Topical Encyclopedia Slander, defined as the act of making false and damaging statements about someone, is a sin that the Bible explicitly warns against. It is a destructive force that can harm relationships, reputations, and communities. For believers, slander is not merely a social faux pas but a serious offense against God's commandments and the call to live a holy life.Biblical Warnings Against Slander The Bible contains numerous admonitions against slander, emphasizing its destructive nature and the need for believers to avoid it. In the Old Testament, slander is condemned as a violation of the law. Leviticus 19:16 states, "You must not go about spreading slander among your people. You must not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am the LORD." The New Testament continues this theme, urging believers to rid themselves of slander. In Ephesians 4:31 , the Apostle Paul instructs, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." Similarly, in Colossians 3:8 , Paul writes, "But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth." The Call to Holiness For Christians, the call to lay aside slander is part of the broader call to holiness and Christlikeness. Slander is incompatible with the new nature that believers are to put on in Christ. In 1 Peter 2:1 , Peter exhorts, "Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind." The call to holiness is not merely about avoiding sin but actively pursuing righteousness. Believers are encouraged to speak truthfully and lovingly, building one another up rather than tearing each other down. Ephesians 4:29 advises, "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." The Example of Christ Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example for believers in how to conduct themselves, including in their speech. He was reviled and slandered, yet He did not retaliate or speak deceitfully. 1 Peter 2:23 describes His response: "When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly." Practical Steps for Believers To lay aside slander, believers are encouraged to examine their hearts and motives, seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance in transforming their speech. James 1:26 warns, "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless." Prayer, accountability, and immersion in Scripture are vital tools for overcoming the temptation to slander. By focusing on the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, kindness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23), believers can cultivate speech that honors God and edifies others. In summary, slander is a sin that believers are called to lay aside as part of their commitment to living a life that reflects the character of Christ. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Christians can overcome the temptation to slander and instead use their words to glorify God and uplift those around them. Nave's Topical Index Ephesians 4:31Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: Nave's Topical Index Library How Saints May Help the Devil Holy Song from Happy Saints On the Words of the Gospel, Luke x. 2, "The Harvest Truly is ... The Ministry. V. ... We Shall not be Curious in the Ranking of the Duties in which ... Faustus Fails to Understand Why He Should be Required Either to ... The Church as She Should Be Letter ccxx. (AD 427. ) Heavenly Rest Resources What does the Bible say about slander? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about libel? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about backstabbing? | 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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