The Bible does not explicitly mention libel, which is the publication of a false statement that damages someone’s reputation. However, the Bible has much to say about truthfulness, honesty, integrity, and protecting one’s good name. Here is an overview of some relevant biblical principles regarding libel:
The importance of truthfulness and honesty
The Bible emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth and avoiding falsehood.
“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” (Ephesians 4:25)
“You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness.” (Exodus 23:1)
God desires truthfulness in our inner being:
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)
The Bible warns against deceitful and destructive speech:
“Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive. The venom of asps is under their lips.” (Romans 3:13)
“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:18)
Therefore, spreading intentionally false and damaging statements about someone would go against biblical principles of honesty and integrity.
Protecting reputation and not slandering
The Bible speaks about protecting one’s reputation and avoiding slander or defamation of character.
“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.” (Proverbs 22:1)
“Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy. Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure.” (Psalm 101:5)
“Do not slander a servant to his master, or he will curse you, and you will pay for it.” (Proverbs 30:10)
“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil…Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:25-27, 29)
The Bible encourages building others up, not tearing them down through insults, slander, or libel. Our words should aim to edify, not destroy reputations.
Avoiding gossip and unnecessary quarreling
The Bible condemns gossip, talebearing, and stirring up strife through words. These can be characteristics of libel cases.
“A perverse person stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.” (Proverbs 16:28)
“For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.” (Proverbs 26:20)
“Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.” (Proverbs 20:19)
“Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.” (Proverbs 11:12)
Therefore, we should avoid unnecessary quarreling and slanderous speech. It tears down rather than builds up.
Seeking justice and mercy
If someone has been libeled, the Bible encourages seeking justice but also displaying mercy:
“When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.” (Proverbs 21:15)
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)
At the same time, Christians are called to show grace and forgiveness to those who wrong them:
“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you…Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:27-28, 36)
This can be very difficult, but displaying mercy even when justice could demand harsh retaliation is a biblical principle.
Seeking repentance and restoration
In cases of clear libel or defamation, the Bible encourages repentance and restoration:
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” (James 5:16)
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.” (Matthew 18:15)
“Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:9)
The goal should be repentance and restoration of the relationship, not simply punishment.
Entrusting justice to God
Believers can find comfort in entrusting justice to God when facing unfair defamation:
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19)
“For we know him who said, ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ and again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.’ It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:30-31)
“Why should I fear in times of trouble, when the iniquity of those who cheat me surrounds me, those who trust in their wealth and boast of the abundance of their riches? Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice, that he should live on forever and never see the pit.” (Psalm 49:5-9)
God is the ultimate and perfect judge who will ensure true justice is done if someone’s reputation is damaged through libel.
Conclusion
While the Bible does not directly address libel, it provides principles about honesty, integrity, protecting reputations, avoiding unnecessary conflict, pursuing justice mercifully, seeking repentance and restoration, and trusting God when facing unfair defamation. As Christians, we are called to speak truthfully, build others up, resolve disputes wisely, repent when needed, forgive willingly, and leave ultimate justice to God.