of the problem or solution? Is he mature, loving, and a peacemaker? Why do you speak what you want to speak?)

—K—Is it KIND? (Have you prayed? Do you speak with care? Are you concerned for restoration?)

Source: “Wisdom to Live By,” Christian Focus Publications, 1998, p. 41.

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**BOTTOMLINE**

As Jesus said, gossip will be used against the godly (Matthew 5:11-12). As Christians, we should check our motives, respect boundaries, and use discretion when speaking. Always consider timing, truth, tone, and tact in communication.

Gossip destroys, and we must guard our words, ears, and hearts. People should trust that we "have their back," not talk behind it. Speaking truth behind someone’s back is sometimes necessary and biblical. Those who try to control others may wrongly label it as gossip. We need to clearly understand what gossip is—and what it isn’t.

May God give us wisdom in all these things!