How can we avoid being a "slanderer" as warned in Leviticus 19:16? Understanding the Command • “You must not go about spreading slander among your people; you must not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:16) • The verb “go about” pictures continuous, careless roaming with harmful words. • God roots the command in His own holy character: “I am the LORD.” To break it is to rebel against Him personally. What Slander Looks Like • Speaking false or unfounded accusations (Exodus 23:1). • Whispering secrets that injure reputations (Proverbs 11:13). • Re-telling negative stories without need or verification (Proverbs 16:28). • Subtle innuendo that shapes opinions against someone (Psalm 52:2-4). Why Slander Is So Serious • It endangers a neighbor’s “life” (Leviticus 19:16)—social standing, livelihood, even safety. • It violates love of neighbor (Leviticus 19:18) and thus the heart of God’s law (Matthew 22:39-40). • It allies our tongue with Satan, the accuser (Revelation 12:10), rather than with Christ, the Advocate (1 John 2:1). Guarding the Heart First • “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). • Envy, anger, or pride often fuels slander; confess these sins quickly (1 John 1:9). • Ask the Spirit to produce love, kindness, and self-control within (Galatians 5:22-23). Practical Steps to Keep from Becoming a Slanderer 1. Pause Before Speaking – “When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19) – Build a habit of silence until facts are confirmed and motives are pure. 2. Verify Facts Lovingly – “The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.” (Proverbs 18:17) – Ask direct questions of the person involved rather than spreading hearsay (Matthew 18:15). 3. Speak the Truth in Love – “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up.” (Ephesians 4:29) – Share necessary information with an aim to edify, not to injure. 4. Choose Confidentiality – “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.” (Proverbs 11:13) – If disclosure is not essential for protection or resolution, keep it private. 5. Redirect Conversations – Gently stop or change topics when others begin to slander (Proverbs 26:20). – Offer positive viewpoints about the absent person whenever possible. 6. Practice Restorative Speech – Replace harmful words with encouragement, gratitude, and Scriptural truth (Colossians 3:16). – Seek to repair any damage already done through apology and restitution (Matthew 5:23-24). Accountability and Community Support • Surround yourself with believers who value godly speech (Proverbs 13:20). • Welcome correction when a friend flags careless talk (Proverbs 27:6). • Use communal Bible memorization of key verses (e.g., Psalm 19:14; James 3:5-10). Living Out a Testimony of Truthfulness • By refusing to slander, we reflect the character of the God “who cannot lie” (Titus 1:2). • Our truthful, gracious speech adorns the gospel before a watching world (Colossians 4:5-6). |
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