Topical Encyclopedia Slander, defined as the false and malicious spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation, is a challenge that the saints of God have faced throughout biblical history. The Scriptures provide numerous accounts and teachings regarding the exposure of God's people to slander, highlighting both the reality of this adversity and the appropriate response for believers.Old Testament Instances In the Old Testament, slander is depicted as a tool used by the wicked against the righteous. The psalmist frequently laments the presence of slanderers. In Psalm 31:13 , David cries out, "For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side; they conspire against me and plot to take my life." This verse illustrates the intense pressure and danger that slander can bring upon the faithful. The account of Joseph also exemplifies slander's destructive power. In Genesis 39, Joseph is falsely accused by Potiphar's wife, leading to his unjust imprisonment. Despite his innocence, Joseph suffers the consequences of slander, yet he remains steadfast in his faith and integrity. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues to address the issue of slander, particularly in the context of the early church. Jesus Himself warned His followers about the inevitability of persecution and false accusations. In Matthew 5:11 , He states, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me." The apostles also experienced slander as they spread the Gospel. In Acts 24:5-6 , Paul is accused by Tertullus, who describes him as "a pestilent fellow, an agitator among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes." Despite these false charges, Paul remains resolute in his mission and defense of the faith. Exhortations to Believers Scripture provides guidance for believers on how to respond to slander. The apostle Peter encourages Christians to maintain good conduct so that those who speak against them may be put to shame by their good behavior. In 1 Peter 3:16 , he writes, "keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ." Moreover, the apostle Paul advises believers to bless those who persecute them and to refrain from repaying evil for evil (Romans 12:14, 17). This teaching underscores the importance of responding to slander with grace and forgiveness, reflecting the character of Christ. The Role of the Tongue The Bible also addresses the power of the tongue and the potential for harm through slanderous speech. James 3:6 describes the tongue as "a fire, a world of unrighteousness," emphasizing the need for self-control and the pursuit of righteousness in speech. Believers are called to use their words to edify and build up rather than to tear down and destroy. Conclusion Throughout Scripture, the saints are depicted as being exposed to slander, yet they are called to respond with integrity, patience, and love. The biblical narrative and teachings provide both a realistic portrayal of the challenges posed by slander and a divine framework for navigating such trials in a manner that honors God. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 38:12They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 109:2 1 Peter 4:4 Library The Saints' Privilege and Profit; The Psalms of David To Anatolius the Patrician. The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts Vanity of Human Glory. We Shall not be Curious in the Ranking of the Duties in which ... Persecution Every Christian's Lot Dilemma and Deliverance The Glorious Habitation Enduring to the End Resources What does the Bible say about backbiting? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about bitterness? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian view sportsmanship? | 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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