The Sin And Danger Of Backbiting

THE SIN AND DANGER OF BACKBITING

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 15:1-3

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 16:28, James 4:11, Romans 1:29-30, Leviticus 19:16

INTRODUCTION:

Backbiting is one of the most subtle yet destructive sins within the body of Christ. It is the act of speaking against someone secretly, especially with the intent to damage their reputation, sow division, or spread negativity. Though often overlooked or excused as “just talking,” the Bible treats it as a serious offence that God hates.

Backbiting destroys trust, damages relationships, and weakens the unity of the church. It often appears in whispers, secret conversations, and gossip, yet its spiritual consequences are deadly. A backbiter may smile in your face but tear you down behind your back. This behaviour grieves the Holy Spirit and invites judgment if not repented of.

In this study, we will explore what backbiting really is, why God condemns it, and how dangerous it is to the spiritual health of individuals and churches. We will also learn how to avoid it and walk in love, truth, and honour toward one another.

1. BACKBITING IS A SIN AGAINST LOVE AND TRUTH

God calls us to love and speak the truth, not tear one another down in secret.

a) It breaks the command to love: Romans 13:10 – “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour.” Backbiting is an act of hatred disguised in words.

b) It involves deceit and hypocrisy: Proverbs 26:24-25 – “He that hateth dissembleth with his lips...”

c) It contradicts the spirit of truth: Ephesians 4:25 – “Put away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour.”

d) It violates the law of Christ: Galatians 5:14-15 warns that if you bite and devour one another, you will be consumed.

Biblical Example:

The ten spies brought an evil report about the Promised Land, stirring fear and rebellion in the camp. Their words backbit God's plan and Moses' leadership (Numbers 13:32-33).

2. BACKBITING DESTROYS RELATIONSHIPS AND UNITY

The devil uses backbiting to divide friends, families, and churches.

a) It separates close companions: Proverbs 16:28 – “A whisperer separateth chief friends.”

b) It breeds suspicion and mistrust: Once backbiting enters, relationships become poisoned.

c) It kills the spirit of unity: Psalm 133 shows that God commands blessing where there is unity, not strife.

d) It fuels misunderstanding and conflict: Proverbs 26:20 – “Where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.”

Biblical Example:

Miriam spoke behind Moses’ back, questioning his authority and choices. God judged her with leprosy for her slander (Numbers 12:1-10).

3. BACKBITING BRINGS GOD’S JUDGMENT

God sees every word spoken in secret and will hold every person accountable for their speech.

a) God hates a lying and backbiting tongue: Proverbs 6:16-19 lists it among the seven things God hates.

b) It exposes a corrupt heart: Matthew 12:34 – “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”

c) It invites divine discipline: Psalm 101:5 – “Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off.”

d) It keeps people out of God’s presence: Psalm 15:1-3 says the one who will dwell in God’s holy hill is one who does not backbite.

Biblical Example:

Doeg the Edomite told Saul lies about Ahimelech the priest, which led to the massacre of innocent priests. His backbiting had deadly consequences (1 Samuel 22:9-19).

4. BACKBITING REVEALS A LACK OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY

Those who engage in backbiting are not walking in the Spirit but in the flesh.

a) It shows a carnal nature: Galatians 5:19-21 lists backbiting (contentions, strife) as works of the flesh.

b) It hinders spiritual growth: 1 Peter 2:1 – “Laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envy, and all evil speakings.”

c) It is a tool of the devil: James 3:6 says the tongue can be set on fire by hell.

d) It disqualifies you from leadership: Titus 1:7 – A leader must not be a brawler, slanderer, or given to filthy talk.

Biblical Example:

In the early church, Ananias and Sapphira tried to deceive the apostles and the church. Though not directly backbiting, their deceit and hypocrisy were judged severely (Acts 5:1-11).

CONCLUSION:

Backbiting is more than idle talk — it is a dangerous sin with destructive power. It violates the law of love, damages unity, and brings divine judgment. God desires a church where people speak the truth in love, build one another up, and refuse to speak evil in secret.

If we are to walk in the Spirit and please the Lord, we must renounce backbiting in all its forms. Let your words be seasoned with grace. Speak encouragement, correction in love, and truth with integrity. Refuse to be a channel of the enemy’s poison — be a voice of healing and edification.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, deliver me from every spirit of backbiting and secret slander.