Topical Bible: Slander: Effects of Discord Among Brethren

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Slander, defined as the act of making false and damaging statements about someone, is a grievous sin that has profound effects on the unity and harmony among brethren. The Bible consistently warns against the destructive power of the tongue and the discord it can sow within the community of believers.

Biblical Warnings Against Slander

The Scriptures are replete with admonitions against slander. In Proverbs 10:18, it is written, "He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool." This verse highlights the foolishness and malice inherent in slanderous speech. The act of slander is not merely a social faux pas but a moral failing that reveals a deeper issue of the heart.

James 4:11 further instructs, "Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it." Here, the apostle James underscores the seriousness of slander by equating it with judging the law itself, thus placing oneself above divine instruction.

Effects of Slander on Christian Fellowship

Slander has the potential to fracture the unity of the church, creating discord and division among brethren. Proverbs 16:28 states, "A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip separates close friends." The spread of falsehoods can lead to mistrust and alienation, undermining the fellowship that believers are called to maintain.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, exhorts the church to "put away all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice" (Ephesians 4:31). This call to reject slander is part of a broader appeal for believers to live in harmony and love, reflecting the character of Christ in their interactions.

Slander as a Tool of the Enemy

Slander is often used by the enemy to disrupt the work of God among His people. In Revelation 12:10, Satan is described as "the accuser of our brothers," who accuses them before God day and night. This depiction of Satan as a slanderer serves as a stark reminder of the spiritual warfare that believers face and the need to guard against participating in such destructive behavior.

The Call to Righteous Speech

Believers are called to a higher standard of speech, one that builds up rather than tears down. Colossians 3:8 instructs, "But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth." The call to put aside slander is part of the transformative process of sanctification, where the believer's speech is to reflect the new nature in Christ.

In contrast to slander, the Bible encourages speech that is edifying and gracious. Ephesians 4:29 advises, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." This positive use of speech fosters unity and strengthens the bonds of fellowship among believers.

Conclusion

The Bible's teachings on slander and its effects on the community of believers serve as a sobering reminder of the power of words. Slander not only harms individuals but also disrupts the unity and peace that should characterize the body of Christ. Believers are called to reject slander and embrace speech that edifies and reflects the love of Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 6:19
A false witness that speaks lies, and he that sows discord among brothers.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Tenth Sunday after Trinity Spiritual Counsel for Church Officers.
... the gifts are flesh and blood inclined to discord and to ... What else do they but slander
baptism and the Lord's ... For the effects wrought do not emanate from the ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/tenth sunday after trinity spiritual.htm

On the Opinion of Dionysius.
... which they have suppressed, do not discord with its ... one any longer hold with Arius
or slander Dionysius, but ... and in Him He carries on and effects His universal ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/on the opinion of dionysius.htm

the Use of Humiliation
... and heresies are bred by discord, as discord is bred ... Prelatical man can reverently
scorn and slander a Presbyterian ... people into a liking of it for its effects. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 - the use.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... and from those persons who have dared to cause discord and division among the people ...
him; and we shall now state to you, beloved brethren, what resolution ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

Instructions to Converts.
... exist and yet be hid and produce no effects. ... what ignorance, what awkwardness, what
discord, what weakness ... these young converts, and perhaps slander them, when ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xx instructions to converts.htm

The Water of Life;
... your God raise up unto you, of your brethren like, unto me ... of the world; and this
blessed thing among the rest ... things, I say, are the fruits and effects of this ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the water of life.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... and stands more immediately near the first effects of the ... horse and with his own
hand scattered among the people ... him be separated from all his brethren and be ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

part ii
... me. But you, my brethren, have you all faith in Christ, in His Gospel? Where
is your evangelical life? Who ... full. Ah, my brethren! shall ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm