Gossip– What does the Bible say?

TL;DR:

The Bible very clearly warns against gossip. The Bible calls us to speak the truth in all circumstances. Any issues we have with someone should be dealt with directly, not through gossip.

Gossip is a way of talking about someone behind his or her back, often sharing information that is unconfirmed as true or that is intended to be private, and often with intent to create a negative image of the one being talked about. The Bible speaks strongly against gossip for many reasons. Gossip is not characteristic of God, and nothing good comes from it (Proverbs 13:3).

from the old testament

The Bible very clearly points out the danger and damage involved with engaging in gossip in any way (see Proverbs 20:19 for example).
Gossip breaks trust between people. "A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends" (Proverbs 16:28).
Simply put, nothing good comes from gossip (Proverbs 13:3).
It may be easier for some to withhold from gossiping about others in many situations, but it can be very hard to overcome the temptation to listen to someone else gossiping. Listening to it is just as much a part of gossip as speaking it (Proverbs 17:4).

from the new testament

The Bible advises addressing someone who has wronged us directly and privately, with the goal of restoring the relationship if possible (Matthew 18:15). If the person does not listen, the next steps involve bringing one or two others into the conversation for support, always aiming to resolve the issue peacefully and with love (Matthew 18:16–17).
It's fairly easy to identify gossip when the content is harsh and clearly intended to harm the image of the one being spoken of. Colossians 3:8 and James 4:11 command us not to slander another.

implications for today

Some types of gossip are easier to identify than others. Subtle innuendos can mislead someone's thoughts about a person unfairly (Proverbs 26:20). Leading off with something like, "I'm not sure if this is true or not, but apparently…" before sharing some interesting "news" with others can make it seem innocent enough, so we justify our sharing to ourselves. But James 4:17 leaves no room for grey: "So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin."

If you're unsure if saying something would be gossip or not, it's best to err on the side of caution. We can't "unsay" something we've already said. James 3:5 tells us what a powerful tool our words are. Gossip can be so easy to fall into, but as Christians, it should be something we strive to keep out of our lives and interactions with others, for their and our own benefit. Ephesians 4:29 puts it best: "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."

understand

Nothing good comes out of gossip.
Both speaking and listening to gossip are sinful.
Our words should encourage and uplift others.

reflect

How do you typically respond when others start gossiping? What effect does your response to gossip have on your relationships?
When you’re tempted to share information about someone else, how can you ensure your words reflect a Christ-like attitude?
In what ways can you commit to speaking words that build others up rather than create division or distrust?

engage

How can we encourage each other to confront issues directly rather than discussing them with others behind the person's back?
What are some practical ways we can avoid gossip and instead create a culture of uplifting and honest communication?
When faced with conversations that include gossip, what strategies can help us lovingly shift the topic or change the tone?