Topical Encyclopedia Slander, defined as the false and malicious spoken statement about someone, is a sin that the Bible addresses with seriousness. It is a destructive force that can lead to strife and discord within communities, families, and churches. The Bible provides numerous insights into the nature of slander and its detrimental effects on relationships and social harmony.Biblical Understanding of Slander The Bible frequently warns against the sin of slander. In the Old Testament, slander is condemned as a violation of the commandment against bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16). The psalmist laments the presence of slanderers, recognizing the harm they cause: "They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows" (Psalm 64:3). Proverbs also highlights the destructive power of slander, stating, "A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip separates close friends" (Proverbs 16:28). In the New Testament, slander is listed among the sins that defile a person. Jesus Himself warns, "For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness" (Mark 7:21-22). The Apostle Paul admonishes believers to rid themselves of slander, among other sins, as part of their new life in Christ: "But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips" (Colossians 3:8). Effects of Slander on Strife Slander is a catalyst for strife, as it breeds mistrust and animosity. The Bible illustrates how slander can lead to division and conflict. In Proverbs, it is noted that "without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a conflict ceases" (Proverbs 26:20). This imagery underscores the role of slander in fueling disputes and prolonging discord. The effects of slander are not limited to personal relationships but extend to the broader community. In the early church, the Apostle Paul addressed the issue of slander among believers, urging them to live in harmony and avoid divisive speech: "Do not let any 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" (Ephesians 4:29). Slander undermines the unity and witness of the church, hindering its mission to reflect Christ's love. Slander and the Heart The root of slander lies in the human heart. Jesus teaches that "out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34). Slander reveals a heart that harbors bitterness, jealousy, or malice. James, the brother of Jesus, emphasizes the need for believers to control their tongues, recognizing the potential for harm: "With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness" (James 3:9). The Call to Righteous Speech The Bible calls believers to a higher standard of speech, one that reflects the character of Christ. Instead of engaging in slander, Christians are encouraged to speak truthfully and lovingly. The Apostle Peter exhorts, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech" (1 Peter 3:10). By choosing words that edify and encourage, believers can foster peace and unity, counteracting the strife that slander seeks to create. Nave's Topical Index Proverbs 26:20Where no wood is, there the fire goes out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceases. Nave's Topical Index Library Letter xvi. Charity. Of Evil-Speaking in General. Wagner -- I am a Voice Waiting Only Upon God Tenth Sunday after Trinity Spiritual Counsel for Church Officers. The Spirit not Striving Always. The Truth. A New Year's Benediction The Epistle of St. James Miscellaneous Phrases Resources What is the unpardonable sin / unforgivable sin? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I know if the desires of my heart are from God? | GotQuestions.org What is the danger in gossiping about your pastor and his family? | 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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