Topical Bible: Slander: The Wicked Addicted To

◄ Slander: The Wicked Addicted To ►

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Slander, defined as the act of making false and damaging statements about someone, is a sin that is frequently addressed in the Bible. It is often associated with the behavior of the wicked, who are depicted as being addicted to such malicious speech. The Scriptures provide numerous insights into the nature of slander and its consequences, particularly highlighting the moral depravity of those who engage in it.

The Bible consistently portrays slander as a tool of the wicked, used to harm others and sow discord. In the Psalms, David laments the actions of those who slander him, recognizing it as a hallmark of the unrighteous. Psalm 50:20 states, "You sit and malign your brother; you slander your own mother's son." This verse underscores the betrayal and familial discord that slander can cause, illustrating the deep moral corruption of those who indulge in it.

Proverbs, a book rich in wisdom literature, also addresses the issue of slander. Proverbs 10:18 warns, "The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool." Here, slander is equated with foolishness, emphasizing the lack of wisdom and understanding in those who engage in such behavior. The wicked are depicted as lacking the discernment to recognize the destructive power of their words.

The New Testament continues this theme, with the Apostle Paul frequently admonishing believers to avoid slander and to be wary of those who practice it. In Romans 1:29-30 , Paul lists slander among the sins of those who have turned away from God: "They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful." This passage highlights the association of slander with a broader spectrum of sinful behaviors, painting a picture of the moral decay that characterizes the wicked.

James, the brother of Jesus, also addresses the issue of slander in his epistle. James 4:11 instructs, "Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it." This admonition not only warns against the act of slander but also points to the spiritual implications of such behavior, suggesting that it is an affront to God's law.

The addiction to slander among the wicked is further illustrated by their persistent engagement in it, despite the clear biblical warnings and the destructive outcomes it produces. The Scriptures reveal that slander is not merely a casual sin but a deeply ingrained habit that reflects a heart far from God. The wicked, in their addiction to slander, demonstrate a profound disregard for truth and righteousness, choosing instead to revel in the harm their words can inflict.

In summary, the Bible presents slander as a sin closely associated with the wicked, who are depicted as being addicted to its practice. Through various passages, the Scriptures warn of the moral and spiritual dangers of slander, urging believers to guard their tongues and to avoid the company of those who engage in such destructive speech.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 50:20
You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother's son.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 6:28
They are all grievous rebels, walking with slanders: they are brass and iron; they are all corrupters.
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Jeremiah 9:4
Take you heed every one of his neighbor, and trust you not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbor will walk with slanders.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

the Manner of this Oversight
... it the reason why women are more addicted to pride ... their wickedness, you show that
you are wicked yourselves ... Yet, alas, when sinners reproach and slander us for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 2 - the manner.htm

A Treatise to Prove that no one Can Harm the Man who Does not ...
... When then neither loss of money, nor slander, nor railing ... no man if he be infinitely
wicked could attack ... mire more offensive: for they who are addicted to this ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/a treatise to prove that.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... for swearing, he says"'I wished, with all my heart, that I might be a little child
again, that my father might learn me to speak without this wicked way of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Chapter xxxi
... true daughter of her father she had been addicted to his ... It is an effort to slander
a good man and do ... of apparent piety"in other words, it is wicked hypocrisy ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxi.htm

the Use of Humiliation
... If men see that you are addicted to do good ... Prelatical man can reverently scorn and
slander a Presbyterian ... it will bring upon us the displeasure of the wicked. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 - the use.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... [BADMAN'S WICKED BEHAVIOUR IN ... When he was but a child, he was so addicted to lying
that his parents scarce knew when to believe he spake true; yea, he would ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... that triest the reins (most secret thoughts) and the heart.' "Try MY reins and my
heart.' for it is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... Here then the saints take shelter from the roaring of the devil, from the
raging of their lusts, and from the fury of the wicked. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm