What does the Bible say about workplace gossip?

August 14, 2024

Gossip poisons our hearts and minds, creating division and distrust. But how should Christians navigate workplace conversations to honor God and build others up?

Gossip is one of those seemingly minor sins that can easily be dismissed as harmless chatter. Who doesn’t gossip now and then? Yet, its effects can be devastating, especially in the workplace, where we spend most of our waking time. As you likely know, the Bible is hardly silent about this issue. It warns of gossip’s destructive power and implores believers to a higher standard of speech.

But what does Scripture say about gossip, and how should Christians navigate the often murky waters of workplace conversation?

What is gossip?

I define gossip as speaking about people behind their backs in a way you would not if they were present. The information someone shares may be true, false, or perhaps both, but the intent behind sharing is usually to entertain, demean, or gain some advantage at the expense of others. Worse yet, gossip often masquerades as concern or merely casual conversation, but its underlying motive is rarely pure.

The book of Proverbs says, “A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends” (Pr 16:28). By definition, gossips are whisperers because they don’t want to be heard by everyone—namely, the subjects of their gossip. The natural and inevitable consequence of their secrets is division. Gossip can never be a means of creating peace or unifying people.

We, of course, know this is true, yet we struggle to stop ourselves. “The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body” (Pr 18:8). Gossip has an alluring quality. It’s like a sweet dessert. It tastes great, but we may feel differently when our belly hangs over our belts, and our favorite pair of jeans get too snug. Gossip poisons our hearts and minds, not to mention our environment.

Gossip has consequences

James paints a vivid picture of the destructive power of the tongue, comparing it to a small fire that quickly burns out of control:

So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. (James 3:5, 6)

As harmless as it may seem while chatting with a colleague at the water cooler, gossip can lead to broken relationships, damaged reputations, and a toxic work environment. It undermines trust and creates a culture of suspicion and disunity. The apostle Paul urges believers to put away “anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth” (Col 3:8). Paul mentions slander, which is closely related to gossip because it involves speaking falsely or maliciously about someone. Like gossip, it is a sin that God takes seriously. We should, too.

Build up rather than tear down

How, then, should Christians speak in the workplace? Paul writes, “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” (Eph 4:29). The apostle instructs us to use our words to build others up rather than tear them down. Our speech should be characterized by grace, truth, and love.

In practical terms, this means avoiding conversations that involve sharing unverified or unnecessary information about others. It also means being mindful of our motives. Before speaking about a colleague, we should ask ourselves, “Is what I’m about to say true? Is it necessary? Will it edify the person I’m speaking to or harm others?”

James says, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (Jas 1:29). Impulsiveness is often to blame for our gossiping, so the solution is to slow down. We should take the time to consider our words carefully before saying them out loud.

How do we deal with gossip in the workplace?

Unfortunately, gossip can be unavoidable in many workplaces. We stumble into it. We overhear it whether we like it or not. We can barely control our own tongues. We can’t possibly stop others from destructive speech. We can, however, be vigilant about how we engage in these settings.

First, we should actively avoid participating in gossip. Proverbs 20:19 advises, “Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.” If a conversation turns toward gossip, we can excuse ourselves or gently steer the discussion in a different direction.

Second, we can counteract gossip by speaking positively about others. Paul encourages believers “to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people” (Tit 3:2). Speaking well of others not only reflects a Christlike heart but also helps create a culture of mutual respect and kindness.

Finally, suppose we are aware of harmful gossip being spread about someone. We can defend their reputation or encourage those involved to address any concerns directly and privately with the person in question. Jesus taught a principle for the church that would be wise to apply here. He said, “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone” (Mt 15:18). This prevents the fire from spreading.

The heart of the matter is the heart

Jesus taught that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Mt 12:34). If our hearts are filled with love, humility, and a desire for peace, our words will reflect that. Conversely, gossip will naturally flow if our hearts are full of pride, envy, or malice.

To overcome the temptation to gossip, we must first examine our hearts. Are we harboring bitterness, jealousy, or a desire to see others humiliated? If so, we have every reason to repent and ask God to renew our hearts. We might pray, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Ps 51:10).

Conclusion

Gossip is a sin that has no place in the life of a believer. In the workplace, where people are required to be together for more waking hours than not, gossip can be especially damaging. Christians are called to use their words to build up rather than tear down. This requires intentionality, vigilance, and a heart transformed by the grace of God.

As the psalmist says, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer” (Ps 19:14). May our speech in the workplace and beyond be pleasing to the Lord, glorifying him and encouraging those around us.