Topical Bible: Slander: People Shall Give Account For

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Slander, as understood within the biblical context, refers to the act of making false and damaging statements about someone. It is a sin that is condemned throughout Scripture, as it not only harms the reputation of others but also disrupts the unity and love that should characterize the community of believers.

The Bible explicitly warns against the sin of slander and emphasizes the accountability that individuals will face for their words. In Matthew 12:36-37 , Jesus states, "But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." This passage underscores the seriousness with which God views our speech, including slanderous remarks, and the reality that we will be held accountable for them.

The Old Testament also addresses the issue of slander. In Leviticus 19:16 , the Israelites are commanded, "You must not go about spreading slander among your people. You must not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am the LORD." This command highlights the destructive nature of slander and its potential to harm relationships and communities.

Proverbs, known for its wisdom literature, frequently warns against the dangers of slander. Proverbs 10:18 states, "The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool." This verse associates slander with foolishness and deceit, indicating that it stems from a heart that harbors ill will.

The New Testament continues to address the issue of slander, urging believers to avoid such behavior. In Ephesians 4:31 , Paul exhorts the church, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." Here, slander is listed among other destructive behaviors that believers are to put away, emphasizing the call to live in a manner worthy of the gospel.

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." This passage highlights the relational aspect of slander, as it often involves speaking against fellow believers, thereby undermining the unity and love that should characterize the body of Christ.

The apostle Peter also addresses the issue in 1 Peter 2:1 , urging believers to "rid yourselves of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind." This call to holiness and purity in speech reflects the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer, who is to reflect Christ in all aspects, including their words.

In summary, the Bible consistently condemns slander and warns of the accountability that individuals will face for their words. Believers are called to speak truthfully and lovingly, reflecting the character of Christ and fostering unity within the body of Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 12:36
But I say to you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Rhodo and his Account of the Dissension of Marcion.
... it may be rejected as a baseless slander, like the ... in the Church, and the third shall
devote herself ... as much as possible, and to associate with Church people. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xiii rhodo and his account.htm

Why the Talent was Buried
... Every one of us shall give account of himself ... an immense number of nominal Christians,
of people who think ... which gives a colour of plausibility to the slander. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/why the talent was buried.htm

Against Apollinarius; the Second Letter to Cledonius. (Ep. Cii. )
... paradise, and almost the idea that we shall resume again ... of themselves; and let them
not slander us, but ... so great Prelates presided over the people; and Grace ...
/.../against apollinarius the second letter.htm

The Letter of Saint Polycarp,
... of all, [335] refraining from all slander, gossip, false ... seat of Christ and each
of us shall give an account ... name of the Lord, who deceive empty-headed people. ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of saint polycarp.htm

Instructions to Catechumens.
... vessel, and crush it before all the people, and say ... himself too [514] says again
"Who shall set a ... blasphemy, by uttering foul words, by slander, swearing, and ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/instructions to catechumens.htm

Pope Anterus.
... against thy brother; and thou didst slander thine own ... be stoned outside the camp
by the people, or with ... arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/pope anterus.htm

Your Own Salvation
... was the object of your gossip and your slander, to the ... Faith is not a grace for old
people only, nor ... this day's preaching ere another day's sun shall shine, I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/your own salvation.htm

An Account of the General Conference of 1796
... board of trustees " elected by the people where the ... the oft-repeated and oft-refuted
slander, that the ... has the oversight of the circuit shall proceed against ...
/.../chapter 2 an account of.htm

Sad Fasts Changed to Glad Feasts
... Slander is no sign of a saint; it is the brand of ... of Jerusalem: and they shall be
my people, and I ... the city shall be prosperous: "The vine shall give her fruit ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/sad fasts changed to glad.htm

A Letter from Origen to Africanus.
... point for gratifying their desire to slander the common ... And He shall judge among
many people, and rebuke ... up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origens letters/a letter from origen to.htm