Topical Bible: Slander: The Tongue of, is a Scourge

◄ Slander: The Tongue of, is a Scourge ►

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Slander, as depicted in the Bible, is a grievous sin that corrupts the heart and damages relationships. It is often described as a scourge, a destructive force that can tear apart communities and individuals. The Bible provides numerous warnings against the use of the tongue for slanderous purposes, emphasizing the moral and spiritual dangers it poses.

Biblical Warnings Against Slander

The Bible frequently addresses the issue of slander, highlighting its destructive nature. In the Book of Proverbs, the tongue is portrayed as a powerful instrument that can be used for both good and evil. Proverbs 10:18 states, "The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool." This verse underscores the foolishness of engaging in slander, equating it with deceit and hatred.

James, the brother of Jesus, provides a vivid description of the tongue's potential for harm. In James 3:6 , he writes, "The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell." This passage illustrates the tongue's capacity to corrupt and destroy, likening it to a fire that can consume everything in its path.

The Moral and Spiritual Implications

Slander is not merely a social faux pas; it is a sin with deep moral and spiritual implications. The act of slandering another person is a violation of the commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself (Matthew 22:39). It reflects a heart that is not aligned with the teachings of Christ, who calls His followers to speak truthfully and lovingly.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently admonishes believers to avoid slander. 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 the need for Christians to rid themselves of slander and other forms of malice, urging them to live in a manner worthy of their calling.

Consequences of Slander

The consequences of slander are far-reaching, affecting both the slanderer and the victim. For the slanderer, engaging in such behavior can lead to spiritual decay and separation from God. Psalm 101:5 warns, "Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; the one with haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not endure." This verse indicates that God will not tolerate slander, and those who engage in it will face divine judgment.

For the victim, slander can result in damaged reputations, broken relationships, and emotional distress. The Bible acknowledges the pain caused by slander, as seen in Psalm 31:13 : "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 captures the sense of betrayal and fear that often accompanies being the target of slander.

The Call to Righteous Speech

In contrast to the destructive nature of slander, the Bible calls believers to use their tongues for edification and truth. Colossians 4:6 advises, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." This exhortation encourages Christians to speak with grace and wisdom, reflecting the character of Christ in their interactions.

Ultimately, the Bible presents a clear and consistent message: slander is a scourge that must be avoided. Believers are called to guard their tongues, speak truthfully, and build one another up in love, thereby honoring God and fostering unity within the body of Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Job 5:21
You shall be hid from the whip of the tongue: neither shall you be afraid of destruction when it comes.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Ninth Commandment
... (3) Be very thankful to God, if he has preserved you from slander and false
witness. Job calls it the scourge of the tongue;' chap 5: 21. ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 9 the ninth commandment.htm

Of Lying Defamation.
... In the meantime, since slander is a plant that can grow in all soils ... morose, betrays
to the guilt, who can hope to escape this Scourge of the Tongue, as the ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section v of lying defamation.htm

The Saint's Heritage and Watchword
... fiends that have whips of fire, and they shall scourge thy soul ... There is a great
power in the tongue. ... but we can not so easily recover from slander; that lays ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 50 1904/the saints heritage and watchword.htm

Letter L. To Domnio.
... They speak against their brother, they slander their own ... write against me who has
a tongue that I ... After the buffeting, the cross, the scourge, the blasphemies ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter l to domnio.htm

The Letter of the Church of Rome
... If we rid ourselves of all wickedness, evil, avarice, contentiousness, malice, fraud,
gossip, slander, hatred of God ... 10From the scourge of the tongue he will ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of the church.htm

The victory of Faith
... its master, conquered its conquerer, and lashed the monarch who had been its scourge. ...
Slander! ... If she can, she does it with the hand; if not, by the tongue. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the victory of faith.htm

Moab is My Washpot
... Their opposition, slander, and persecution, are a rough pumice-stone, to ... was his
only place of refuge from the cruel scourge of his wife's tongue and temper ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/moab is my washpot.htm

The Exaltation of Christ
... things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess ... the heaving of revolutions,
or the scourge of war ... which unites the calumny and the slander with the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the exaltation of christ.htm

Matt. xii. 33
... is naturally the case; for while the tongue through shame ... For He said not, If thou
slander, and summon a ... shrink back, wear her out with the scourge, like some ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xlii matt xii 33.htm

Our Stronghold
... is a God omniscient and knows and sees all things." I say, thus we may rebut every
mischievous slander of Satan ... Shall they scourge us? ... Shall the tongue attack us ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/our stronghold.htm