Topical Bible: Slander: They Who Indulge In, are Fools

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Slander, defined as the act of making false and damaging statements about someone, is a grievous sin condemned throughout Scripture. The Bible consistently warns against the destructive power of the tongue and the folly of those who engage in slanderous behavior.

Biblical Warnings Against Slander

The Book of Proverbs, known for its wisdom literature, provides clear admonitions against slander. Proverbs 10:18 states, "The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool." This verse highlights the foolishness of slander, equating it with deceit and hatred. The slanderer is portrayed as lacking wisdom and understanding, engaging in behavior that is both harmful and senseless.

Proverbs 11:9 further illustrates the destructive nature of slander: "With his mouth the ungodly man destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous are rescued." Here, the ungodly, through slander, bring ruin upon others, while the righteous, characterized by knowledge and discernment, avoid such pitfalls.

The Moral and Spiritual Implications

Slander is not merely a social faux pas but a serious moral failing with spiritual consequences. James 3:6 describes the tongue as "a fire, a world of unrighteousness," emphasizing the potential for great harm. The slanderer, by indulging in falsehoods, aligns themselves with unrighteousness, distancing themselves from the truth and integrity that God desires.

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently lists slander among other grave sins. In 2 Corinthians 12:20 , he expresses concern that he may find "quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalries, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder" among the believers. This association with other destructive behaviors underscores the severity of slander and its capacity to disrupt community and fellowship.

The Call to Righteous Speech

Scripture calls believers to a higher standard of speech, one that reflects the character of Christ. 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 speech that edifies and uplifts, in stark contrast to the harm caused by slander.

The wisdom literature of the Old Testament and the teachings of the New Testament together paint a comprehensive picture of the folly of slander. Those who indulge in it are not only acting foolishly but are also in direct opposition to the life of righteousness and truth that God calls His people to pursue.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 10:18
He that hides hatred with lying lips, and he that utters a slander, is a fool.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Snare of the Fowler
... can keep above him"it is only when they come down ... nothing else but just amuse the
devil, and indulge the combative ... the world to get rid of a slander is just ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the snare of the fowler.htm

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... use of these compliments imports not any design of service, neither are any such
fools to think so; for if we should put them to it that say so, they would not ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm

The World Turned Upside Down
... in a court of law against any slander, he just ... a different class of society, who
could not indulge in any ... the lower, and sometimes more, because they have more ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the world turned upside down.htm

A Word for the Persecuted
... Lord Jesus Christ himself meet with slander, cruelty, and ... is beastlike, and no Christian
will indulge in it ... The old covenantors said they never worshipped God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/a word for the persecuted.htm

Fast-Day Service
... amusements of yours, in which ye are wont to indulge. ... the fire is burning, the fire
which they themselves have ... No, I will not slander you by such a supposition ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/fast-day service.htm

The Letter of the Church of Rome
... Do not indulge in talking overmuch." [86] ?^6We ... own deeds or the right things they
did, but ... avarice, contentiousness, malice, fraud, gossip, slander, hatred of ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of the church.htm

Book I.
... nature is weak, for that is a slander upon God ... everywhere you are prone to exaggeration,
and indulge in ambitious ... war and enmity against God if they wear costly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book i.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... he can supply."He can say to the fools, be wise ... They are the ministers of God, revengers,
to execute wrath ... good: he is not licensed thereby to indulge the flesh ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... If he could not avoid the conflict, why slander his defenders? ... To sin is to indulge
this pleasure instead of ... rational creatures were so made, that they had the ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... wiseman; still calling himself a thousand fools for hearkening ... that I should so indulge
the flesh, as to use ... happened to Israel, for their sin; they were sent ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm