There are a few things that sting quite like hearing that someone has spoken badly about you behind your back. Whether it’s a false accusation, a betrayal by someone you trusted, or just cruel gossip meant to tear you down, words have the power to wound deeply. As believers, we’re not immune to the hurt that comes from slander or misunderstanding. But the Bible gives us both comfort and clarity in these moments. God sees the full picture, even when others twist it. He knows the truth, even when others speak lies.
Scripture never tells us that following Christ will shield us from criticism or cruelty. In fact, it tells us the opposite. Jesus Himself was mocked, falsely accused, and rejected. Yet in all of that, He did not retaliate. He entrusted Himself to God, who judges justly. That same path is offered to us. When people talk badly about us, our first instinct might be to fight back, to defend ourselves, or to prove them wrong. But God’s Word shows us a better way — a way of grace, endurance, and trust.
These verses remind us that we are not alone in facing slander. They speak of God’s justice, His protection, and His ability to redeem even the most painful situations. If you’re carrying the weight of hurtful words today, let these Scriptures be the balm your heart needs.
Bible Verses For When Someone Talks Badly About You
1. Matthew 5:11
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
2. Psalm 31:13–14
For I hear many whispering… they conspire against me and plot to take my life. But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.”
3. Romans 12:17–18
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
4. 1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing…
5. Proverbs 19:5
A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free.
6. Isaiah 54:17
No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
7. Luke 6:27–28
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
8. Psalm 120:2
Save me, Lord, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues.
9. Proverbs 26:20
Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.
10. James 1:19
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
11. Psalm 140:11
Do not grant the wicked their desires, Lord; do not let their plans succeed.
12. Proverbs 6:16–19
There are six things the Lord hates… a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.
13. Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive one another… forgive as the Lord forgave you.
14. 1 Peter 2:23
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate… he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
15. Psalm 109:2–3
For people who are wicked and deceitful have opened their mouths against me; they have spoken against me with lying tongues.
16. Exodus 14:14
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.
17. 2 Timothy 4:14–15
Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done.
18. Proverbs 10:18
Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.
19. Job 5:21
You will be protected from the lash of the tongue, and need not fear when destruction comes.
20. Psalm 7:14–16
Whoever is pregnant with evil conceives trouble and gives birth to disillusionment… The trouble they cause recoils on them.
21. Galatians 6:7
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
22. Psalm 37:5–6
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn.
23. Titus 3:2
To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
24. Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
25. Matthew 12:36–37
Everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.
26. Psalm 34:13
Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.
27. Proverbs 11:9
With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape.
28. 1 Corinthians 4:5
He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart.
29. Psalm 38:12–15
Those who seek my life set their traps… but I am like the deaf, who cannot hear… I wait for you, Lord.
30. Micah 7:8
Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise.
31. Proverbs 18:21
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
32. Ecclesiastes 7:21–22
Do not pay attention to every word people say… for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.
33. Lamentations 3:30
Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace.
34. Hebrews 10:30
For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay.”
35. Psalm 35:1
Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me.
Our Thoughts On What the Bible Says About When People Talk Badly About You
When someone speaks badly about you, it can feel isolating, confusing, and even humiliating. But the Bible encourages us to look beyond the moment and trust in God’s justice. He sees the falsehood. He hears every word spoken against you. And most importantly, He promises to stand in your defense.
Rather than seeking revenge or defending yourself through anger, Scripture invites you to walk in the way of Christ, with grace, truth, and quiet confidence in the Lord. The most powerful response is not a harsh word but a holy posture. God will uphold your integrity in due time. Let Him be your shield. Let His truth about who you are speak louder than the lies of others. And rest in knowing that what people say does not define you — God’s Word does. If you’re hurting, take heart. God is for you, even when others are against you.
Say This Prayer
Father, You know the pain that words can cause. When others speak badly about me, I feel hurt, misunderstood, and tempted to fight back. But today, I surrender those feelings to You. Teach me to respond with grace and strength.
Help me trust You to be my defender and protector. Remind me that You see the truth and that You love me unconditionally. Give me peace in my heart and guard my mind against bitterness or revenge. Let my words be kind, even when others are cruel. I forgive those who have spoken against me, and I choose to walk in love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.