There’s a hidden danger in our words, especially when we use them to tear others down. Talking badly about someone may seem small or casual in the moment, but its impact is deep and far-reaching. Gossip, slander, and hurtful talk fracture relationships, tarnish reputations, and create spiritual division. We often think words are harmless if the person isn’t around to hear them, but the Bible shows us that God is always listening and cares about how we speak.
Words were never meant to be weapons. God designed speech to build up, to heal, to bless, and to speak truth. Yet in a fallen world, we often use our mouths as tools of judgment, bitterness, or self-justification. Even among believers, it’s easy to fall into habits of complaining about others, mocking behind closed doors, or sharing information that was never ours to spread. The truth is, every careless word matters.
Scripture is full of wisdom about guarding our tongues. God calls His people to live differently from the world. We are to reflect His character, even in our conversations. If you’ve ever found yourself talking badly about someone or felt the sting of being spoken against, these verses will bring conviction, clarity, and hope for change. Let the Word of God transform your heart and purify your speech.
Bible Verses On Talking Badly About Someone
1. Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.
2. Proverbs 16:28
A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.
3. James 4:11
Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it.
4. Proverbs 11:13
A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
5. Psalm 101:5
Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate.
6. James 1:26
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.
7. Matthew 12:36
But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.
8. Colossians 3:8
But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
9. Titus 3:2
To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
10. Proverbs 20:19
A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.
11. Psalm 34:13
Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.
12. Proverbs 26:20
Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.
13. Leviticus 19:16
Do not go about spreading slander among your people.
14. 1 Peter 3:10
Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.
15. Proverbs 10:18
Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.
16. Romans 1:29–30
They have become filled with every kind of wickedness… They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful.
17. James 3:5–6
The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.
18. Proverbs 21:23
Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.
19. Psalm 15:1–3
Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?… the one whose tongue utters no slander.
20. Ecclesiastes 10:12
Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, but fools are consumed by their own lips.
21. Proverbs 18:8
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.
22. 2 Corinthians 12:20
I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.
23. Matthew 15:18–19
But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.
24. 1 Timothy 5:13
They get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense.
25. 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.
26. Luke 6:45
The mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
27. Galatians 5:14–15
If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
28. Proverbs 12:18
The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
29. Psalm 141:3
Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.
30. Micah 6:8
What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
31. Zechariah 8:16–17
Speak the truth to each other… do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this, declares the Lord.
32. Proverbs 17:9
Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
33. Matthew 5:22
Anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
34. Proverbs 15:4
The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.
35. James 3:9–10
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings… Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.
Our Thoughts On What the Bible Says About Talking Badly About Someone
Speaking badly about others is not simply a poor habit. It is a spiritual issue that reveals the state of our hearts. According to Scripture, our words are a reflection of what we carry inside. Talking badly about someone is not just unkind. It is harmful, it invites division, and it distances us from the heart of God. The Bible calls us to speak life, to bless and not curse, and to use our words as instruments of peace and healing. When we gossip, slander, or tear someone down, we grieve the Holy Spirit and distort our witness as followers of Christ. But there is hope. God invites us to repentance and offers the grace to change. If you struggle with speaking carelessly about others, take these verses to heart. Let God renew your mind, reshape your speech, and use your mouth for His glory. Words matter. So let yours reflect love.
Say This Prayer
Lord, I ask for forgiveness for every time I’ve spoken badly about someone, whether in anger, pride, or carelessness. Cleanse my heart and guard my tongue. Teach me to speak with wisdom, kindness, and humility. Help me be someone who builds others up, not tears them down. Convict me quickly when my words go astray, and give me the courage to make things right. Use my voice to bring truth, love, and healing into every conversation. I surrender my speech to You today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.