Topical Bible: Slander: Women Warned Against

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Slander, defined as the act of making false and damaging statements about someone, is a sin that the Bible addresses with seriousness. Within the Scriptures, women are specifically cautioned against engaging in slanderous behavior, highlighting the importance of maintaining integrity and purity in speech.

Biblical Warnings and Instructions

The New Testament provides explicit warnings against slander, particularly in the pastoral epistles. In 1 Timothy 3:11, the Apostle Paul instructs, "In the same way, the women must be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in all things" . This verse underscores the expectation for women to exhibit dignity and faithfulness, avoiding the destructive nature of slander.

Similarly, in Titus 2:3, Paul advises, "Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers, not addicted to much wine, but teachers of good" . Here, older women are called to set an example of reverence and to refrain from slander, emphasizing their role as mentors who teach what is good.

The Role of Women in the Early Church

The early Christian community placed significant emphasis on the conduct of women, recognizing their influence within the family and the church. Women were encouraged to cultivate virtues that would reflect the transformative power of the Gospel. Slander, being contrary to the spirit of love and truth, was seen as a threat to the unity and witness of the church.

The Consequences of Slander

Slander not only harms the reputation of others but also damages the spiritual well-being of the one who engages in it. Proverbs 10:18 states, "He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool" . This proverb highlights the foolishness of slander and its roots in malice and deceit.

Furthermore, slander disrupts relationships and sows discord among believers, which is contrary to the call for unity in the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:31-32 exhorts believers, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you" . This passage calls for the removal of slander and the cultivation of kindness and forgiveness.

Practical Application for Women

Women are encouraged to be mindful of their speech, recognizing the power of words to build up or tear down. James 3:5-6 warns of the destructive potential of the tongue, likening it to a small fire that can set a great forest ablaze. Women are called to use their words to edify and encourage, reflecting the character of Christ in their interactions.

In practical terms, this involves being intentional about speaking truthfully and lovingly, avoiding gossip and slander, and seeking reconciliation when conflicts arise. By doing so, women can contribute to a culture of grace and truth within their communities, honoring God with their speech and actions.

Nave's Topical Index

Titus 2:3
The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becomes holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... my feeble voice to vindicate Jehovah's character from so foul a slander. ... It is blasphemy
against Him. ... was designed to protect them as men and women, to secure ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

A Word for the Persecuted
... Lord Jesus Christ himself meet with slander, cruelty, and ... Be ye warned, then, against
falling into the meanness ... a little trial from men and women, surely you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/a word for the persecuted.htm

Epiphanius Intervenes
... of attempting to pick up some rag of slander out of the ... Be warned in time, or you
must take the ... the meretricious bedizenment of wealthy and high-born women. ...
/.../chapter xliv epiphanius intervenes.htm

Episcopal Conspirators
... leaving church without prayer; of receiving women alone; of ... pen skilful in the
manipulation of slander"that of ... seemed worthy of praise, he had warned her of ...
/.../chapter xlv episcopal conspirators.htm

John v. 14
... Besides, had he wished to slander Him, he would ... runneth, rivers flow, fountains bubble,
women bear,) but ... For when Christ warned His disciples, saying, "Beware ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxviii john v 14.htm

The First Epistle of St. Peter
... is that it forms an effective 12 reply to the pagan slander of Christians ... it into
a puritanic protest, in his tract on The Dress of Women, against wives taking ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the first epistle of st.htm

The Procession of Sorrow
... Simon, bearing the cross, and in the women weeping and ... we might expect to receive
more slander, more abuse ... the world, for it shall be thereby warned; the better ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the procession of sorrow.htm

Index of Subjects.
... His grief for Jerusalem, [327]447; why warned the Jews ... in feasts, reproved,
[418]301; exhortation against, [419]426 ... 649]6, [650]20; why mentions bad women, [ ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/index of subjects.htm

The Life, as Amplified by Mediaeval Biographers.
... A voice issuing from the idol rejected his intercession, warned him that ... the spot
saying to himself, "If the women of this ... And it were slander against justice,. ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/iii the life as amplified by.htm

Enduring to the End
... Assailed by slander and abuse, it was his privilege to live ... the love of many as waxing
cold, and warned them that ... of many an instance of men and women who did ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/enduring to the end.htm