An ancient Israelite proverb expresses the truth that the more people talk, the more they are liable to sin (Proverbs 10:19). This is one reason why the Bible constantly urges people to control their tongues (Psalms 141:3; Proverbs 16:23; Proverbs 17:27-28; James 1:19; James 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; James 3:5).
Gossip can become a habit; worse still, an enjoyable habit (Proverbs 11:13; Proverbs 18:8). In spreading rumours, people may have the deliberate intention to slander others (Psalms 31:13; Psalms 50:20; Proverbs 10:18; Romans 3:8) or they may just be foolish chatterers (Proverbs 26:20; Ecclesiastes 5:3; Matthew 12:36), but either way they will probably cause trouble (Proverbs 26:18-20).
God links gossip with some of the most hateful sins (Romans 1:29-30), and constantly warns his people against it (Psalms 101:5; Proverbs 10:19; 2 Corinthians 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 Timothy 3:11; Titus 2:3). (See also TONGUE.)