Gossip

Gossip [nave]

GOSSIP.
Forbidden
Lev. 19:16; Psa. 15:1-3; Psa. 50:20; Prov. 11:13; Prov. 16:28; Prov. 17:9; Prov. 18:8; Prov. 20:19; Prov. 26:20-22; Ezek. 22:9; 1 Tim. 5:11, 13 See: Busybody; Slander; Speaking, Evil.
Instances of
Joseph, Gen. 37:2.
Israelites, 2 Sam. 3:23.
Tobiah, Neh. 6.

GOSSIP [bridgeway]

An ancient Israelite proverb expresses the truth that the more people talk, the more they are liable to sin (Prov 10:19). This is one reason why the Bible constantly urges people to control their tongues (Ps 141:3; Prov 16:23; 17:27-28; James 1:19; 3:7-10). It is very easy to gossip. What starts as idle talk can easily lead to exaggerations, half-truths and false impressions, all of which can do much damage (James 3:2,5).

Gossip can become a habit; worse still, an enjoyable habit (Prov 11:13; 18:8). In spreading rumours, people may have the deliberate intention to slander others (Ps 31:13; 50:20; Prov 10:18; Rom 3:8) or they may just be foolish chatterers (Prov 26:20; Eccles 5:3; Matt 12:36), but either way they will probably cause trouble (Prov 26:18-20).

God links gossip with some of the most hateful sins (Rom 1:29-30), and constantly warns his people against it (Ps 101:5; Prov 10:19; 2 Cor 12:20; James 4:11; 1 Peter 2:1). All who are in positions of leadership or influence must be especially careful not to gossip (1 Tim 3:11; Titus 2:3). (See also TONGUE.)

Also see definition of "Gossip" in Word Study