Today we will talk about bible verses about slander and gossip from the King James Version (KJV). Slander and gossip are topics that often come up in our conversations. It’s easy for us to slip into talking about others, especially when we feel hurt or frustrated. However, the Bible teaches us about the seriousness of our words and how they can affect others. It encourages us to be careful with what we say and to speak in ways that uplift rather than tear down. Let’s embark on this journey together and explore the wisdom of the Scriptures regarding slander and gossip. As we do, let’s open our hearts to learn how we can speak truthfully and kindly in our daily lives.
Bible Verses About Slander, and Gossip KJV
Words That Hurt
Words have a powerful impact on our lives. We often discover that careless words can cause great hurt, whether we intend them to or not. Slander involves spreading false information, which can destroy reputations and relationships. The Bible warns us to be mindful of how we express our thoughts. We must strive to use our words for good, encouraging each other instead of tearing one another down. In this light, we are reminded to think before we speak. Let’s come together to guard our tongues, cherishing the positive influence our words can have on ourselves and those around us.
Proverbs 10:18
“He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.” – Proverbs 10:18
Psalms 101:5
“Whoso privily slandereth his neighbor, him will I cut off: him that hath a high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.” – Psalms 101:5
Proverbs 20:19
“He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.” – Proverbs 20:19
Proverbs 26:20
“Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.” – Proverbs 26:20
Psalms 15:3
“He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor.” – Psalms 15:3
The Power of the Tongue
Our mouths can be a source of both blessing and cursing, a reminder from the Bible that we should be cautious with our speech. When we gossip, we often damage relationships and spread negativity. The Scriptures teach that we can choose to bless others instead. Words hold incredible power, and when we remind ourselves of their impact, we can strive to speak with love and positivity. We can uplift our friends, neighbors, and even strangers with our words. Let’s commit to using the power of the tongue to bring light into the world rather than darkness.
James 3:6
“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.” – James 3:6
Proverbs 18:21
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” – Proverbs 18:21
Proverbs 12:18
“There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.” – Proverbs 12:18
Matthew 12:36
“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” – Matthew 12:36
Ephesians 4:29
“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.” – Ephesians 4:29
Unity in Speech
As a community of believers, it’s essential for us to be united in our speech. Gossip and slander create division and mistrust among us. The Bible calls us to encourage each other and foster an environment of kindness and understanding. When we speak positively of one another, we strengthen our bonds and create a supportive atmosphere. Together, we can build a community where love flows freely, and slander has no place. Let’s remember the importance of maintaining our unity through wholesome conversations.
1 Peter 3:10
“For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.” – 1 Peter 3:10
Philippians 2:14
“Do all things without murmurings and disputings.” – Philippians 2:14
Colossians 3:8
“But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.” – Colossians 3:8
Proverbs 16:28
“A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.” – Proverbs 16:28
Ephesians 4:31
“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.” – Ephesians 4:31
The Fruit of Our Words
The impact of our words can lead to beautiful or destructive outcomes. The fruit of our conversations can reflect our inner character and values. With this in mind, we should seek to nurture relationships through kind and constructive discussions. Our speech should bear the fruit of love, joy, and encouragement. Just as we cultivate gardens to grow fruitful plants, we must tend to our conversations, ensuring they produce goodness and not bitterness. Let’s strive to speak in ways that reflect the love of Christ.
Galatians 5:22
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.” – Galatians 5:22
Proverbs 15:1
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
Proverbs 10:20
“The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.” – Proverbs 10:20
Psalms 19:14
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” – Psalms 19:14
James 1:19
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” – James 1:19
Consequences of Gossip
It’s crucial for us to recognize that gossip not only harms others but can also lead to severe consequences for ourselves. When we engage in slander, we invite negativity into our lives and our communities. The Bible helps us understand that our words hold weight, and we are called to be mindful of how we speak about others. Understanding the consequences of our actions can motivate us to choose better words and foster a more respectful dialogue. Let’s reflect on this truth as we seek to honor God in our conversations.
Proverbs 11:13
“A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.” – Proverbs 11:13
Proverbs 6:16-19
“These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood.” – Proverbs 6:16-19
Jeremiah 9:4
“Take ye heed every one of his neighbor, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbor will walk with slanders.” – Jeremiah 9:4
Matthew 5:11
“Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.” – Matthew 5:11
Proverbs 21:23
“Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.” – Proverbs 21:23
Seeking Forgiveness
We all make mistakes, and sometimes we may slip into gossip or slander without realizing it. The important thing is that we learn and seek forgiveness. The Bible teaches us that God is always ready to forgive when we come to Him with a sincere heart. We are encouraged to approach those we may have hurt with humility, offering sincere apologies. As we seek forgiveness, we also grow in grace and compassion toward ourselves and others. Together, let’s embrace the healing power of reconciliation and strive for better communication in our relationships.
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Ephesians 4:32
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 3:13
“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” – Colossians 3:13
Proverbs 28:13
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” – Proverbs 28:13
Matthew 6:14
“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14
The Example of Christ
As we reflect on our speech, we can look to Jesus as our perfect example. He displayed grace and truth in every situation, regardless of how others treated him. When faced with slander and accusations, He chose to respond with love and forgiveness instead of retaliation. We can learn so much from His character and approach to communication. By following His lead, we can cultivate a spirit of kindness that echoes His love. Together, let’s strive to reflect Christ in our conversations and be sources of hope and encouragement for everyone around us.
1 Peter 2:23
“Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.” – 1 Peter 2:23
Luke 6:37
“Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37
Matthew 7:1
“Judge not, that ye be not judged.” – Matthew 7:1
John 13:34
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” – John 13:34
Mark 12:31
“And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12:31
Final Thoughts
As we journey through these Bible verses about slander and gossip, it’s clear how crucial our words are to our relationships and spiritual walk. We are reminded that our speech can either build up or tear down, promoting the importance of being mindful of our conversations. By focusing on speaking kindly and truthfully, we can create a supportive community and reflect Christ’s love in everything we say. We can strive for unity, forgiveness, and healthy communication in our interactions. Remember, together, we can cultivate an environment where love prevails and slander has no hold. Let’s commit to being agents of positivity and encouragement in our lives and the lives of others.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
Bible Commentary, Blog
30 Important bible verses about selflessness (With Explanation)