Topical Encyclopedia Slander, as understood within the biblical context, refers to the act of making false and damaging statements about another person. It is considered a serious sin, as it not only harms the reputation of the individual being slandered but also disrupts the harmony and unity within the community of believers. The Bible provides clear guidance on the gravity of slander and the accountability that comes with it.Biblical References: 1. Matthew 12:36-37 : "But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." This passage underscores the seriousness with which God views our words, including slander. It highlights that every word spoken, whether in truth or deceit, will be subject to divine scrutiny. 2. Proverbs 10:18 : "The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool." This proverb associates slander with foolishness and deceit, emphasizing that those who engage in such behavior are acting contrary to wisdom and righteousness. 3. James 4:11-12 : "Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. And if you judge the law, you are not a practitioner of the law, but a judge of it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?" James warns against the sin of slander within the Christian community, reminding believers that judgment belongs to God alone. 4. Ephesians 4:31 : "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." The Apostle Paul instructs the church in Ephesus to eliminate slander from their lives, grouping it with other destructive behaviors that are incompatible with a life led by the Spirit. 5. 1 Peter 2:1 : "Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander." Peter calls for a purging of slander from the lives of believers, indicating that such behavior is antithetical to the new life in Christ. Theological Implications: Slander is not merely a social faux pas but a violation of God's command to love one's neighbor as oneself (Matthew 22:39). It reflects a heart that is not aligned with the values of the Kingdom of God. The biblical mandate to refrain from slander is rooted in the call to holiness and the pursuit of peace and unity within the body of Christ. Moral and Ethical Considerations: From a moral standpoint, slander is an affront to the dignity of the individual and a breach of the Ninth Commandment, which prohibits bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16). Ethically, it undermines trust and integrity, essential components of Christian fellowship and witness. Practical Application: Believers are encouraged to be mindful of their speech, ensuring that it is edifying and truthful. The call to accountability for slander serves as a reminder of the power of words and the responsibility that comes with them. Christians are urged to seek reconciliation and forgiveness where slander has occurred, fostering a community marked by love and truth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 12:36But I say to you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. Torrey's Topical Textbook James 1:26 Library The Tongue. Matt. xii. 33 Against Apollinarius; the Second Letter to Cledonius. (Ep. Cii. ) Rhodo and his Account of the Dissension of Marcion. V. ... Why the Talent was Buried Matt. v. 1, 2 The Letter of Saint Polycarp, John vi. 26, 27 Instructions to Catechumens. Resources What does the Bible say about backbiting? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about bitterness? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian view sportsmanship? | GotQuestions.org Slander: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Slander of David, by his Enemies Slander of Jeremiah, by the Jews Slander of Jesus, by the Jews Falsely Charging That he Was a Winebibber (Wino) Slander of Mephiboseth, by Ziba Slander: A Characteristic of the Devil Slander: An Abomination to God Slander: Characterized As Avoiding Slander: Christ Was Exposed To Slander: Comes from the Evil Heart Slander: Effects of Deadly Wounds Slander: Effects of Discord Among Brethren Slander: Effects of Separating Friends Slander: End of, is Mischievous Madness Slander: Evil People Addicted To Slander: Hypocrites Addicted To Slander: Hypocrites Habitually Slander: Includes: Bearing False Witness Slander: Includes: Evil Speaking Slander: Includes: Evil Surmising Slander: Includes: Judging Charitably Slander: Includes: Raising False Reports Slander: Includes: Repeating Matters Slander: Includes: Tale-Bearing Slander: Joseph by Potiphar's Wife Slander: Men Shall Give Account For Slander: Minister's Wives should Avoid Slander: Often Arises from Hatred Slander: People Shall Give Account For Slander: Saints should Keep Their Tongues From Slander: Saints should Lay Aside Slander: Saints: Blessed in Enduring Slander: Saints: Characterised As Avoiding Slander: Saints: should be Warned Against Slander: Saints: should Give No Occasion For Slander: Saints: should Keep Their Tongue From Slander: Saints: should Lay Aside Slander: Saints: should Return Good For Slander: Servants of God Exposed To Slander: should be Discountenanced With Anger Slander: should be Warned Against Slander: should Give No Occasion For Slander: should not be Listened To Slander: should Return Good For Slander: That he Was Seditious Slander: The Land of Canaan Misrepresented by the Spies Slander: The Nearest Relations Exposed To Slander: The Tongue of, is a Scourge Slander: The Wicked Addicted To Slander: They Who Indulge In, are Fools Slander: They Who Indulge In, not to be Trusted Slander: Those Who Indulge In, are Fools Slander: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Slander: Witnesses Against Christ Slander: Wives of God's Servants should Avoid Related Terms |