Definition and Usage:
Discredit refers to the act of causing someone or something to seem untrustworthy or lacking in credibility. In a biblical context, discredit can involve actions or words that undermine the authority, truth, or reputation of individuals, teachings, or divine principles.

Biblical Instances and Principles:

1. Discrediting God's Word:
Throughout Scripture, there are instances where individuals or groups attempt to discredit God's Word. In Genesis 3:1, the serpent questions God's command, saying, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" . This act of sowing doubt is an early example of discrediting divine instruction.

2. False Prophets and Teachers:
The Bible warns against false prophets and teachers who discredit the truth by spreading falsehoods. In 2 Peter 2:1-2, it is written, "But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed" . Here, the discrediting of truth leads to the defamation of the Christian faith.

3. Discrediting Jesus and His Ministry:
Jesus faced numerous attempts to discredit His ministry and authority. The Pharisees and Sadducees often sought to trap Him with questions or accusations. In Matthew 22:15, it is noted, "Then the Pharisees went out and plotted to trap Jesus in His words" . Despite these efforts, Jesus consistently upheld the truth and demonstrated His divine authority.

4. Paul's Defense Against Discredit:
The Apostle Paul frequently defended his apostleship and the gospel against those who sought to discredit him. In 2 Corinthians 10:10, Paul addresses criticisms, stating, "For some say, 'His letters are weighty and forceful, but his physical presence is unimpressive, and his speaking is of no account'" . Paul counters such discrediting by emphasizing the power of God working through him.

5. Maintaining Integrity:
Believers are called to live in a manner that avoids discrediting the gospel. In Titus 2:7-8, Paul instructs, "In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us" . This passage underscores the importance of integrity in preventing discredit.

6. The Role of Slander:
Slander is a form of discredit that involves making false statements to damage someone's reputation. Proverbs 10:18 warns, "He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool" . Slander is condemned as it seeks to unjustly discredit others.

Theological Implications:

Discrediting, whether of God's Word, His messengers, or His people, is a serious matter in Scripture. It often stems from unbelief, jealousy, or malice and can lead to division and confusion within the community of faith. Believers are encouraged to uphold truth, live with integrity, and defend the faith against those who seek to discredit it. The Bible emphasizes the importance of discernment and the need to test all teachings against the truth of Scripture to avoid being led astray by those who would discredit the gospel.1. (v.) To destroy confidence or trust in; to cause disbelief in the accuracy of; as, to discredit a source.

2. (n.) Hence, some degree of dishonor or disesteem; ill repute; reproach; -- applied to persons or things.

3. (v. t.) To refuse credence to; not to accept as true; to disbelieve; as, the report is discredited.

4. (v. t.) To deprive of credibility

5. (v. t.) To deprive of credit or good repute; to bring reproach upon; to make less reputable; to disgrace.

3469. momaomai -- to find fault with
... Word Origin from momos Definition to find fault with NASB Word Usage discredit
(1), discredited (1). ... From momos; to carp at, ie Censure (discredit) -- blame. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3469.htm - 6k

557. apelegmos -- refutation, ie by impl. contempt
... contempt NASB Word Usage disrepute (1). discredit. From a compound of apo and elegcho;
refutation, ie (by implication) contempt -- nought. see GREEK apo. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/557.htm - 6k

Discredit, from the Date of the Incarnation, of Idol-Cultus ...
... Section 46. Discredit, from the date of the Incarnation, of idol-cultus, oracles,
mythologies, demoniacal energy, magic, and Gentile philosophy. ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/section 46 discredit from the.htm

The First Point which Celsus Brings Forward, in his Desire to ...
... Chapter I. The first point which Celsus brings forward, in his desire to
throw discredit upon Christianity? The first point which ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter i the first point.htm

Let us Notice Also How He Thinks to Cast Discredit Upon Our System ...
... Chapter IV. Let us notice also how he thinks to cast discredit upon our
system of morals? Let us notice also how he thinks to ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter iv let us notice.htm

After These Statements, Celsus, from a Secret Desire to Cast ...
... Chapter XIX. After these statements, Celsus, from a secret desire to cast
discredit upon the Mosaic account? After these statements ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xix after these statements.htm

Origen Against Celsus
... Title Page. Book I. Preface. Chapter I. The first point which Celsus brings forward,
in his desire to throw discredit upon Christianity? Chapter II. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen against celsus/

B. The Question as to Authority. Ch. 20:1-8
... It was this popularity which delayed the designs of the rulers, as they had determined
to put Jesus to death. They must first discredit him with the people. ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/b the question as to.htm

Epistle ix. To the Clergy, Concerning Certain Presbyters who had ...
... over them, claim to themselves entire authority, [2209] "a thing which was never
in any wise done under our predecessors,"with discredit and contempt of ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle ix to the clergy.htm

After These Assertions, He Takes from the Gospel of Matthew...
... and perhaps also from the other Gospels, the account of the dove alighting upon
our Saviour at His baptism by John, and desires to throw discredit upon the ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xl after these assertions.htm

Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200
... I, 1.((MSG, 11:651.) Wishing to throw discredit upon Christianity, the first point
Celsus brings forward is that the Christians have entered secretly into ...
/.../a source book for ancient church history/period iii the critical period .htm

Continuance of the Arian Controversy. Eusebius' Relations to the ...
... This fact, however, brings no discredit upon Eusebius. The Council was held in another
province, and he can have had nothing to do with its composition. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/section 7 continuance of the.htm

Discredit (4 Occurrences)
... 1. (v.) To destroy confidence or trust in; to cause disbelief in the accuracy
of; as, to discredit a source. ...Discredit (4 Occurrences). ...
/d/discredit.htm - 8k

Impeach (3 Occurrences)
... See Impeachment. 3. (vt) Hence, to charge with impropriety; to dishonor; to bring
discredit on; to call in question; as, to impeach one's motives or conduct. ...
/i/impeach.htm - 8k

Virgin (62 Occurrences)
... closely drawn. To discredit it leaves the most intimate mystery of our
Lord's earthly life under the shadow of suspicion. It is ...
/v/virgin.htm - 64k

Discredited (3 Occurrences)
... & pp) of Discredit. ... 2 Corinthians 6:3 We endeavour to give people no cause for stumbling
in anything, lest the work we are doing should fall into discredit. ...
/d/discredited.htm - 7k

Birth (357 Occurrences)
... closely drawn. To discredit it leaves the most intimate mystery of our
Lord's earthly life under the shadow of suspicion. It is ...
/b/birth.htm - 71k

Discovery (24 Occurrences)

/d/discovery.htm - 14k

Exorcism
... The term "exorcists" is used once (Acts 19:13) in a way to discredit the professional
exorcists familiarly known both among Jews and Gentiles. ...
/e/exorcism.htm - 14k

Exorcist (1 Occurrence)
... The term "exorcists" is used once (Acts 19:13) in a way to discredit the professional
exorcists familiarly known both among Jews and Gentiles. ...
/e/exorcist.htm - 15k

Endeavour (7 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 2 Corinthians 6:3 We endeavour to give people no cause for stumbling in anything,
lest the work we are doing should fall into discredit. (WEY). ...
/e/endeavour.htm - 8k

Disrepute (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Loss of reputation; disesteem; discredit;
as to fall into disrepute. 2. (vt) To bring into disreputation ...
/d/disrepute.htm - 7k

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