Harmful speech is condemned throughout the Bible, with warnings against spreading false information and speaking maliciously about others. In Ephesians 4:29, believers are exhorted to use their words to build each other up, rather than tear each other down. The book of Proverbs repeatedly denounces gossip and lying, listing them among the most detestable sins in Proverbs 6:16-19, and noting that they can destroy relationships and communities, as seen in Proverbs 16:28 and 21:23. James 1:26 also emphasizes the importance of controlling one's tongue, recognizing that unguarded speech can have devastating consequences.
Relevance Score
29%
Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.
There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, a false witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up discord among brothers.
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.
He who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid the one who babbles with his lips.
But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.
Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; the one with haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not endure.
to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.
Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. And if you judge the law, you are not a practitioner of the law, but a judge of it.
You must not go about spreading slander among your people. You must not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am the LORD.
At the same time they will also learn to be idle, going from house to house and being not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, discussing things they should not mention.
“You shall not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked by being a malicious witness.
They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips,
The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.