Topical Bible: Slander: Effects of Deadly Wounds

◄ Slander: Effects of Deadly Wounds ►

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Slander, as depicted in the Bible, is a grievous sin that inflicts deep and lasting harm, akin to deadly wounds. The Scriptures consistently warn against the destructive power of the tongue, emphasizing the severe consequences of slanderous speech.

Biblical Definition and Context

Slander is defined as the act of making false and damaging statements about someone. It is a form of bearing false witness, which is explicitly condemned in the Ten Commandments: "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16). The Bible portrays slander as a tool of the wicked, used to harm the innocent and disrupt the community of believers.

Effects of Slander

1. Emotional and Spiritual Harm: Slander can cause profound emotional distress and spiritual turmoil. Proverbs 18:8 states, "The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down into the inmost being." This imagery suggests that slander penetrates deeply, affecting the heart and soul of the victim.

2. Destruction of Relationships: Slander has the power to sever relationships and sow discord among brethren. Proverbs 16:28 warns, "A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip separates close friends." The divisive nature of slander can lead to broken friendships and fractured communities.

3. Damage to Reputation: A person's reputation, once tarnished by slander, can be difficult to restore. Ecclesiastes 7:1 notes, "A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth." The loss of a good name due to slander is a grievous wound that can have lasting repercussions.

4. Hindrance to God's Work: Slander can impede the work of God by creating mistrust and disunity within the body of Christ. James 3:6 describes the tongue as "a fire, a world of unrighteousness," capable of corrupting the whole body and setting the course of life on fire. This underscores the potential of slander to derail the mission and ministry of the church.

Biblical Examples

The Bible provides several examples of slander and its deadly effects. In the account of Naboth's vineyard (1 Kings 21), Jezebel orchestrates a plot of false accusations against Naboth, leading to his unjust execution. This act of slander results in divine judgment upon Ahab and Jezebel, illustrating the severe consequences of such sin.

Another poignant example is found in the life of Jesus Christ. The religious leaders of His time resorted to slander to discredit Him, ultimately leading to His crucifixion. Despite their false accusations, Jesus remained sinless, demonstrating the power of truth and righteousness in the face of slander.

Admonitions Against Slander

The Bible repeatedly admonishes believers to guard their tongues and refrain from slander. Ephesians 4:31 instructs, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." This call to purity of speech is echoed in Colossians 3:8 : "But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth."

The Role of the Believer

Believers are called to be peacemakers and truth-bearers, countering the effects of slander with love and integrity. Proverbs 10:18 states, "He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool." Christians are encouraged to speak truthfully and lovingly, building up rather than tearing down.

In summary, slander is a sin with deadly effects, capable of inflicting deep wounds on individuals and communities. The Bible calls believers to reject slander and embrace truth, fostering unity and love within the body of Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 18:8
The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 26:22
The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Folly of Slander. Part 2.
... wise man, that "He who uttereth slander is a ... of wisdom; as producing very mischievous
effects to ourselves ... is an envenomed arrow, full of deadly poison, which ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part 2.htm

Christ's Resurrection and Our Newness of Life
... of Jesus with its poverty, its slander, its sorrow ... His resurrection is glorious in
its effects. ... eyes; his delight bejewelled those deadly wounds; his wisdom set ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/christs resurrection and our newness.htm

the Use of Humiliation
... them but this: If it was so deadly a sin ... pious Prelatical man can reverently scorn
and slander a Presbyterian ... godly people into a liking of it for its effects. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 - the use.htm

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... remember Solomon says, "faithful are the wounds of a ... to vindicate Jehovah's character
from so foul a slander. ... her land, are now engaged in deadly conflict, for ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... 2. It is the duty of those that can to cry out against this deadly plague, yea,
to lift up their voice as with a trumpet against it, that men may be awakened ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ...
... The salvation of Christ, first, consists in curing our wounds (our filth) and
secondarily ... of your book, you make a great noise of the effects and consequences ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a defence of the doctrine.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... way home, through a heavy rain, the effects of which ... armed men, who laid upon him
with deadly force: but ... after he had received and given many wounds to those ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

part ii
... From what deep sores, from what mortal wounds, from what deathly breathing of sin,
did the heavenly Physician, our Lord Jesus Christ, come to save us ? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm