Topical Bible: Slander: Children of Belial

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Definition and Context:

Slander, in biblical terms, refers to the act of making false and malicious statements about someone, intending to damage their reputation. It is considered a serious sin, as it not only harms individuals but also disrupts the harmony within the community of believers. The term "Children of Belial" is often associated with those who engage in such wicked behavior, representing individuals who are morally corrupt and rebellious against God.

Biblical References:

The term "Belial" is used in the Old Testament to describe individuals who are worthless or lawless. It is often associated with those who oppose God's will and engage in sinful activities, including slander. In Deuteronomy 13:13 , the term is used to describe certain men who lead others into idolatry: "Some worthless men have gone out from among you and have subverted the inhabitants of their city, saying, ‘Let us go and serve other gods’—gods you have not known."

In 1 Samuel 2:12 , the sons of Eli are described as "worthless men" or "sons of Belial" because they did not know the LORD and acted wickedly, including their disrespect for the sacrificial offerings. This passage highlights the association of Belial with those who reject divine authority and engage in sinful conduct.

Characteristics of Slanderers:

Slanderers, akin to the "Children of Belial," are characterized by their deceitful and malicious nature. Proverbs 10:18 states, "The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool." This verse underscores the foolishness and destructiveness of slander, aligning it with the behavior of those who are morally bankrupt.

The New Testament also addresses the sin of slander. In Ephesians 4:31 , believers are instructed to "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." This exhortation emphasizes the need for Christians to reject slander and embrace a life of righteousness and truth.

Moral and Spiritual Implications:

Slander is not merely a social offense but a spiritual one, as it reflects a heart that is not aligned with God's righteousness. The "Children of Belial" serve as a warning against the dangers of allowing sin to take root in one's life. Their actions are a manifestation of a deeper rebellion against God, which ultimately leads to spiritual ruin.

The Bible calls believers to a higher standard, urging them to speak truthfully and lovingly. James 4:11 warns, "Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it." This command highlights the importance of maintaining unity and love within the body of Christ, avoiding the divisive nature of slander.

Conclusion:

While the Bible does not provide a direct definition of "Children of Belial" as slanderers, the association of Belial with lawlessness and rebellion offers a clear picture of the moral depravity linked to slanderous behavior. Believers are called to reject such conduct and to live in a manner that reflects the holiness and truth of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 21:13
And there came in two men, children of Belial, and sat before him: and the men of Belial witnessed against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did blaspheme God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones, that he died.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Ninth Commandment
... He that raises a slander, carries the devil in his tongue; and he that receives
it, carries the ... There came in two men, children of Belial, and witnessed ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 9 the ninth commandment.htm

Prosperity under Persecution
... it does not take the form of burning or imprisonment, but of slander, of cruel ... when
affinities are made between the sons of God and the children of Belial. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/prosperity under persecution.htm

Dilemma and Deliverance
... and multitudes of men, the men of Belial, like Shimei ... a man's character the fouler
will be the slander that comes ... Ye Hebrew children, ye stood in the midst of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/dilemma and deliverance.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... you from hell, you should preserve them from slander; if they ... father, but were called
sons of Belial.' 1 Samuel 2 ... And as children must hearken to the counsel of ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

The Security of the Church
... of Bashan and the dog of Belial, the mighty ... the church, neither by persecution, nor
slander, nor heresy ... is omnipotent, nought shall pluck his children from his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the security of the church.htm

The Epistle of Alexander, Bishop of Alexandria to Alexander ...
... and what concord hath Christ with Belial [283] ?' and Solomon ... I have nourished and
brought up children, and they ... on the Christ, and try to slander our reverence ...
/.../chapter iii the epistle of alexander.htm

Letter xvi. Charity.
... Children cannot be won without kindness. ... to him." There are many such sons and daughters
of Belial. ... a morbid appetite for fault-finding and slander, while we ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter xvi charity.htm

The Gladness of the Man of Sorrows
... of the betrayal, the weariness and slander of his ... that the countenance once fairer
than the children of men ... reigns, what war there is between Christ and Belial? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the gladness of the man.htm

Auxentius on the Giving up of the Basilicas.
... peace and madness, there is no union between Christ and Belial. ... upon the foal of
an ass, the children cried aloud ... this with a view to starting a slander, so as ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/sermon against auxentius on the.htm

Letter xxii. To Eustochium.
... And what concord hath Christ with Belial?" [571] How can ... to the old, who with the
children often have ... Speak against nobody, and do not slander your mother's son ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxii to eustochium.htm