Topical Bible: Slander: Rulers Exposed To

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Slander, defined as the act of making false and damaging statements about someone, is a sin that is addressed multiple times in the Bible. Rulers, due to their positions of authority and visibility, are particularly susceptible to slander. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings regarding the exposure of rulers to slander, highlighting both the challenges they face and the divine guidance available to them.

Biblical Examples of Slandered Rulers

1. David: King David, a man after God's own heart, was no stranger to slander. In Psalm 41:5-6 , David laments, "My enemies say with malice: 'When will he die and be forgotten?' When one comes to visit, he speaks deceitfully; he stores up evil in his heart; he goes out and spreads it abroad." David's experience underscores the reality that even righteous leaders can be targets of false accusations and malicious talk.

2. Nehemiah: As the governor of Jerusalem, Nehemiah faced slander from his adversaries. In Nehemiah 6:5-7 , it is recorded that Sanballat sent an open letter accusing Nehemiah of plotting rebellion: "It is reported among the nations—and Geshem agrees—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and therefore you are rebuilding the wall." Nehemiah's response was to deny the false claims and continue his God-given mission, demonstrating the importance of integrity and perseverance in the face of slander.

3. Jesus Christ: The ultimate example of a ruler exposed to slander is Jesus Christ, the King of Kings. Throughout His ministry, Jesus was falsely accused by religious leaders and others who sought to undermine His authority. In Matthew 11:19 , Jesus acknowledges the slander against Him: "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look at Him, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' But wisdom is vindicated by her actions." Jesus' response to slander was to remain steadfast in His mission, trusting in the vindication of God's wisdom.

Biblical Teachings on Slander and Rulers

The Bible provides clear teachings on the sin of slander and the protection of rulers from such attacks. In Exodus 22:28 , the law commands, "You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people." This directive emphasizes the respect and honor due to those in authority, recognizing that slander against rulers is ultimately an affront to God's established order.

Proverbs 29:12 warns of the consequences when rulers give ear to slander: "If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked." This proverb highlights the corrupting influence of slander and the importance of discernment for those in leadership positions.

Divine Guidance and Protection

Rulers are encouraged to seek God's guidance and protection against slander. Psalm 31:20 offers assurance: "You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the schemes of men. You conceal them in Your shelter from accusing tongues." This verse provides comfort that God is a refuge for those who are unjustly accused, offering protection from the destructive power of slander.

In the New Testament, believers are reminded to pray for those in authority, as stated in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 : "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority—that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." This call to prayer underscores the responsibility of the faithful to support rulers through intercession, seeking God's wisdom and protection for them against slander and other challenges.

Through these examples and teachings, the Bible provides a comprehensive understanding of the reality of slander faced by rulers and the divine resources available to them.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Peter 2:10
But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jude 1:8
Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Greatest Trial on Record
... Let Satan slander, but Christ pleads. ... great law-giver Moses"and whether he had not
railed at the Pharisees, reviled the Scribes, and exposed the rulers. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the greatest trial on record.htm

Persecution Every Christian's Lot
... of persecution to which they, who live godly, are exposed. ... but to speak evil of and
slander the disciples ... that they should be called before rulers, and thrust ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/persecution every christians lot.htm

The Events which Happened at this Time to Dionysius and those in ...
... a contemporary bishop who was endeavoring to slander him ... with you concerning the
clemency which our rulers have shown ... men of character, and to be exposed to the ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xi the events which happened.htm

1 Timothy iii. 4-Jan
... But because the Churches were to be exposed to attacks ... he should be appointed one
of the rulers, he would ... his doctrines, the Heathen will often slander him, yet ...
/.../homily x 1 timothy iii.htm

The Era of Persecution
... provided a ready acceptance for the popular slander that in ... in stirring up the animosity
of the rulers against him ... in skins of wild beasts, and exposed to the ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/iii the era of persecution.htm

Jesus Heals a Paralytic at Capernaum.
... means to speak evil or, or to slander a person ... was the controversy between Christ
and the rulers from that day ... lest he should be detected and exposed; and hence ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxxv jesus heals a paralytic.htm

Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iii.
... rebukes vainly and idly spoken both by rulers and the ... life, lest some one discovering
an exposed and neglected ... before others, and even if they slander him, can ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book 3.htm

Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith.
... faith, and standing at the front, are exposed to the ... It is the duty of civil rulers
to faithfully employ ... word immediately proceeds to abuse and slander in the ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/fifth sunday after trinity exhortation.htm

Psalm LXXVII.
... rule the world, as if they were rulers of heaven ... whereon they would even found
accusation and slander""he said ... as human life is bitter, and exposed to storms ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxvii.htm

The Greater Prophets.
... They came to rulers and people with an ... were received from God himself, they exposed
the hypocrisy ... of filthy lucre; our ambition, slander, falsehood, intrigues ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm