Topical Encyclopedia Slander, defined as the act of making false and damaging statements about someone, is a grievous sin that is frequently addressed in the Bible. It is a form of bearing false witness, which is explicitly condemned in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:16). The destructive nature of slander not only harms the reputation of the victim but also stirs up anger and discord within communities and relationships.The Book of Proverbs, known for its wisdom literature, provides insight into the consequences of slander. Proverbs 10:18 states, "The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool." This verse highlights the foolishness of slander and its roots in concealed hatred, suggesting that slander is often a manifestation of deeper animosities. The anger caused by slander is not only directed towards the slanderer but can also incite anger in the community as a whole, leading to division and strife. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul warns against slander in his letters to the early churches. In Ephesians 4:31, he exhorts believers to "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." Here, slander is listed alongside anger and malice, indicating its potential to provoke and perpetuate these destructive emotions. The call to rid oneself of slander is a call to pursue peace and unity within the body of Christ. James, the brother of Jesus, also addresses the issue of slander in his epistle. James 4:11 admonishes, "Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it." This passage underscores the seriousness of slander as a violation of God's law, which is rooted in love and truth. The anger that arises from slander is not only a human reaction but also a reflection of the divine displeasure with such behavior. The Psalms frequently express the anguish and anger of those who have been wronged by slander. Psalm 31:13 laments, "For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side; they conspire against me and plot to take my life." The psalmist's cry reveals the deep emotional turmoil and anger that slander can cause, as it often involves betrayal and conspiracy. In the teachings of Jesus, the emphasis on truth and love stands in stark contrast to the deceit and malice inherent in slander. Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:22, "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment." While this verse primarily addresses anger, it also implies the interconnectedness of anger and slander, as both are rooted in a failure to love one's neighbor as oneself. Slander, therefore, is not merely a social faux pas but a serious sin that disrupts the peace and harmony intended by God for His people. It is a catalyst for anger, both in the hearts of those who are wronged and within the broader community. The biblical call is to reject slander and embrace truth, love, and reconciliation, reflecting the character of Christ in all interactions. Nave's Topical Index Proverbs 25:23The north wind drives away rain: so does an angry countenance a backbiting tongue. Nave's Topical Index Library Gratitude for Deliverance from the Grave Significant Phrases How Saints May Help the Devil Against those who Object Because the Devil Has not Been Put Out of ... The Sixth Commandment Rom. xii. 14 General Index A Discourse of Mercifulness The Fourth Book Hatred Without Cause 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 |
    |