Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Nature:Slanderers are individuals who make false and malicious statements about others, intending to damage their reputation. In the biblical context, slander is considered a serious sin, reflecting a corrupt heart and leading to discord among people. The Bible frequently warns against the destructive power of the tongue and the moral decay it signifies when used for slander.
Biblical References:1.
Old Testament:·
Leviticus 19:16 : "You must not go about spreading slander among your people. You must not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am the LORD."
·
Proverbs 10:18 : "The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool."
·
Psalm 101:5 : "Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; the one with haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not endure."
In the Old Testament, slander is explicitly prohibited as it violates the command to love one's neighbor and maintain community harmony. It is associated with foolishness and is condemned by God, who values truth and integrity.
2.
New Testament:·
Ephesians 4:31 : "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice."
·
Colossians 3:8 : "But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth."
·
1 Peter 2:1 : "Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander."
The New Testament continues to emphasize the need for Christians to avoid slander, urging believers to rid themselves of all forms of malice and deceit. Slander is seen as incompatible with the new life in Christ, which calls for purity of speech and love for others.
Moral and Spiritual Implications:Slander is not merely a social offense but a spiritual one, reflecting a heart that is not aligned with God's will. It is often linked with other sins such as deceit, malice, and hypocrisy. The act of slandering is a violation of the commandment to love one's neighbor and is contrary to the character of God, who is truth.
Consequences:The Bible warns of the consequences of slander, both in terms of divine judgment and social discord. Slander can lead to broken relationships, community strife, and personal downfall. It is a sin that God promises to judge, as seen in passages like
Psalm 101:5, where God declares He will silence those who slander.
Christian Response:Believers are called to a higher standard of speech, one that builds up rather than tears down. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles encourage Christians to speak truthfully and lovingly, avoiding gossip and slander. The transformation of the heart through the Holy Spirit is essential for overcoming the temptation to slander, as a renewed heart produces words that reflect God's love and truth.
Practical Application:Christians are encouraged to examine their speech and motives, seeking forgiveness and reconciliation where slander has occurred. They are to cultivate a heart of love and integrity, using their words to edify others and glorify God. Engaging in prayer, studying Scripture, and seeking accountability within the Christian community are practical steps to guard against the sin of slander.
Greek
2637. katalalos -- a defamer... Cognate: 2637 -- slanderous. See 2635 (). Word Origin from kata and the same as
laleo Definition a defamer NASB Word Usage
slanderers (1). backbiter, slanderer.
...Library
The Ninth Commandment
... Notslanderers;' in the Greek, not devils.' Some think it is no great matter, to
misrepresent and slander others; but it is to act the part of a devil....
The Folly of Slander. Part 1.
... I say, we pass such censures, or impose such characters on the laudable or innocent
practice of our neighbours, we are indeedslanderers, imitating therein the...
Letter Lxxviii. (AD 404. )
... corrupt good manners: awake to righteousness, [1982] and sin not." [1983] Secondly,
that ye may not give way under the tongues ofslanderers, He saith by the...
A Discourse of Mercifulness
... 11). The Greek word for devil, signifies slanderer (1 Timothy 3:11). Not
slanderers' " in the Greek it is not devils'. Some think...
Ninth Commandment
... Slander has been called "tongue murder."Slanderers are compared to flies that
always settle on sores, but do not touch a man's good parts....
The Duties of Deacons, Youths, and virgins.
... They must not beslanderers, double-tongued, [367] or lovers of money, but temperate
in all things, compassionate, industrious, walking according to the truth...
Hallowed be Thy Name.
... also by an openly wicked life and works, when those who are called Christians and
the people of God are adulterers, drunkards, misers, envious, andslanderers....
Of the Remedy for the Second Source of Weariness.
... the other hand, there are any who, blinded by insensate spite, rejoice that we have
committed a mistake, whisperers as they are, andslanderers, and "hateful...
"Example of Life and Instruction of Manners. "
... It is noticeable, too, that no unfavourable traits develop themselves on the
re-establishment of her happiness and the condemnation of herslanderers; there...
Sirach's Prayer for a Happy and Temperate Life.
... Let not the poison and the gall Ofslanderers defile me; If I such filth should
touch at all It surely would beguile me, Might e'en quite overthrow me....
Thesaurus
Slanderers (7 Occurrences)...Slanderers (7 Occurrences).
... 1 Corinthians 6:10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards,
nor
slanderers, nor extortioners, will inherit the Kingdom of God.
...Gossips (5 Occurrences)
... with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, malice; full
of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil habits, secretslanderers, (See NAS...
Malicious (13 Occurrences)
... Malicious (13 Occurrences). 1 Timothy 3:11 Their wives in the same way must be reverent,
notslanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. (See NAS NIV)....
Reverent (8 Occurrences)
... WEB). 1 Timothy 3:11 Their wives in the same way must be reverent, not
slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. (WEB). Titus...
Destitute (25 Occurrences)
... Romans 1:30 They were secret backbiters, openslanderers; hateful to God, insolent,
haughty, boastful; inventors of new forms of sin, disobedient to parents...
Secret (341 Occurrences)
... filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, malice;
full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil habits, secretslanderers, (WEB...
Women (328 Occurrences)
... (See NAS NIV). 1 Timothy 3:11 Deaconesses, in the same way, must be sober-minded
women, notslanderers, but in every way temperate and trustworthy....
Unforgiving (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Timothy 3:3 without natural affection, unforgiving,slanderers, without
self-control, fierce, no lovers of good, (WEB WEY NIV)....
Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences)
... with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, malice; full
of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil habits, secretslanderers, (WEB KJV...
Unsubdued (1 Occurrence)
... Unsubdued (1 Occurrence). 2 Timothy 3:3 without natural affection, implacable,
slanderers, of unsubdued passions, savage, having no love for what is good, (DBY)...
Resources
Should all mothers be stay-at-home moms? | GotQuestions.orgWho will go to heaven? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the danger in gossiping about your pastor and his family? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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