Blasphemy, in biblical terms, refers to the act of showing contempt or lack of reverence for God, His name, or sacred things. It is considered a grave sin throughout the Scriptures, as it directly challenges the holiness and sovereignty of God. The concept of blasphemy is rooted in the Ten Commandments, where God commands, "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain" (Exodus 20:7).

In the Old Testament, blasphemy was a capital offense. Leviticus 24:16 states, "Whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD must surely be put to death. The whole congregation must stone him. Whether he is a foreigner or a native, if he blasphemes the Name, he must be put to death" . This severe punishment underscores the seriousness with which God views the misuse of His holy name.

In the New Testament, blasphemy continues to be a significant concern. Jesus addresses the issue in Matthew 12:31-32, saying, "Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the one to come" . This passage highlights the unforgivable nature of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, often interpreted as a willful and persistent rejection of the truth and work of the Holy Spirit.

The Apostle Paul also warns against blasphemy in his epistles. In 1 Timothy 1:20, he mentions Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom he "handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme" . This indicates that blasphemy was not only a theological issue but also a practical concern within the early Christian communities.

Slander

Slander, in the biblical context, refers to the act of making false and damaging statements about someone. It is a sin that is frequently condemned in Scripture due to its destructive nature and its ability to harm relationships and communities. The Bible consistently calls for truthfulness and integrity in speech, warning against the dangers of slanderous talk.

The Old Testament provides numerous admonitions against slander. Proverbs 10:18 states, "He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool" . This proverb highlights the foolishness and moral deficiency of those who engage in slander. Similarly, Psalm 101:5 declares, "Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; the one with haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not endure" , emphasizing God's disdain for slanderous behavior.

In the New Testament, the call to avoid slander is reiterated. Ephesians 4:31 instructs believers, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice" . This verse places slander alongside other destructive behaviors that Christians are urged to abandon. The Apostle Peter also advises against slander in 1 Peter 2:1, saying, "Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind" .

The teachings of Jesus further underscore the importance of pure and truthful speech. In Matthew 15:19, He explains, "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander" . This passage links slander to the condition of the heart, suggesting that it is not merely a verbal issue but a spiritual one.

Both blasphemy and slander are serious offenses in the biblical narrative, reflecting the high value placed on reverence for God and love for one's neighbor. The Scriptures call believers to uphold truth and integrity in their speech, recognizing the power of words to either build up or destroy.