What does Psalm 50:20 reveal about God's view on slander? Setting the Scene: Psalm 50 in Brief - Psalm 50 pictures God summoning His covenant people to court. - The Lord exposes hollow religiosity and confronts hidden sins, insisting on wholehearted faithfulness. - Slander is singled out as proof that their worship and daily lives don’t match. The Verse Up Close “You sit and malign your brother; you slander your own mother’s son.” Key Observations • “You sit…” – slander is deliberate, not accidental. • “Malign your brother” – it targets those we ought to protect. • “Your own mother’s son” – family imagery underscores betrayal and cruelty. • God treats speech sins as covenant violations, not minor slip-ups. What This Reveals About God’s View of Slander - He sees it as ACTIVE REBELLION: speaking evil equals choosing a path opposed to His character (Psalm 50:17). - He counts it as VIOLENCE against community bonds; wounding with words is akin to shedding blood (Proverbs 12:18). - He labels it HYPOCRISY when paired with outward worship; praise on the lips means nothing when poison follows (James 3:9-10). - He promises JUST JUDGMENT; verses 21-22 warn that unchecked slander will meet divine wrath. Scripture Echoes • Leviticus 19:16 – “You must not go about spreading slander among your people.” • Proverbs 6:16-19 – God hates “a false witness who pours out lies.” • Proverbs 10:18 – “Whoever spreads slander is a fool.” • Ephesians 4:31 – believers must “put away… slander.” • James 4:11 – “Do not slander one another, brothers.” Why Slander Grieves God - It assaults His image-bearers. - It fractures the unity Christ prayed for (John 17:21). - It contradicts the truth-loving nature of God Himself (Titus 1:2). - It gives Satan—the great accuser—room to operate (Revelation 12:10). Living It Out • Guard the heart (Luke 6:45): deal with bitterness before it turns verbal. • Slow the tongue (James 1:19): pause before speaking, texting, or posting. • Replace lies with truth and grace (Ephesians 4:25, 29). • Seek reconciliation quickly when words wound (Matthew 5:23-24). • Celebrate others publicly; pray for them privately. Final Takeaway Psalm 50:20 unmasks slander as a serious, intentional sin that breaks fellowship with God and neighbor. The Lord calls His people to repent, speak truth, and mirror His faithful love in every conversation. |
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