Topical Bible: Slander: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To

◄ Slander: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Slander, as understood in the biblical context, refers to the act of making false and damaging statements about someone. It is considered a serious sin, as it not only harms the reputation of others but also disrupts the harmony within the community of believers. The Bible addresses slander in various passages, emphasizing the importance of truthfulness and the destructive nature of false accusations.

Old Testament References:

1. Leviticus 19:16 · "You must not go about spreading slander among your people. You must not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am the LORD."
· This verse is part of the Holiness Code, which outlines ethical and moral conduct for the Israelites. It explicitly prohibits slander, linking it to the broader command to love one's neighbor.

2. Proverbs 10:18 · "The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool."
· Proverbs often contrasts wisdom and folly, and here, spreading slander is equated with foolishness, highlighting the moral deficiency in such behavior.

3. Psalm 101:5 · "Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, him I will put to silence; the one with haughty eyes and a proud heart, him I will not endure."
· This psalm, attributed to David, reflects a commitment to integrity and justice, promising divine retribution against those who engage in slander.

New Testament References:

1. Matthew 15:19 · "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander."
· Jesus lists slander among other grave sins, indicating that it originates from a corrupt heart and is contrary to the righteousness expected of His followers.

2. Ephesians 4:31 · "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice."
· Paul exhorts the Ephesian church to abandon slander and other negative behaviors, urging them to live in a manner worthy of their calling.

3. James 4:11 · "Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it."
· James warns against slandering fellow believers, emphasizing that such actions are tantamount to judging the law itself, which is contrary to the humility required of Christians.

Additional Considerations:

· Character and Speech: The Bible consistently links the character of a person with their speech. Slander is seen as a reflection of a deeper moral failing and is often associated with other sins of the tongue, such as gossip and false witness.

· Community Impact: Slander is not only a personal sin but also a communal one. It has the potential to sow discord and division within the body of Christ, undermining the unity and love that should characterize Christian fellowship.

· Divine Judgment: Scripture warns of divine judgment against those who engage in slander. This serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness with which God views the misuse of speech.

In summary, the biblical perspective on slander is clear: it is a sin that originates from a corrupt heart, harms individuals and communities, and is subject to divine judgment. Believers are called to speak truthfully and lovingly, reflecting the character of Christ in their interactions with others.

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Exodus 23:1
You shall not raise a false report: put not your hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.
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Deuteronomy 22:13-19
If any man take a wife, and go in to her, and hate her,
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Job 5:21
You shall be hid from the whip of the tongue: neither shall you be afraid of destruction when it comes.
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Psalm 41:6-9
And if he come to see me, he speaks vanity: his heart gathers iniquity to itself; when he goes abroad, he tells it.
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Psalm 50:20
You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother's son.
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Psalm 101:5
Whoever privately slanders his neighbor, him will I cut off: him that has an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
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Proverbs 10:18
He that hides hatred with lying lips, and he that utters a slander, is a fool.
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Proverbs 25:23
The north wind drives away rain: so does an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
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Jeremiah 6:28
They are all grievous rebels, walking with slanders: they are brass and iron; they are all corrupters.
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Jeremiah 9:4
Take you heed every one of his neighbor, and trust you not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbor will walk with slanders.
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Romans 1:29,30
Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
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1 Corinthians 4:13
Being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things to this day.
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1 Corinthians 6:10
Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortionists, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
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2 Corinthians 12:20
For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found to you such as you would not: lest there be debates, contentions, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, arrogance, tumults:
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James 4:11
Speak not evil one of another, brothers. He that speaks evil of his brother, and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law, and judges the law: but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge.
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1 Peter 2:1
Why laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, all evil speakings,
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2 Peter 2:10
But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
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