Topical Encyclopedia Slander, defined as the act of making false and damaging statements about someone, is a sin that is consistently warned against in the Bible. It is a form of bearing false witness, which is explicitly prohibited in the Ten Commandments: "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16). Slander not only harms the reputation of others but also disrupts community harmony and reflects a heart not aligned with God's truth.The Book of Proverbs frequently addresses the destructive nature of slander. Proverbs 10:18 states, "He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool." This verse highlights the foolishness and malice inherent in slanderous behavior. Proverbs 16:28 further warns, "A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip separates close friends," illustrating how slander can fracture relationships and sow discord. In the New Testament, the apostle Paul admonishes believers to avoid slander as part of living a life worthy of their calling. In Ephesians 4:31, he instructs, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." Paul emphasizes that slander is incompatible with the new life in Christ, urging believers to speak truthfully and lovingly. James, the brother of Jesus, also addresses the issue of slander in his epistle. James 4:11 warns, "Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it." This passage underscores the seriousness of slander, equating it with judging the law itself, and calls for humility and respect among believers. The apostle Peter echoes these sentiments, urging Christians to "rid yourselves of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind" (1 Peter 2:1). Peter's exhortation is part of a broader call to holiness and spiritual growth, emphasizing that slander is a barrier to becoming more like Christ. The Bible also provides examples of the consequences of slander. In the Old Testament, the account of Naboth's vineyard (1 Kings 21) illustrates how false accusations can lead to grave injustice and even death. Jezebel orchestrates a plot to have Naboth falsely accused of blasphemy, resulting in his execution and the unlawful seizure of his property. This narrative serves as a stark warning of the potential devastation wrought by slander. In summary, the Bible consistently warns against slander, portraying it as a sin that damages relationships, disrupts community, and contradicts the character of God. Believers are called to speak truthfully, love one another, and reflect the integrity and holiness of their Creator. Nave's Topical Index Titus 3:1,2Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, Nave's Topical Index Library The Wisdom of God's Counsels Auxentius on the Giving up of the Basilicas. Submit Yourselves Therefore to God. James 4:7. A Word for the Persecuted Epiphanius Intervenes God and Mammon. Colossians and Ephesians Compared and vindicated. Episcopal Conspirators True Christianity Defended The Last Exile 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 |