Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of biblical teachings, slurs can be understood as derogatory or insulting remarks that are intended to harm or belittle others. The Bible, while not using the modern term "slur," addresses the broader concept of harmful speech and the moral implications of using language to demean or insult others.
Biblical Teachings on SpeechThe Bible places significant emphasis on the power of words and the responsibility that comes with speech. In the Book of Proverbs, the wisdom literature frequently addresses the impact of words.
Proverbs 18:21 states, "Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." This verse underscores the potential of words to either uplift or destroy, highlighting the moral responsibility to use speech wisely.
James 3:5-6 further elaborates on the power of the tongue: "So too the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell." This passage warns of the destructive potential of careless or malicious speech, likening it to a fire that can cause widespread harm.
Prohibition of Harmful SpeechThe Bible explicitly condemns speech that harms others.
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 calls for speech that edifies and encourages, rather than speech that tears down or insults.
Similarly,
Colossians 3:8 advises believers to "rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips." The inclusion of slander and filthy language in this list indicates a clear prohibition against speech that is intended to harm or defame others.
The Example of ChristJesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of how believers are to conduct themselves in speech. In
1 Peter 2:22-23 , it is written, "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." Christ's response to verbal abuse and slander was not to retaliate in kind, but to maintain integrity and trust in God's justice.
The Call to Love and RespectThe Bible calls believers to love and respect one another, which inherently opposes the use of slurs or derogatory language. In
Matthew 22:39 , Jesus commands, "Love your neighbor as yourself." This commandment implies treating others with the same dignity and respect that one desires for oneself, which is incompatible with the use of slurs.
Furthermore, the Apostle Paul in
Romans 12:10 exhorts, "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another." This call to honor others suggests a standard of speech that uplifts and respects, rather than degrades or insults.
ConclusionThe biblical perspective on slurs and harmful speech is clear: believers are called to use their words to build up, encourage, and show love to others. The teachings of Scripture emphasize the power of the tongue and the moral responsibility to use it in a way that reflects the character of Christ.
Library
A Servant of Men
... There is a base counterfeit of this apostolic example, whichslurs over distinctive
beliefs, and weakly tries to please everybody by differing from nobody....
The Power of the Resurrection
... And do you suppose that the type of Christianity whichslurs over the explanation,
and so does not know what to do with the facts, will ever do much in the...
The Making of a Prophet
... teaching, fails to represent the full counsel of God, in the matter of man's redemption,
because it puts a one-sided emphasis on faith, andslurs over the...
Christ and his Cross the Centre of the Universe
... And so, brethren, we have to mark that the presentation of Christian truth which
slurs over that fact of the Sacrifice and Atonement of Jesus Christ, has...
Causes of Corruption Chiefly Intentional.
... The result has been found in constantslurs upon the sacred pages, lessening the
beauty and often perverting the sense,"a source of sorrow to the keen...
The Christian Described
... It hath come with such life and power, with such irresistible and marvellous glory,
as to wipe off all theslurs, silence all the outcries, and quench all the...
Was, Is, is to Come
... that type of thought, earnest and true as it may be within its narrow limits, which
is always pointing men to the past fact of a Cross, andslurs over and...
Thoughts for the Clergy on the Amusement Question.
... But it will not in the least tend to conciliate favor for the more stringent aspect
of the question, for its advocates to castslurs upon the sincerity and...
Jesus Angry with Hard Hearts
... So there are many who profess that they cannot understand the gospel, but they have
understanding enough to cavil at it, and castslurs upon it....
Temptations.
... O, methinks it hath come with such life, such power, with such irresistible and
marvellous glory, that it wipes off all theslurs, silences all the outcries...
Thesaurus
Slurs (1 Occurrence)...Slurs (1 Occurrence). Psalms 15:3 He who doesn't slander with his tongue, nor does
evil to his friend, nor casts
slurs against his fellow man; (WEB).
...Slur (1 Occurrence)
... Slur (1 Occurrence). Psalms 15:3 He who doesn't slander with his tongue, nor does
evil to his friend, nor castsslurs against his fellow man; (Root in WEB NIV)....
Casts (21 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Psalms 15:3 He who doesn't slander with his tongue, nor does evil to
his friend, nor castsslurs against his fellow man; (WEB NIV)....
Sly (3 Occurrences)
Slander (34 Occurrences)
... Psalms 15:3 He who doesn't slander with his tongue, nor does evil to his friend,
nor castsslurs against his fellow man; (WEB JPS ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Tongue (160 Occurrences)
... Psalms 15:3 He who doesn't slander with his tongue, nor does evil to his friend,
nor castsslurs against his fellow man; (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS...
Friend (139 Occurrences)
... Psalms 15:3 He who doesn't slander with his tongue, nor does evil to his friend,
nor castsslurs against his fellow man; (WEB ASV BBE YLT NAS RSV)....
Resources
How and when should we overlook an offense (Proverbs 19:11)? | GotQuestions.orgSummary of the Book of 1 Peter - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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