100 Bible Verses about Speaking Ill Of Others

James 4:11-12 ESV / 436 helpful votes

Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

James 1:26 ESV / 382 helpful votes

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.

Titus 3:1-15 ESV / 350 helpful votes

Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, ...

Ephesians 4:29 ESV / 293 helpful votes

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.

Ephesians 4:31 ESV / 206 helpful votes

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.

Colossians 3:8 ESV / 169 helpful votes

But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.

Romans 12:19 ESV / 158 helpful votes

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

Luke 6:37 ESV / 157 helpful votes

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;

Philippians 4:8 ESV / 149 helpful votes

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Proverbs 11:12 ESV / 143 helpful votes

Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.

Proverbs 17:9 ESV / 130 helpful votes

Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.

1 Peter 2:1-25 ESV / 105 helpful votes

So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. ...

Ecclesiastes 7:21-22 ESV / 96 helpful votes

Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. Your heart knows that many times you yourself have cursed others.

James 3:13 ESV / 89 helpful votes

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.

Titus 3:2 ESV / 76 helpful votes

To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

Matthew 5:22 ESV / 73 helpful votes

But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.

1 John 2:1-29 ESV / 72 helpful votes

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: ...

1 Corinthians 6:10 ESV / 70 helpful votes

Nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

Romans 15:5 ESV / 61 helpful votes

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,

1 Peter 2:1 ESV / 57 helpful votes

So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.

Proverbs 11:9 ESV / 57 helpful votes

With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.

1 Peter 3:16 ESV / 54 helpful votes

Having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

Ephesians 2:8 ESV / 54 helpful votes

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

Jude 1:22 ESV / 49 helpful votes

And have mercy on those who doubt;

Proverbs 16:28 ESV / 49 helpful votes

A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.

Romans 5:8 ESV / 47 helpful votes

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Proverbs 6:16-19 ESV / 47 helpful votes

There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.

Jude 1:23 ESV / 46 helpful votes

Save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

James 4:11 ESV / 45 helpful votes

Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.

Psalm 50:19-21 ESV / 44 helpful votes

“You give your mouth free rein for evil, and your tongue frames deceit. You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother's son. These things you have done, and I have been silent; you thought that I was one like yourself. But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you.

Ephesians 4:32 ESV / 43 helpful votes

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

1 Peter 2:12 ESV / 39 helpful votes

Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

1 Timothy 2:1-15 ESV / 37 helpful votes

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, ...

James 1:19 ESV / 35 helpful votes

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;

1 Peter 2:23 ESV / 34 helpful votes

When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.

Proverbs 13:3 ESV / 34 helpful votes

Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

Galatians 6:2 ESV / 30 helpful votes

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Matthew 18:15 ESV / 30 helpful votes

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.

Proverbs 18:21 ESV / 29 helpful votes

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

James 5:16 ESV / 28 helpful votes

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

James 5:9 ESV / 28 helpful votes

Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.

Proverbs 16:24 ESV / 28 helpful votes

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

Proverbs 15:1 ESV / 28 helpful votes

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Colossians 3:13 ESV / 27 helpful votes

Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

James 3:2 ESV / 25 helpful votes

For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.

Luke 1:37 ESV / 25 helpful votes

For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Jeremiah 17:14 ESV / 25 helpful votes

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.

Proverbs 19:17 ESV / 25 helpful votes

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.

1 Peter 3:9 ESV / 24 helpful votes

Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.

James 1:27 ESV / 24 helpful votes

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

John 1:1-51 ESV / 24 helpful votes

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. ...

Matthew 7:12 ESV / 24 helpful votes

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Matthew 6:7 ESV / 24 helpful votes

“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.

1 Peter 2:24 ESV / 23 helpful votes

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

Ephesians 5:4 ESV / 23 helpful votes

Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.

Isaiah 41:10 ESV / 23 helpful votes

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Exodus 23:25 ESV / 23 helpful votes

You shall serve the Lord your God, and he will bless your bread and your water, and I will take sickness away from among you.

Galatians 6:1 ESV / 22 helpful votes

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

Psalm 147:3 ESV / 22 helpful votes

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

3 John 1:2 ESV / 21 helpful votes

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.

Romans 8:26 ESV / 21 helpful votes

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

Romans 3:20 ESV / 21 helpful votes

For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

2 Timothy 3:3 ESV / 19 helpful votes

Heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good,

Matthew 22:39 ESV / 19 helpful votes

And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Jeremiah 30:17 ESV / 19 helpful votes

For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord, because they have called you an outcast: ‘It is Zion, for whom no one cares!’

Proverbs 15:4 ESV / 19 helpful votes

A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

1 Peter 4:4 ESV / 18 helpful votes

With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you;

1 Timothy 3:11 ESV / 18 helpful votes

Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.

Philippians 2:4 ESV / 18 helpful votes

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Ephesians 5:19 ESV / 18 helpful votes

Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,

Ephesians 4:25 ESV / 18 helpful votes

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

2 Corinthians 12:20 ESV / 18 helpful votes

For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder.

Romans 1:30 ESV / 18 helpful votes

Slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,

Proverbs 17:22 ESV / 18 helpful votes

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Philippians 2:3-4 ESV / 17 helpful votes

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Ephesians 4:30 ESV / 17 helpful votes

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Proverbs 28:27 ESV / 17 helpful votes

Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.

Psalm 23:1-6 ESV / 17 helpful votes

A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. ...

Deuteronomy 7:15 ESV / 17 helpful votes

And the Lord will take away from you all sickness, and none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which you knew, will he inflict on you, but he will lay them on all who hate you.

Exodus 15:26 ESV / 17 helpful votes

Saying, “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.”

Revelation 1:1 ESV / 16 helpful votes

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,

Acts 28:8 ESV / 16 helpful votes

It happened that the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery. And Paul visited him and prayed, and putting his hands on him, healed him.

Hebrews 13:16 ESV / 15 helpful votes

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Matthew 7:1 ESV / 15 helpful votes

“Judge not, that you be not judged.

Isaiah 53:4-5 ESV / 15 helpful votes

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.

Psalm 30:2 ESV / 14 helpful votes

O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.

James 5:14 ESV / 13 helpful votes

Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.

Ephesians 1:4 ESV / 13 helpful votes

Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love

1 Corinthians 4:5 ESV / 13 helpful votes

Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.

Romans 15:1 ESV / 13 helpful votes

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Romans 5:11 ESV / 13 helpful votes

More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Matthew 9:35 ESV / 13 helpful votes

And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction.

Jeremiah 33:6 ESV / 13 helpful votes

Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security.

1 Samuel 24:12 ESV / 13 helpful votes

May the Lord judge between me and you, may the Lord avenge me against you, but my hand shall not be against you.

1 John 3:17 ESV / 12 helpful votes

But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?

1 John 2:15 ESV / 12 helpful votes

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

Psalm 41:3 ESV / 12 helpful votes

The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health.

Romans 3:24 ESV / 11 helpful votes

And are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

Acts 20:35 ESV / 11 helpful votes

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Proverbs 31:8-9 ESV / 11 helpful votes

Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Suggest a Verse


Visit the Bible online to search for words if you don’t know the specific passage your’re looking for.