Topical Bible: Slander: Wives of God's Servants should Avoid

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Slander, defined as the act of making false and damaging statements about someone, is a sin that the Bible warns against repeatedly. It is a destructive force that can harm relationships, reputations, and communities. For the wives of God's servants, avoiding slander is particularly emphasized, as their conduct can significantly impact their husbands' ministries and the broader Christian witness.

Biblical Warnings Against Slander

The Bible explicitly condemns slander in various passages. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul admonishes believers to put away "all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice" (Ephesians 4:31). This directive underscores the importance of maintaining purity in speech and relationships, reflecting the character of Christ.

In the Old Testament, the book of Proverbs offers wisdom on the dangers 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 moral corruption associated with slanderous behavior.

The Role of Wives in Ministry

Wives of God's servants hold a unique position within the Christian community. Their behavior can either support or undermine their husbands' work. The Apostle Paul, in his letters to Timothy and Titus, provides guidance on the conduct expected of women associated with church leaders. In 1 Timothy 3:11, Paul writes, "In the same way, the women must be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in all things" . This instruction emphasizes the importance of integrity and self-control, particularly in speech.

Similarly, in Titus 2:3-5, Paul advises older women to "be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not addicted to much wine, but teachers of good" . They are to encourage younger women to love their families and live wisely, setting an example of godly conduct. By avoiding slander, wives of God's servants can foster a spirit of unity and love within the church.

The Impact of Slander on Ministry

Slander can have devastating effects on a ministry. It can sow discord, create division, and damage the credibility of those serving in leadership. For the wives of God's servants, engaging in slander can reflect poorly on their husbands and hinder the effectiveness of their ministry. The Apostle James warns of the power of the tongue, stating, "The tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze" (James 3:5). This vivid imagery illustrates the potential for harm that careless or malicious words can cause.

Encouragement for Wives

Wives of God's servants are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of kindness, humility, and love. By focusing on these virtues, they can avoid the pitfalls of slander and contribute positively to their husbands' ministries. The Apostle Peter offers encouragement in 1 Peter 3:1-4, urging wives to exhibit "the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God's sight" . This inner beauty, characterized by a gentle and respectful demeanor, stands in stark contrast to the destructive nature of slander.

In summary, the Bible provides clear guidance for the wives of God's servants to avoid slander. By adhering to biblical principles and cultivating a spirit of love and integrity, they can support their husbands' ministries and uphold the testimony of the Christian faith.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Timothy 3:11
Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Knowledge. Worship. Gratitude.
... Is it not a good thing for you house-wives, when you ... sweetened by the adoration and
the love of God, it will ... There is no neighbour whom they will not slander. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 30 1884/knowledge worship gratitude.htm

A Word for the Persecuted
... Did not the Lord Jesus Christ himself meet with slander, cruelty, and death ... Oh, learn
to lose with God; ... agree with the toast of "Health to our wives." To their ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/a word for the persecuted.htm

A Compendious view of the Christian Life.
... be won by the conversation of the wives; while they ... sit near, [1711] and ceaselessly
talking slander against many ... to love second similarly to God, within doors ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter xi a compendious view of.htm

Moab is My Washpot
... Their opposition, slander, and persecution, are a rough pumice-stone ... God over-rules
for good the evilness of men ... a toast, the health of their wives, and turning ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/moab is my washpot.htm

The First Epistle of St. Peter
... is that it forms an effective 12 reply to the pagan slander of Christians ... so far
as husbands are concerned, and that 4 Christian wives owe it to God (in the ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the first epistle of st.htm

The Era of Persecution
... a ready acceptance for the popular slander that in ... The wives and daughters of kings,
consuls, and emperors ... of decision from her other than: "God's will must be ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/iii the era of persecution.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... Evidences of the Gospel, should be learned by Christians ... Husbands and wives, hinder
not the Church from ... Idol sacrifices, show contempt of God and carelessness ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

To Pammachius against John of Jerusalem.
... They have teeth, belly, organs of generation, and yet have no need of meats, or
wives. Why do you slander the power of God, who can from that [5064 ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/to pammachius against john of.htm

Letter xxii. To Eustochium.
... short: it remaineth that those who have wives be as ... if he is fervent in love to God,
they encourage ... Speak against nobody, and do not slander your mother's son. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxii to eustochium.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... accept saving baptism, but have left their wives and children ... this was reported to
the man of God, he rose ... with the most faithful of his servants left Rhodez ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm