Topical Bible: Fools: Are: Slanderers

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In the biblical context, the term "fool" often carries a moral and spiritual connotation, rather than merely indicating a lack of intelligence. One of the characteristics attributed to fools in the Scriptures is their propensity for slander. Slander, defined as making false and damaging statements about someone, is condemned throughout the Bible as a destructive and sinful behavior.

The Book of Proverbs, known for its wisdom literature, frequently associates foolishness with slanderous behavior. Proverbs 10:18 states, "The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool." This verse highlights the connection between harboring malice and the act of slandering, emphasizing that such behavior is indicative of foolishness. The fool's inability to control their tongue and their willingness to spread falsehoods reveal a deeper moral deficiency.

Further illustrating this point, Proverbs 18:6-7 declares, "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." Here, the consequences of a fool's slanderous speech are made clear. The fool's words not only cause discord and conflict but also lead to their own downfall. The imagery of a "snare" suggests that slander entraps the fool, ultimately leading to spiritual and social ruin.

The New Testament also addresses the issue of slander, warning believers against engaging in such behavior. In Ephesians 4:31 , the Apostle Paul exhorts, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." This admonition underscores the incompatibility of slander with the Christian life, urging believers to put away such foolish behavior in favor of virtues that reflect the character of Christ.

James 3:5-6 further elaborates on the destructive 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. The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body." This passage serves as a stark reminder of the potential harm that slanderous speech can cause, likening it to a fire that can consume and destroy.

In summary, the biblical portrayal of fools as slanderers serves as a cautionary message about the moral and spiritual dangers of engaging in false and harmful speech. The Scriptures consistently warn against such behavior, urging individuals to seek wisdom and righteousness in their words and actions.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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

Library

Christ
... vipers," are some of the phrases; and the words, "fools," "blind hypocrites ... that
his guilty murderers, villainous detractors and unscrupulous slanderers may be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/haldeman/christ christianity and the bible/christ.htm

Of Lying Defamation.
... The most superficial glance will evidence these several degrees of Slanderers to
do ... a specimen of Wit, yet it really lifts them among Solomon's fools who make ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section v of lying defamation.htm

Three Homilies. On Our Lord.
... persecutes thou Me?): and the light blinded his sight, that when the slanderers
should have ... For the teachers of Israel were wont to be fools, put to shame by ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/three homilies on our lord.htm

The vision of Paul.
... Those thrones belong to those who had goodness and understanding of heart and made
themselves fools for the ... [3924] The Greek has here thieves and slanderers. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the vision of paul/the vision of paul.htm

Letter Xciii. (AD 408. )
... How many would have entered earlier had not the calumnies of slanderers, who declared
that we offered something else than we do upon the altar of God, shut ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xciii a d 408.htm

The Treatise
A Treatise on Good Works. <. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/a treatise on good works/the treatise.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
... When he was defamed, his slanderers called him a witch, or fortune teller, a ... my sad
condition, counting myself far worse than a thousand fools, for standing ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/grace abounding to the chief.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... And fools hate knowledge?' 'Turn you at my reproof: behold,' saith God, 'I will
pour out my Spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.' I say, hear ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm