Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Nature of Slander:Slander is the act of making false and malicious statements about someone with the intent to damage their reputation. It is a form of bearing false witness, which is explicitly condemned in the Scriptures. Slander is deceitful because it involves the distortion of truth and the spreading of lies, often leading to discord and division among individuals and communities. Biblical Condemnation of Slander: The Bible consistently condemns slander as a sinful behavior that is contrary to the character of God and the teachings of Christ. In the Ten Commandments, God commands, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16). This commandment underscores the importance of truthfulness and integrity in our interactions with others. 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 and its roots in hatred and deceit. Slander is not only a violation of God's law but also a reflection of a corrupt heart. Consequences of Slander: Slander has destructive consequences, both for the one who slanders and for the victim. It can lead to broken relationships, loss of trust, and damage to one's reputation. James 3:6 describes the tongue as "a fire, a world of unrighteousness," emphasizing the potential of words to cause great harm. The Apostle Paul warns against slander in his letters, urging believers to put away "all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice" (Ephesians 4:31). Slander is associated with other sinful behaviors that disrupt the unity and peace of the Christian community. Slander in the Life of a Believer: For Christians, slander is incompatible with the new life in Christ. Believers are called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and to let their speech be "always full of grace, seasoned with salt" (Colossians 4:6). The transformation of the heart through the Holy Spirit should be evident in the way Christians use their words. The Psalms often reflect a plea for deliverance from slander. David, in Psalm 31:13 , laments, "For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side." This cry for help reveals the deep pain and distress caused by slanderous attacks. God's Justice and the Hope for the Slandered: While slander can cause significant harm, the Bible assures believers of God's justice. Psalm 101:5 declares, "Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, him I will destroy." God is a righteous judge who will hold accountable those who engage in deceitful speech. For those who have been slandered, there is hope in God's vindication. 1 Peter 2:23 reminds us of Christ's example: "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." Believers are encouraged to trust in God's justice and to respond to slander with grace and forgiveness. Conclusion: Slander is a deceitful work that stands in opposition to the truth and love that God desires for His people. It is a sin that not only harms others but also grieves the heart of God. Christians are called to reject slander and to cultivate speech that reflects the character of Christ, promoting peace and edification within the body of Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 52:2The tongue devises mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Folly of Slander. Part 1. Psalm CIX. The Folly of Slander. Part 2. The Persons that Became at that Time Leaders of Knowledge Falsely ... The Wisdom of God's Counsels The Betrayal John x. 22-24 The New Birth Second Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to Brotherly Love. Looking unto Jesus 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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