Topical Bible: Slander: That he Blasphemed

◄ Slander: That he Blasphemed ►

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Definition and Context
Slander, in biblical terms, refers to the act of making false and damaging statements about someone. It is closely related to the concept of bearing false witness, which is explicitly condemned in the Ten Commandments: "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16). Slander is considered a serious sin because it not only harms the reputation of the individual being spoken about but also disrupts the harmony and trust within the community of believers.

Biblical Instances and Teachings
The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings regarding slander. In the Old Testament, slander is often associated with deceit and malice. 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 tolerate" . This verse highlights God's disdain for slander and His commitment to justice.

In the New Testament, slander is addressed by Jesus and the apostles as a behavior unbecoming of a follower of Christ. Jesus Himself was a victim of slander, as seen in the accusations made against Him by the religious leaders of His time. In Matthew 26:65, the high priest accuses Jesus of blasphemy: "Then the high priest tore his clothes and declared, 'He has blasphemed! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy'" . This false accusation was a pivotal moment leading to Jesus' crucifixion.

The Apostle Paul also warns against slander in his epistles. In Ephesians 4:31, he instructs believers: "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice" . Paul emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity in speech and relationships within the body of Christ.

Moral and Spiritual Implications
Slander is not merely a social faux pas but a sin with deep moral and spiritual implications. It is an act that stems from a heart not aligned with God's truth and love. James 4:11-12 warns, "Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge" . This passage underscores the arrogance inherent in slander, as it places the slanderer in a position of judgment that belongs to God alone.

The destructive power of slander is further illustrated in Proverbs 16:28: "A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip separates close friends" . Slander can fracture relationships and communities, making it a tool of division that stands in stark contrast to the unity and love that Christ calls His followers to embody.

Practical Considerations for Believers
For believers, the call to avoid slander is part of the broader mandate to live a life that reflects the character of Christ. This involves cultivating a heart of integrity and love, as well as practicing discernment in speech. Colossians 3:8 advises, "But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth" . This directive encourages believers to actively reject slander and embrace speech that edifies and uplifts others.

In dealing with slander, believers are encouraged to seek reconciliation and truth. Matthew 18:15 provides guidance: "If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over" . This approach fosters healing and restoration, aligning with the biblical principle of love and forgiveness.

Conclusion
While slander is a grievous sin with significant consequences, the Bible offers a path to redemption and reconciliation through truth, love, and forgiveness. Believers are called to reflect Christ's character in their speech and actions, promoting unity and peace within the body of Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Mark 14:64
You have heard the blasphemy: what think you? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death.
Nave's Topical Index

John 5:18
Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
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Library

The Letter of Saint Polycarp,
... behalf of all, [335] refraining from all slander, gossip, false ... the name of the Lord
is blasphemed." [385] Therefore ... a presbyter among you, because he so forgot ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of saint polycarp.htm

Thou Shalt not Bear False Witness against Thy Neighbor.
... and malicious manner, being persecuted blasphemed, contradicted, perverted ... concerning
your neighbor and slander him to ... admonish him privately that he may amend ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/thou shalt not bear false.htm

John vii. 45, 46
... right, on the evidence of unbelievers, to slander one in ... a life agreeable to the
faith, causing Him to be blasphemed. For He would have the Christian to be the ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lii john vii 45.htm

Satan's Devices
... advantage over us:" and so, by representing you as merciless and cruel, cause that
holy name to be blasphemed, by which ... Why else did he slander God in paradise ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/satans devices.htm

On the Departure of Flavian, Bishop of Antioch, who was Gone on an ...
... thou hast made him who listens to the slander worse; [1162 ... and should he be a just
man, he is lifted ... thou hast caused the glory of God to be blasphemed; for as ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily iii on the departure.htm

John ix. 6, 7
... Because the slander was now become great, and the Jews had ... And even if he receive
no injury, yet the Greek ... they who do the contrary cause Him to be blasphemed. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lvii john ix 6.htm

John i. 1
... But may He who is blasphemed by them be merciful ... it is the mother of avarice, of
slander, of false ... He who has fallen into this disease neither knows friendship ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily iii john i 1.htm

1 Timothy iii. 4-Jan
... the sun is dark, not even the blind, (for he will be ... of his doctrines, the Heathen
will often slander him, yet ... so live, that the name of God be not blasphemed. ...
/.../homily x 1 timothy iii.htm

Matt. v. 1, 2
... as if ye do the contrary, ye will both destroy men, and make God's name to be
blasphemed.". ... For, "What though the slander pain you," saith He; "yet shall ye ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xv matt v 1.htm

Righteous Hatred
... It will slander you if you have none; give it at ... if I passed very gently, knowing
that he was doing ... is evil speaking, or where Christ is blasphemed, if you do ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/righteous hatred.htm