Topical Bible: Slander: Saints: should Keep Their Tongue From

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Topical Encyclopedia

Slander, defined as the act of making false and damaging statements about someone, is a sin that the Bible consistently warns against. For the saints, those set apart by God, the call to refrain from slander is a significant aspect of living a life that honors God and reflects His holiness.

Biblical Exhortations Against Slander

The Bible provides clear instructions for believers to avoid slander. In the Psalms, David prays for protection from slanderous tongues, highlighting the destructive power of false words. Psalm 34:13 advises, "Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech." This verse underscores the importance of guarding one's speech to maintain purity and righteousness.

The New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing the transformation expected in the lives of believers. In Ephesians 4:31 , Paul instructs, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." Here, slander is listed among behaviors that are incompatible with the new life in Christ, urging believers to put away such practices.

The Character of the Righteous

The righteous, those who seek to live according to God's will, are characterized by their integrity and truthfulness. Proverbs 10:18 states, "The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool." This proverb highlights the foolishness of slander and the wisdom of maintaining honesty and love in speech.

James 1:26 further emphasizes the importance of controlling one's tongue: "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless." This verse serves as a sobering reminder that true faith is evidenced by disciplined speech, free from slander and deceit.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ, the ultimate example for believers, demonstrated perfect control over His speech. Despite facing false accusations and slander, He responded with truth and grace. 1 Peter 2:22-23 describes Christ's response to slander: "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."

The Call to Love and Edification

The call to avoid slander is rooted in the broader biblical command to love one another. Ephesians 4:29 instructs, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." This directive encourages believers to use their words to edify and uplift, rather than to harm or destroy.

In summary, the Bible consistently teaches that slander is incompatible with the life of a saint. Believers are called to guard their tongues, following the example of Christ, and to use their speech to reflect the love and truth of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 34:13
Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking guile.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 3:10
For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Beatific vision.
... lands of which he had never heard, should be repeating ... to handle the spears and arrows
of slander, and the ... father-confessor or director; to no saints or angels ...
/.../kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xxvii the beatific vision.htm

Holy Song from Happy Saints
... Through God's help has your character been cleared from slander? ... felt there were
not enough of saints, he calls ... and bless Christ my Lord, I should deserve to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/holy song from happy saints.htm

The Pilgrim's Longings
... such a family as God has, we should ever have ... fair white linen, which is the
righteousness of the saints. ... When people persecute you and slander you, no marvel. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/the pilgrims longings.htm

The Great Assize
... are not perfect, but all God's saints keep their eyes on ... evidence to prove my faith,"
I should reply, "Hold ... he put up with rebuke, and slander, and persecution ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/the great assize.htm

Wherefore, that Thou May'st be Rightly Disposed Both for Thy Soul ...
... mouth are these: to swear oftentimes: forswearing: slander of Christ or of any of
His Saints; to name ... art going, I counsel thee that thou should'st eat ...
/.../chapter vi wherefore that thou.htm

Whither Goest Thou?
... the way that I take." Are you the victim of slander? ... it is a pity that such a question
should be possible ... I know full well that many sincere saints are often ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/whither goest thou.htm

The Third Book
... but injustice, [175] of petty officials but slander, of all ... very few good men, when
those saints, who were ... stained with every deadly sin, why should we beguile ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the third book.htm

The Church as She Should Be
... world if they can, or to bespatter them with slander if they ... pray for him." Yes,
and all of us should say, "If ... Know ye not that the saints shall judge the world ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the church as she should.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... If ye love me, saith the Saviour, keep my commandments ... should come.' But and if it
should be understood ... saw his brother Benjamin, so all God's saints shall here ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... you from hell, you should preserve them from slander; if they ... In prayer, we act like
saints, in praise like angels ... Train up a child in the way he should go: and ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm