Topical Encyclopedia Slander, defined as the act of making false and damaging statements about someone, is a sin that is consistently condemned throughout the Bible. It is a destructive force that not only harms the reputation of individuals but also sows discord and division within communities. In Scripture, slander is closely associated with the character and work of the devil, who is depicted as the ultimate accuser and deceiver.Biblical References to Slander The Bible frequently warns against the sin of slander. In the Old Testament, the book of Leviticus commands, "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). This command underscores the seriousness with which God views slander, equating it with actions that can endanger lives. In the New Testament, the apostle Paul lists slander among the sins that characterize those who have turned away from God. In his letter to the Romans, he writes, "They are filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful" (Romans 1:29-30). Here, slander is grouped with other grave sins, highlighting its severity. Slander and the Devil The devil, known as Satan, is often referred to as the "accuser" in Scripture. The Greek word "diabolos," from which the English word "devil" is derived, literally means "slanderer" or "accuser." This etymology reveals the intrinsic connection between slander and the devil's nature. In the book of Revelation, Satan is described as "the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them day and night before our God" (Revelation 12:10). This passage illustrates the devil's relentless efforts to slander and accuse God's people. Jesus Himself identifies the devil as a liar and the father of lies. In the Gospel of John, He declares, "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44). This characterization of the devil as a liar and slanderer serves as a stark warning to believers about the dangers of engaging in similar behavior. The Consequences of Slander The Bible makes it clear that slander has serious consequences, both for those who commit it and for those who are its victims. In the Psalms, David laments the damage caused by slander, crying out, "For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend" (Psalm 55:12-13). This passage highlights the deep betrayal and pain that slander can inflict, especially when it comes from someone close. Furthermore, slander disrupts the unity and harmony of the Christian community. The apostle James warns of the destructive power of the tongue, stating, "The tongue is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell" (James 3:6). This vivid imagery underscores the potential of slanderous words to cause widespread harm. The Call to Righteousness Believers are called to reject slander and instead pursue righteousness and truth. The apostle Peter exhorts Christians, "Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind" (1 Peter 2:1). This call to action emphasizes the importance of cultivating a community characterized by love, integrity, and respect for one another. In summary, slander is a sin that reflects the character of the devil, the ultimate accuser and deceiver. The Bible consistently warns against this destructive behavior, urging believers to uphold truth and righteousness in their words and actions. Nave's Topical Index Revelation 12:10And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brothers is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. Nave's Topical Index Library Moreover, as to this Word which is Written in the Gospel... The Tongue. Second Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to Brotherly Love. 1 John 5:4-5. victory Fourth Sunday after Easter Second Sermon. On the Opinion of Dionysius. John vii. 9, 10 Life in India. Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility Epistle Xlv. To Theoctista, Patrician . Resources What does the Bible say about slander? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about libel? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about backstabbing? | GotQuestions.org Slander: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Slander of David, by his Enemies Slander of Jeremiah, by the Jews Slander of Jesus, by the Jews Falsely Charging That he Was a Winebibber (Wino) Slander of Mephiboseth, by Ziba Slander: A Characteristic of the Devil Slander: An Abomination to God Slander: Characterized As Avoiding Slander: Christ Was Exposed To Slander: Comes from the Evil Heart Slander: Effects of Deadly Wounds Slander: Effects of Discord Among Brethren Slander: Effects of Separating Friends Slander: End of, is Mischievous Madness Slander: Evil People Addicted To Slander: Hypocrites Addicted To Slander: Hypocrites Habitually Slander: Includes: Bearing False Witness Slander: Includes: Evil Speaking Slander: Includes: Evil Surmising Slander: Includes: Judging Charitably Slander: Includes: Raising False Reports Slander: Includes: Repeating Matters Slander: Includes: Tale-Bearing Slander: Joseph by Potiphar's Wife Slander: Men Shall Give Account For Slander: Minister's Wives should Avoid Slander: Often Arises from Hatred Slander: People Shall Give Account For Slander: Saints should Keep Their Tongues From Slander: Saints should Lay Aside Slander: Saints: Blessed in Enduring Slander: Saints: Characterised As Avoiding Slander: Saints: should be Warned Against Slander: Saints: should Give No Occasion For Slander: Saints: should Keep Their Tongue From Slander: Saints: should Lay Aside Slander: Saints: should Return Good For Slander: Servants of God Exposed To Slander: should be Discountenanced With Anger Slander: should be Warned Against Slander: should Give No Occasion For Slander: should not be Listened To Slander: should Return Good For Slander: That he Was Seditious Slander: The Land of Canaan Misrepresented by the Spies Slander: The Nearest Relations Exposed To Slander: The Tongue of, is a Scourge Slander: The Wicked Addicted To Slander: They Who Indulge In, are Fools Slander: They Who Indulge In, not to be Trusted Slander: Those Who Indulge In, are Fools Slander: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Slander: Witnesses Against Christ Slander: Wives of God's Servants should Avoid Related Terms |
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