Topical Encyclopedia Slander, defined as the act of making false and damaging statements about someone, is a sin that is condemned throughout Scripture. For the saints, those set apart by God and called to live holy lives, it is imperative to avoid giving any occasion for slander. The Bible provides clear guidance on how believers should conduct themselves to prevent being the subject of slanderous accusations.Biblical Exhortations Against Slander The Bible consistently warns against the sin of slander. In the Old Testament, slander is listed among the behaviors that God detests. Proverbs 10:18 states, "He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool." This verse highlights the foolishness and moral corruption associated with slanderous speech. In the New Testament, the apostle Paul admonishes believers to put away slander as part of their new life in Christ. Ephesians 4:31 instructs, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." This directive underscores the importance of maintaining purity in speech and relationships. Saints Called to Blamelessness Saints are called to live lives that are above reproach, providing no opportunity for slander. In 1 Timothy 3:2 , Paul outlines the qualifications for overseers, stating, "An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach." While this passage specifically addresses church leaders, the principle of being above reproach applies to all believers. Titus 2:7-8 further emphasizes this call to blamelessness: "In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that is beyond reproach, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." Here, the focus is on living in such a way that even opponents have no grounds for slander. Practical Steps to Avoid Slander To avoid giving occasion for slander, saints are encouraged to practice several key behaviors: 1. Guarding Speech: Believers are urged to speak truthfully and lovingly. Colossians 4:6 advises, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." By speaking with grace and wisdom, saints can prevent misunderstandings and false accusations. 2. Living with Integrity: A life of integrity serves as a powerful defense against slander. Proverbs 11:3 declares, "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them." Integrity in actions and decisions builds a reputation that is resistant to slander. 3. Pursuing Peace: Romans 12:18 encourages believers, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." By striving for peace and reconciliation, saints can minimize conflicts that might lead to slanderous talk. 4. Exemplifying Christlike Behavior: Following the example of Christ, who was without sin and yet suffered slander, believers are called to respond to false accusations with patience and love. 1 Peter 2:21-23 reminds us, "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps. He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth. When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly." By adhering to these biblical principles, saints can live in a manner that reflects their calling and minimizes the risk of slander, thereby honoring God and maintaining a testimony that is above reproach. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Peter 2:12Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Peter 3:16 Library On the Words of the Gospel, Luke x. 2, "The Harvest Truly is ... "All Our Righteousnesses are as Filthy Rags, and we all do Fade as ... Holy Song from Happy Saints Christian Sympathy How Saints May Help the Devil Letter ccxiv. To Count Terentius. The Church as She Should Be The Letter of the Church of Rome The Pilgrim's Longings One Antidote for Many Ills 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 |
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