Topical Bible: Slander: Saints: should be Warned Against

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Slander, defined as the act of making false and damaging statements about someone, is a sin that is explicitly condemned in the Scriptures. It is a form of bearing false witness, which is prohibited by the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:16). The Bible consistently warns believers against engaging in slander, emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity and truthfulness in speech.

Biblical Warnings Against Slander

The New Testament provides clear admonitions against slander, urging believers to avoid such behavior. In Ephesians 4:31, the Apostle Paul instructs, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." This verse highlights slander as part of a broader category of sinful behaviors that Christians are to abandon.

Similarly, in Colossians 3:8, Paul writes, "But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth." Here, slander is listed among other destructive behaviors that are incompatible with the new life in Christ.

The Character of the Righteous

The Psalms and Proverbs frequently contrast the behavior of the wicked with that of the righteous, often highlighting the sin of slander. Psalm 15:1-3 describes the character of one who may dwell in the Lord's sanctuary: "O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill? He who walks with integrity and practices righteousness, who speaks the truth from his heart, who has no slander on his tongue, who does no harm to his neighbor, nor casts a scorn on his friend."

Proverbs 10:18 warns, "The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool." This verse underscores the foolishness of slander and its association with deceit and malice.

The Call to Love and Edification

The call to love one another is central to Christian teaching, and slander is antithetical to this command. In James 4:11, believers are admonished, "Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it." This passage emphasizes the importance of unity and love within the Christian community, warning against the divisive nature of slander.

Furthermore, 1 Peter 2:1-2 encourages believers to "rid yourselves of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation." Here, slander is presented as a hindrance to spiritual growth and maturity.

The Example of Christ

Christ Himself set the ultimate example of how to respond to slander and false accusations. Despite being falsely accused and slandered by His opponents, Jesus remained silent and did not retaliate (Matthew 26:59-63). His response serves as a model for believers, demonstrating the power of restraint and the importance of entrusting oneself to God, who judges justly.

In summary, the Bible provides clear and consistent warnings against slander, urging believers to speak truthfully and lovingly. Slander is not only harmful to individuals but also detrimental to the unity and witness of the Christian community. Saints are called to reflect the character of Christ in their speech, avoiding slander and instead promoting edification and love.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Titus 3:1,2
Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Auxentius on the Giving up of the Basilicas.
... Do ye not know the saints shall judge the world?" [3501] And ... For why should we fear
for the Name of Christ ... use of this with a view to starting a slander, so as ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/sermon against auxentius on the.htm

Epiphanius Intervenes
... of attempting to pick up some rag of slander out of ... the last conspicuous act of his
life should have been ... drop a veil over the dissensions of saints"for even ...
/.../chapter xliv epiphanius intervenes.htm

A Word for the Persecuted
... the Lord Jesus Christ himself meet with slander, cruelty, and ... had your share in the
common lot of the saints. ... My third point is, HOW SHOULD YOU BEHAVE UNDER ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/a word for the persecuted.htm

Colossians and Ephesians Compared and vindicated.
... author calls himself "the least of all saints" (comp.1 ... But why should this heresy
not have arisen in the ... what could induce a pseudo-Paul to slander the church ...
/.../section 96 colossians and ephesians.htm

True Christianity Defended
... to curse or swear, not to lie or slander, not to ... We are all indeed called to be saints,
and the very ... God was now waiting till that salvation should be wrought ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 134 true christianity defended.htm

Articles vii and viii: of the Church.
... is no need here of a long defense against this slander. ... so called, is the congregation
of saints [of those ... whether of priests or people, we should not excite ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 11 articles vii and.htm

The Ministry.
... and drinking, to be sure, was a horrible slander; but for ... to be in the mouths of
the saints; for they ... the things and kingdom of Christ, should have in regard ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxii the ministry.htm

The Procession of Sorrow
... days counted it God's service to kill the saints. ... we might expect to receive more
slander, more abuse ... fellow-workers frown upon you; wives, should your husbands ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the procession of sorrow.htm

Enduring to the End
... Assailed by slander and abuse, it was his privilege to ... time of affliction, in which
there should be such ... thus: perseverance is the badge of saints"the target ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/enduring to the end.htm

the Nature of this Oversight
... How much have the saints of God been employed in this ... Thou that sayest a man should
not commit adultery ... Shall those lips censure, and slander, and backbite your ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 the nature.htm