Topical Bible: Slander: Includes: Evil Speaking

◄ Slander: Includes: Evil Speaking ►

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Definition and Nature:
Slander, in biblical terms, refers to the act of making false and damaging statements about someone. It is closely associated with evil speaking, which encompasses any speech that harms another's reputation or character. The Bible consistently condemns slander as a sin that disrupts community harmony and violates the command to love one's neighbor.

Biblical References:

1. Old Testament:
· Leviticus 19:16 : "You must not go about spreading slander among your people. You must not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am the LORD."
· Proverbs 10:18 : "The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool."
· Psalm 101:5 : "Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; the one with haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not endure."

2. New Testament:
· Ephesians 4:31 : "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice."
· James 4:11 : "Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it."
· 1 Peter 2:1 : "Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander."

Theological Implications:
Slander is seen as a direct violation of the Ninth Commandment, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16). It is an act that not only harms the individual being spoken against but also grieves the Holy Spirit and disrupts the unity of the body of Christ. Slander is often rooted in deeper sins such as envy, pride, and malice, and it reflects a heart that is not aligned with God's righteousness.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:
From a moral standpoint, slander is considered a grave sin because it undermines trust and community. It is an act of injustice that can lead to the destruction of relationships and reputations. Christians are called to speak truthfully and lovingly, reflecting the character of Christ in their interactions. The Bible encourages believers to use their words to build up rather than tear down, as seen in Ephesians 4:29 : "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen."

Practical Applications:
Believers are urged to examine their speech and motives, ensuring that their words align with the teachings of Christ. This involves actively resisting the temptation to engage in gossip or slander and instead choosing to speak words of encouragement and truth. The practice of self-control and the cultivation of a heart that seeks the good of others are essential in overcoming the sin of slander. Additionally, when wronged by slander, Christians are encouraged to respond with forgiveness and seek reconciliation, following the example of Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 41:5
My enemies speak evil of me, When shall he die, and his name perish?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 109:20
Let this be the reward of my adversaries from the LORD, and of them that speak evil against my soul.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... Earthly Things, shadows, [519]417. Edification, includes removal of unsound
parts, [520]382. ... Evil Speaking, defeats its aim, [563]407. ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

Index of Subjects.
... Evil, cause of, [584]366; not necessary, [585]367. Evil speaking, sinful and dangerous,
[586]13, [587]26, [588]111; not to be listened to, [589]248. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/index of subjects.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... heart, under the prohibition of murder, adultery, and thefts includes wrath, hatred ...
danger of the council;" whosoever by reproaches and evil-speaking gives way ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

Article I: of God.
... They contend concerning the fomes [or evil inclination] that it is ... For when he mentions
ignorance, he includes these ... will find on this point a manifest slander. ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 1 article i of.htm

Tenth Sunday after Trinity Spiritual Counsel for Church Officers.
... What else do they but slander baptism and the Lord's ... in protest: "Alas, I am far
too evil and unworthy! ... The gift of prophecy includes, further, the ability to ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/tenth sunday after trinity spiritual.htm

The First Epistle of St. Peter
... is that it forms an effective 12 reply to the pagan slander of Christians ... 4:3-5 and
1 Corinthians 7:3-5, includes a reference ... let him keep his tongue from evil. ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the first epistle of st.htm

The Old Testament and Archeology
... They backbite, they slander me before the king my ... who had committed sin and evil,
I counted ... Ashurbanipal, the successor of Esarhaddon, includes Manasseh in a ...
/.../the christian view of the old testament/chapter iv the old testament.htm

The Great Assize
... that it should be public, defying the evil and criticism ... us or for us, remember this
includes every omission ... he put up with rebuke, and slander, and persecution ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/the great assize.htm

Submit Yourselves Therefore to God. James 4:7.
... true acquiescence in God's moral law includes actual obedience. ... is not easily provoked,
thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not ... It is a slander upon God, and charging ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/submit yourselves therefore to god.htm

The Truth.
... subject to it, so vital that it includes everything else ... tell a lie, or steal, or
slander"and yet he ... sometimes his lower nature, sometimes his evil self; and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/the truth.htm