Definition and Meaning:
The term "slandereth" is an archaic form of the verb "slander," which means to make false and damaging statements about someone. In biblical contexts, slander is considered a serious sin, as it involves bearing false witness and harming the reputation of others. The act of slandering is condemned throughout Scripture as it contradicts the principles of truth, love, and justice that are central to Christian ethics.

Biblical References:
The Bible addresses the issue of slander in various passages, emphasizing the moral and spiritual dangers associated with it. In the Old Testament, slander is often linked with deceit and malice. For example, in Psalm 101:5 , it is written, "Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not endure."

Proverbs also speaks extensively about the destructive nature of slander. Proverbs 10:18 states, "The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool." This highlights the foolishness and moral corruption inherent in slandering others.

In the New Testament, slander is listed among the sins that defile a person. Jesus Himself warns against slander in Mark 7:21-23 : "For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly. All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man."

The Apostle Paul also addresses slander in his epistles, urging believers to avoid such behavior. In Ephesians 4:31 , Paul writes, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." This exhortation is part of a broader call to live a life worthy of the calling received in Christ, characterized by love, kindness, and forgiveness.

Theological Implications:
Slander is not merely a social or ethical issue but a spiritual one. It reflects a heart that is not aligned with God's truth and love. The act of slandering is a violation of the commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself (Matthew 22:39). It undermines community and fellowship, which are vital aspects of the Christian life.

The Bible teaches that words have power, and believers are called to use their speech to edify and build up others rather than to tear them down. James 3:6 warns of the destructive potential of the tongue: "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."

Practical Application:
Christians are encouraged to examine their hearts and speech, ensuring that they reflect the character of Christ. This involves speaking truthfully, refraining from gossip and slander, and seeking reconciliation and forgiveness when wrongs have been committed. Believers are called to be peacemakers, promoting harmony and understanding within the body of Christ and the wider community.

In a world where slander and false accusations are prevalent, Christians are to be distinct in their speech, demonstrating integrity and love. By doing so, they bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel and the reality of God's kingdom.

Psalm 101
... A person giv'n to wickedness. I will not know at all. ^5I'll cut him off that
slandereth. his neighbour privily: The haughty heart I will not bear,. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 101.htm

History of his Disobeying It.
... He says, Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I destroy [1347] .' For
he kept the commandment which says, Thou shalt not receive a false report ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/20 history of his disobeying.htm

No Possible Time or Place for the Alleged Offence.
... before you that the thing may be proved, or else condemn these calumnies, and follow
the example of David, who says, Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/5 no possible time or.htm

Petilianus Said: "Lastly, what is the Justification of Persecution ...
... But since you ask what is the justification of persecution, I ask you in turn whose
voice it is that says in the psalm, "Whoso privily slandereth his neighbor ...
/.../chapter 80 175 petilianus.htm

The Millennium in Relation to the World.
... of wrath fitted to destruction"wickedness shall be promptly dealt with and evil
doers will meet with swift judgment: "Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/5 the millennium in relation.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 2.
... and company, or intruding into it becomes very disgustful thereto; for he worthily
is not only looked upon as an enemy to those whom he slandereth, but to ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part 2.htm

Ninth Commandment
... The mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped. Whoso privily
slandereth his neighbor, him will I cut off. . . . Lying ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/ninth commandment.htm

Colossians iii. 16, 17
... wilt find there many more doctrines than these, full of true philosophy; such as,
that one ought not to speak evil, "Him that privily slandereth his neighbor ...
/.../homily ix colossians iii 16.htm

Letter Xciii. (AD 408. )
... Moreover, if to inflict persecution were in all cases blameworthy, it would not
have been written in the sacred books, "Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xciii a d 408.htm

On the Departure of Flavian, Bishop of Antioch, who was Gone on an ...
... but those besides, who hear others ill spoken of, I exhort to stop up their ears,
and to imitate the prophet who saith, "Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily iii on the departure.htm

Slandereth (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Slandereth (2 Occurrences). Psalms 15:3 He that
slandereth not with his tongue, Nor doeth evil to his friend ...
/s/slandereth.htm - 7k

Privily (15 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS). Psalms 101:5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut
off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. ...
/p/privily.htm - 12k

Backbite
... "He that backbiteth [Revised Version, slandereth] not with his tongue" (Psalm
15:3). Backbiters bak'-bit-rz (Greek katalaloi: Men who speak against. ...
/b/backbite.htm - 8k

Slanderest (1 Occurrence)

/s/slanderest.htm - 6k

Slandering (2 Occurrences)

/s/slandering.htm - 7k

Companion (44 Occurrences)
... Psalms 15:3 He that slandereth not with his tongue, doeth not evil to his companion,
nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour; (DBY). ...
/c/companion.htm - 20k

Proud (96 Occurrences)
... Psalms 101:5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him
that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. ...
/p/proud.htm - 33k

Endure (90 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Psalms 101:5 Whoso slandereth in secret his neighbour, Him I cut off,
The high of eyes and proud of heart, him I endure not. (YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/e/endure.htm - 33k

Neighbour (139 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS BBE DBY YLT). Psalms 101:5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him
will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. ...
/n/neighbour.htm - 34k

Neighbor (123 Occurrences)
... Psalms 15:3 He that slandereth not with his tongue, Nor doeth evil to his friend,
Nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor; (ASV WBS NAS RSV NIV). ...
/n/neighbor.htm - 41k

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