Topical Bible: Slander: End of, is Mischievous Madness

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Slander, as depicted in the Bible, is a grievous sin that distorts truth and harms relationships. It is the act of making false and damaging statements about someone, often with the intent to defame or injure their reputation. The Scriptures provide numerous warnings against engaging in slander, highlighting its destructive nature and the chaos it sows within communities.

The book of Proverbs offers profound insights into the nature and consequences of slander. Proverbs 10:18 states, "The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool." This verse underscores the foolishness inherent in slander, linking it to deceit and hidden malice. The act of slandering is not only a reflection of inner corruption but also a demonstration of folly, as it ultimately leads to one's downfall.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul admonishes believers to avoid slanderous behavior. In Ephesians 4:31 , he writes, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." Here, slander is grouped with other destructive emotions and actions, emphasizing the need for Christians to purge such negativity from their lives. The call to eliminate slander is part of a broader exhortation to live in a manner worthy of the calling received in Christ.

The destructive power of slander is further illustrated in the book of James. James 3:6 describes the tongue as "a fire, a world of unrighteousness," capable of corrupting the whole body and setting the course of one's life on fire. This vivid imagery highlights the potential of slanderous words to wreak havoc, not only on the individual who speaks them but also on the wider community.

The end of slander is aptly described as "mischievous madness," a phrase that captures the chaotic and irrational nature of this sin. Ecclesiastes 10:13 states, "The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness." This passage reflects the progression from foolish speech to outright madness, illustrating how slander can spiral out of control, leading to destructive and irrational outcomes.

The Bible consistently portrays slander as antithetical to the character of God and the life of a believer. In Psalm 101:5 , the psalmist declares, "Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, him I will put to silence; the one with haughty eyes and an arrogant heart, I will not endure." This verse reveals God's disdain for slander and His commitment to justice, promising that those who engage in such behavior will face divine retribution.

In the context of Christian community, slander is particularly damaging, as it undermines the unity and love that believers are called to exhibit. The Apostle Peter exhorts the early church in 1 Peter 2:1 , "Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind." This call to holiness and purity of speech is essential for maintaining the integrity and witness of the church.

Ultimately, the Bible's teachings on slander serve as a sobering reminder of the power of words and the responsibility that comes with them. Believers are called to speak truth in love, to build up rather than tear down, and to reflect the character of Christ in all their interactions.

Nave's Topical Index

Ecclesiastes 10:13
The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Folly of Slander. Part 1.
... sycophant, "it is true; but why, and to what end? ... degree, and produceth altogether
the like mischievous effects, as ... all the malice of the worst slander, but it ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part.htm

Of Lying Defamation.
... may resolve, that whatever conduces to that end, is properly ... These jocular slanders
are often as mischievous as those ... falls under the two edged slander both of ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section v of lying defamation.htm

Miscellaneous Phrases
... and baseless calumnies [calumnies = maliciously false statements; slander]. ... Suit
the means to the end. ... of bad luck [bogey = evil or mischievous spirit; hobgoblin ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section xi miscellaneous phrases.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... first begin at us, what shall the end be of ... he could not avoid the conflict, why
slander his defenders ... profanely charge Christ with folly or madness because He ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... 1. For the wicked, they are not without their desires. 'Let me die the death of
the righteous, and let my last end be like his,' was the desire of wicked ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm