Topical Bible: Slander: Those Who Indulge In, are Fools

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Slander, defined as the act of making false and damaging statements about someone, is a grievous sin that the Bible addresses with stern warnings. The Scriptures consistently portray slander as a destructive force that not only harms its victims but also reveals the folly of those who engage in it.

Biblical Warnings Against Slander

The Bible explicitly condemns slander, associating it with foolishness and wickedness. In the Book of Proverbs, a collection of wisdom literature, slander is linked to the behavior of fools. Proverbs 10:18 states, "The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool." This verse highlights the deceitful nature of slander and equates it with folly, emphasizing that those who indulge in such behavior lack wisdom and understanding.

Characteristics of a Fool

In biblical terms, a fool is someone who rejects wisdom and instruction, often acting in ways that are contrary to God's commandments. The fool is characterized by a lack of discernment and an inclination towards sinful behavior. Proverbs 18:6-7 further illustrates this by saying, "A fool’s lips bring strife, and his mouth invites a beating. A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul." These verses underscore the self-destructive nature of slander, as the fool's words ultimately lead to personal downfall.

Consequences of Slander

The Bible warns that slander not only damages relationships but also incurs divine judgment. In Psalm 101:5 , the Lord declares, "Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will destroy; the one with haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not endure." This passage reveals God's intolerance for slander and His commitment to justice, indicating that those who engage in such behavior will face severe consequences.

Slander and the Christian Community

Within the Christian community, slander is particularly harmful as it undermines unity and love among believers. The Apostle Paul admonishes the early church to avoid slander and other forms of malicious speech. In Ephesians 4:31 , he writes, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." This exhortation calls Christians to pursue holiness and to foster an environment of mutual respect and edification.

The Call to Wisdom

The Bible calls believers to seek wisdom and to guard their tongues against slanderous 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." This verse serves as a reminder that true wisdom is demonstrated through self-control and the avoidance of harmful words.

In summary, the Bible unequivocally identifies slander as the mark of a fool, urging believers to reject such behavior and to pursue a life of wisdom and integrity.

Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 10:18
He that hides hatred with lying lips, and he that utters a slander, is a fool.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Snare of the Fowler
... Some men, especially those who are unconverted, can, without being ... but just amuse
the devil, and indulge the combative ... world to get rid of a slander is just to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the snare of the fowler.htm

The World Turned Upside Down
... himself in a court of law against any slander, he just ... tell the greatest falsehoods:
now you love those who can ... class of society, who could not indulge in any ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the world turned upside down.htm

Fast-Day Service
... amusements of yours, in which ye are wont to indulge. ... shut up his bowels of compassion
against those whose sons ... No, I will not slander you by such a supposition ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/fast-day service.htm

A Word for the Persecuted
... the Lord Jesus Christ himself meet with slander, cruelty, and ... evil is beastlike,
and no Christian will indulge in it ... more apt to teach and exhort those who come ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/a word for the persecuted.htm

The Letter of the Church of Rome
... Do not indulge in talking overmuch." [86] ?^6We should ... evil, avarice, contentiousness,
malice, fraud, gossip, slander, hatred of ... 96] ?^6God hates those who act ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of the church.htm

Book I.
... nature is weak, for that is a slander upon God ... impious, for impiety properly belongs
to those who have ... you are prone to exaggeration, and indulge in ambitious ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book i.htm

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... And are not such those that ought to be honoured among Christians? ... of these compliments
imports not any design of service, neither are any such fools to think ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... To sin is to indulge this pleasure instead of restraining it ... but here, in his love
of slander, he has ... Those who think that Abraham sold his wife cannot discern ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... he can supply."He can say to the fools, be wise ... own, to be put among the number of
those that suffer ... are good: he is not licensed thereby to indulge the flesh ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... 'The king's forces having made their batteries, stormed Leicester; those within
made ... powerfully, it prevailed; and he made a resolution to indulge himself in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm