Topical Bible: Slander: Hypocrites Habitually

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Slander, defined as the act of making false and damaging statements about someone, is a sin that is frequently addressed in the Bible. It is often associated with hypocrisy, as those who engage in slander may present themselves as righteous while secretly harboring malice and deceit. The Bible consistently condemns slander and warns against its destructive power.

Biblical Condemnation of Slander

The Scriptures are clear in their denunciation of slander. In the Old Testament, the book of Leviticus commands, "You must not go about spreading slander among your people. You must not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am the LORD" (Leviticus 19:16). This command underscores the seriousness with which God views slander, equating it with endangering a neighbor's life.

The Psalms also speak against slander, highlighting its association with wickedness. Psalm 101:5 states, "Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not endure" . Here, slander is linked with pride and arrogance, traits often found in hypocrites.

Slander and Hypocrisy

Hypocrisy, the act of pretending to have virtues or moral beliefs that one does not truly possess, is frequently connected with slander in the Bible. Jesus Himself addressed the issue of hypocrisy among the religious leaders of His time. In Matthew 23:27-28, He declared, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness" . Although this passage does not mention slander directly, it illustrates the deceitful nature of hypocrites, who often resort to slander to maintain their façade of righteousness.

The Apostle Paul also warns against slander in his epistles. In 2 Corinthians 12:20, he expresses concern about finding "quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalries, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder" among the believers . This list of sins, including slander, is indicative of a hypocritical spirit that disrupts the unity and purity of the church.

The Destructive Power of Slander

Slander is not only a sin against individuals but also against the community of believers. It has the potential to cause division, destroy reputations, and undermine trust. Proverbs 16:28 warns, "A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip separates close friends" . The destructive nature of slander is evident in its ability to sever relationships and sow discord among brethren.

James, the brother of Jesus, provides a sobering reminder of the power of the tongue in James 3:6, "The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell" . This vivid imagery underscores the potential for slander to cause widespread harm.

Call to Righteous Speech

Believers are called to a higher standard of speech, one that reflects the character of Christ. Ephesians 4:29 exhorts, "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 call to edifying speech stands in stark contrast to the destructive nature of slander.

In summary, slander is a sin that is often linked with hypocrisy in the Bible. It is condemned for its falsehood, its potential to harm individuals and communities, and its inconsistency with the character of a true follower of Christ. Believers are urged to avoid slander and instead use their words to build up and encourage one another in love and truth.

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Proverbs 11:9
An hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
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Library

Persecution Every Christian's Lot
... Being born again of God, they habitually live to, and ... one; but to speak evil of and
slander the disciples ... with God: you are only heart-hypocrites; and, "What ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/persecution every christians lot.htm

John x. 22-24
... His works admitted not of their slander and insolence ... saying, "Why tempt ye Me, ye
hypocrites?" showing that He ... we admire them less from habitually seeing them ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxi john x 22-24.htm

Instructions to Converts.
... Why everybody would say that they were hypocrites. ... expect to see young converts
habitually taking right ... of these young converts, and perhaps slander them, when ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xx instructions to converts.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... 2 Timothy 2:1-6). Men must have eyes before they see, tongues before they speak,
and legs before they go; even so must a man be made habitually good and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm