Topical Bible: Slander: Includes: Whispering

◄ Slander: Includes: Whispering ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Slander, in biblical terms, refers to the act of making false and damaging statements about someone. It is considered a serious sin, as it not only harms the reputation of the individual being spoken about but also disrupts the unity and harmony within the community of believers. The Bible frequently addresses the issue of slander, emphasizing the importance of truthfulness and the destructive nature of deceitful speech.

Biblical References

The Bible contains numerous warnings against slander and the use of harmful words. In the Old Testament, the book of Leviticus explicitly commands against slander: "You must not go about spreading slander among your people. You must not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am the LORD" (Leviticus 19:16). This command underscores the gravity of slander as a violation of God's law and a threat to communal well-being.

The Psalms also speak to the destructive power of slanderous speech. Psalm 101:5 states, "Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; the one with haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not endure" . Here, the psalmist highlights God's disdain for those who engage in secretive and malicious talk, promising divine judgment against such behavior.

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul addresses the issue of slander in his letters to the early churches. In Ephesians 4:31, he exhorts believers to "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice" . Paul emphasizes the need for Christians to cultivate a spirit of kindness and forgiveness, contrasting the destructive nature of slander with the virtues of love and compassion.

Whispering

Closely related to slander is the act of whispering, which often involves spreading rumors or gossip in a secretive manner. Whispering can be seen as a form of slander that operates under the guise of confidentiality, yet it carries the same potential for harm and division. Proverbs 16:28 warns, "A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip separates close friends" . This proverb highlights the insidious nature of whispering, which can sow discord and fracture relationships.

The apostle Paul also addresses the issue of whispering in his letters. In 2 Corinthians 12:20, he expresses concern about the behavior of the Corinthian church, fearing that he may find "quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalries, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder" among them. Here, whispering is listed alongside other sins that threaten the unity and spiritual health of the church.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

From a biblical perspective, slander and whispering are not merely social offenses but are deeply rooted in moral and spiritual failings. They reflect a heart that is not aligned with the truth and love of God. Jesus Himself taught about the importance of words, stating, "But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken" (Matthew 12:36). This teaching underscores the accountability that individuals have for their speech and the need for integrity in communication.

The Bible calls believers to a higher standard of speech, one that reflects the character of Christ. James 1:26 warns, "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless" . This admonition serves as a reminder that true faith is evidenced by the words we speak and the love we show to others.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 1:29
Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 12:20
For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found to you such as you would not: lest there be debates, contentions, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, arrogance, tumults:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... of heart, under the prohibition of murder, adultery, and thefts includes wrath,
hatred ... shall be in danger of the judgment;" whosoever by whispering or murmuring ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

Moody's Stories
... I to take up a book that is a slander on my ... it seemed as if the very pillow kept
whispering the word ... But you know the word "whosoever" includes every one in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/moodys stories/moodys stories.htm