25+ Scriptures on Taming the Tongue (KJV)

Gossip is a subtle yet destructive force that fractures relationships, erodes trust, and dishonors God. Scripture repeatedly warns against the dangers of careless words, urging believers to guard their tongues and speak life instead of division. The King James Version (KJV) uses vivid terms like talebearer, whisperer, and slanderer to highlight the gravity of gossip, equating it with sin that poisons communities and hearts.

Whether you’re tempted to share a juicy story or have been wounded by others’ words, these Bible verses offer conviction, wisdom, and hope. Let’s explore God’s heart for righteous speech and the transformative power of taming the tongue.

Bible Verses About Gossip

1. Proverbs 11:13
“A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.”
Meaning: Trustworthiness is a mark of godly character. Gossip betrays confidence, but a faithful person protects others’ dignity.

2. Proverbs 16:28
“A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.”
Meaning: Gossip acts like a wedge, dividing even close relationships. Guard against words that breed discord.

3. Proverbs 20:19
“He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.”
Meaning: Avoid those who thrive on gossip. Their flattery masks a heart eager to spread rumors.

4. Romans 1:29-30
“Being filled with… whisperers, backbiters… they which commit such things are worthy of death.”
Meaning: Gossip is listed among grave sins. God’s judgment applies to those who harm others with words.

5. James 3:5-6
“The tongue is a little member… behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!”
Meaning: Like a spark, gossip ignites destruction. Taming the tongue is vital to prevent spiritual wildfires.

6. 2 Corinthians 12:20
“Lest there be… whisperings, swellings, tumults.”
Meaning: Paul feared gossip would corrupt the church. Unchecked words create chaos and pride.

7. Proverbs 26:20
“Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.”
Meaning: Gossip fuels conflict. Refuse to engage, and peace will flourish.

8. 1 Timothy 5:13
“They learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.”
Meaning: Idleness often leads to gossip. Stay purposeful in work and speech.

9. Titus 3:2
“To speak evil of no man… but shewing all meekness unto all men.”
Meaning: Christians are called to kindness, not slander. Let humility guide your conversations.

10. Ephesians 4:29
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying.”
Meaning: Words should build up, not tear down. Replace gossip with encouragement.

11. Proverbs 18:8
“The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.”
Meaning: Gossip inflicts deep emotional pain. Choose healing words instead.

12. Psalm 34:13
“Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.”
Meaning: Righteous speech reflects a heart aligned with God. Guard your lips as an act of worship.

13. Proverbs 17:9
“He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.”
Meaning: Love covers faults; gossip exposes them. Be a peacemaker, not a provocateur.

14. Leviticus 19:16
“Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people.”
Meaning: Gossip violates God’s command to love neighbors. Treat others’ reputations as sacred.

15. Matthew 12:36-37
“Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”
Meaning: God holds us accountable for careless words. Speak as if He’s listening—because He is.

16. Psalm 101:5
“Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off.”
Meaning: God despises secret slander. Integrity in speech reflects reverence for Him.

17. James 1:26
“If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue… this man’s religion is vain.”
Meaning: Unchecked speech nullifies spiritual devotion. True faith tames the tongue.

18. Proverbs 10:18
“He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.”
Meaning: Gossip often stems from hidden malice. Foolish words reveal an unwise heart.

19. 1 Peter 4:15
“Let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief… or as a busybody in other men’s matters.”
Meaning: Meddling is sinful. Focus on your own calling, not others’ affairs.

20. Ecclesiastes 10:12-14
“The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.”
Meaning: Wisdom speaks grace; folly multiplies destructive words. Choose wisdom.

21. Psalm 141:3
“Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.”
Meaning: Pray for God’s help in curbing gossip. Self-control begins with divine reliance.

22. Colossians 3:8
“But now ye also put off all these… filthy communication out of your mouth.”
Meaning: Christ’s followers reject corrupt speech. Let holiness govern your words.

23. Proverbs 26:22
“The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.”
Meaning: Gossip’s harm lingers like a festering wound. Speak life, not pain.

24. Exodus 23:1
“Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.”
Meaning: Spreading lies aligns you with evil. Champion truth, even when it’s costly.

25. James 4:11
“Speak not evil one of another… he that speaketh evil of his brother… speaketh evil of the law.”
Meaning: Slander violates God’s law of love. Honor others as image-bearers of Christ.

Conclusion
Gossip is more than a bad habit—it’s a sin with eternal consequences. These 25+ Bible verses challenge us to view our words as powerful tools for building up or tearing down. Every conversation is an opportunity to reflect Christ’s love or the enemy’s divisiveness.

If you’ve been wounded by gossip, remember God is your vindicator. If you’ve spread harmful words, repent and seek forgiveness. Let Scripture renew your speech, transforming your tongue into an instrument of grace. In a world quick to criticize, choose to be slow to speak and swift to bless.