Topical Encyclopedia Slander, as depicted in the Bible, is a grievous sin that bears significant consequences, akin to the act of murder. The Scriptures consistently emphasize the destructive power of the tongue and the severe impact of false testimony and malicious speech on individuals and communities.Biblical Understanding of Slander 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 equates slander with other serious sins, highlighting its potential to destroy lives and relationships. Effects of Slander Compared to Murder 1. Destruction of Reputation and Relationships: Slander can irreparably damage a person's reputation, leading to social isolation and broken relationships. Proverbs 16:28 states, "A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip separates close friends." The destructive nature of slander is likened to murder in that it "kills" the social standing and trust of the victim. 2. Spiritual Consequences: Slander is not only a social sin but also a spiritual one. It reflects a heart that is not aligned with God's righteousness. Jesus taught that evil words stem from an evil heart: "But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man" (Matthew 15:18). Just as murder is a grave sin with spiritual ramifications, so is slander, as it reveals a heart far from God. 3. Community Discord: Slander can lead to widespread discord within a community, much like the chaos that follows a murder. James 3:6 describes the tongue as "a fire, a world of unrighteousness," capable of setting "the whole course of one's life on fire." The ripple effect of slander can disrupt peace and unity, causing division and strife. 4. Legal and Social Ramifications: In biblical times, slander could lead to legal consequences, as seen in the laws given to Israel. Deuteronomy 19:16-19 outlines the punishment for a false witness, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense. While murder results in the loss of physical life, slander can lead to the loss of one's social and legal standing. 5. Moral and Ethical Implications: Slander violates the moral and ethical teachings of the Bible, which call for truthfulness and love for one's neighbor. Ephesians 4:31 urges believers to "get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." The moral weight of slander is comparable to that of murder, as both are rooted in malice and a disregard for the sanctity of life and truth. Biblical Examples and Warnings The Bible provides numerous examples and warnings against slander. In the account of Naboth's vineyard (1 Kings 21), Jezebel orchestrates a plot of false accusations leading to Naboth's unjust execution, illustrating the lethal power of slander. Similarly, the Psalms frequently lament the harm caused by deceitful tongues, as in Psalm 52:2 : "Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit." Conclusion While the Bible does not equate slander with the physical act of murder, it underscores the profound and far-reaching effects of slanderous speech. The destructive power of words, when used to harm others, is a theme that resonates throughout Scripture, calling believers to a higher standard of truthfulness and love. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 31:13For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life. Nave's Topical Index Ezekiel 22:9 Library The Folly of Slander. Part 2. General Index The Exaltation of Christ Letter cxxvii. To Principia. Homilies on the Statues. Fast-Day Service Of Evil-Speaking in General. Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility The Epistle of St. James Index of Subjects. 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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