Which other scriptures address dealing with slander and false accusations? The Sting of Slander in Psalm 41:7 “All who hate me whisper against me; they imagine the worst for me.” (Psalm 41:7) David knew the ache of people whispering lies. Scripture repeatedly circles back to this theme, offering both warnings to would-be slanderers and comfort to the slandered. Old Testament Prohibitions and Protections • Exodus 23:1 – “You shall not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked by being a malicious witness.” • Leviticus 19:16 – “You must not go about spreading slander among your people.” • Deuteronomy 19:16-19 – Judges were to expose and punish a false witness “as he intended to do to his brother.” • Psalm 35:11 – “Mortal witnesses rise up; they testify falsely against me.” • Psalm 109:2 – “Wicked and deceitful mouths open against me; they speak against me with lying tongues.” • Isaiah 54:17 – “You will refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment.” Wisdom Literature: Diagnosing the Heart Behind the Lies • Proverbs 10:18 – “Whoever spreads slander is a fool.” • Proverbs 11:9 – “With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous are delivered.” • Proverbs 12:6 – “The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.” • Proverbs 26:24-26 – Hate hides behind smooth words, but “his wickedness will be exposed.” Christ: The Ultimate Example of the Innocent Slandered • Matthew 26:59-60 – “The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus… though they found none, many false witnesses came forward.” • 1 Peter 2:21-23 – “When He was reviled, He did not revile in return… He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” New Testament Counsel for Those Under Fire • Matthew 5:11-12 – “Blessed are you when people insult you… falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.” • Luke 6:22 – “Blessed are you when people hate you… and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man.” • Romans 12:17-21 – “Do not repay anyone evil for evil… overcome evil with good.” • Ephesians 4:31 – “Let all… slander be removed from you.” • Colossians 3:8 – “Rid yourselves of all… slander.” • 1 Peter 3:14-16 – “Even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed… keep a clear conscience so that those who slander you may be put to shame.” • 1 Peter 4:14 – “If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed.” Walking in Integrity While Lies Fly • Lean on God’s vindication—He promises to expose lies in His time (Isaiah 54:17). • Guard your own tongue; refuse to answer falsehood with falsehood (Ephesians 4:31). • Do good openly; let consistent righteousness silence accusations (1 Peter 2:12). • Leave room for God’s justice instead of personal revenge (Romans 12:19). • Count it joy when slander comes for Christ’s sake; it signals eternal reward (Matthew 5:12). |
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