Slander is defined as making false and damaging statements about someone. It involves spreading lies and rumors about others that harm their reputation. The Bible has a lot to say about the dangers of engaging in slander and how Christians should avoid using their words for evil.
The Bible condemns slander as a sin
The Bible clearly states that slander is a sin that God hates. Leviticus 19:16 says, “You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord.” This verse forbids spreading rumors and falsehoods that harm others.
Proverbs 10:18 warns, “The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool.” Spreading lies about others demonstrates a lack of wisdom and godly character. The book of Psalms warns that God will destroy those who slander others (Psalm 101:5).
The New Testament also condemns slander. Romans 1:29-30 lists slanderers among those who act wickedly and deserve death. 2 Corinthians 12:20 warns that slander is one of the sins that can divide a church. Overall, the Bible clearly communicates that slander displeases God and has no place among God’s people.
Slander is rooted in sinful desires and attitudes
According to the Bible, slander does not occur in a vacuum. It stems from sinful desires and attitudes in a person’s heart. For example, conflicts between people often lead to slander, as individuals spread lies and rumors to harm their opponents. Proverbs 26:20 says, “For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.” Slander fuels the fires of conflict.
Jealousy and envy also motivate slander. Ecclesiastes 4:4 states that envy makes people competitive and leads them to “tear down” others. When Cain killed Abel, his jealousy led him to murder and slander (Genesis 4:1-8; 1 John 3:12-13). Other sinful motivations for slander include hatred, pride, and the desire for power or attention.
Jesus said evil words spring from evil desires in the heart (Matthew 15:19). Therefore, stopping slander requires rooting out the sin behind it. Confessing and repenting of wrong motivations is the first step.
Slander is extremely destructive
The book of Proverbs uses vivid imagery to depict the destructiveness of slander. Proverbs 11:9 warns that slander can destroy friendships: “With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.”
Proverbs 16:27-28 compares slander to a fire that burns continuously: “A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.” Slander burns bridges between people and can ruin lives.
Proverbs 18:8 also uses fire imagery: “The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.” This verse compares slander to tasty food that tempts people to indulge in it. But in reality, slander poisons relationships.
Overall, the book of Proverbs uses vivid word pictures to emphasize that slander devastatingly damages people and relationships. Therefore, Christians must avoid it.
Believers should speak truthfully and lovingly
Rather than slandering others, the Bible instructs Christians to speak truthfully and lovingly. Ephesians 4:25 says, “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” Speaking truthfully honors Christ.
Believers’ words should build others up, not tear them down. Ephesians 4:29 states: “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.” Words that edify and encourage reflect God’s grace.
Colossians 4:6 summarizes how Christians should speak: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Gracious, thoughtful speech displays wisdom.
In essence, God calls His children to be beacons of truth, grace, and hope through their words. Slander contradicts the Christian ethic of love (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
The Bible offers forgiveness and restoration to slanderers
Though slander is destructive, the Bible offers hope and redemption even to those entangled in this sin. 1 John 1:9 promises: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Repentance brings forgiveness.
The book of Acts records how the apostle Paul opposed Christianity before his dramatic conversion. Although he slandered the church, Christ redeemed him, and Paul became a great missionary (Acts 9).
Through the prophet Ezekiel, God said, “As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live” (Ezekiel 33:11). God patiently waits for sinners to repent.
Slanderers can become champions of God’s truth. The promise of redemption empowers believers to do likewise by extending grace: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
Examples of slander in the Bible
The Bible contains several examples of slander that illustrate its causes and effects. Studying these accounts provides warnings to avoid this dangerous sin.
Joseph’s brothers slandered him
Joseph’s brothers hated him because their father favored him, so they plotted to murder him (Genesis 37:4, 18). But instead, they sold Joseph into slavery and lied to their father, claiming wild animals had killed him (Genesis 37:31–35). Their jealousy and hatred drove them to cruel slander.
Saul slandered David
Israel’s first king, Saul, grew jealous of David’s military successes. He tried to turn the people against David through deception and false accusations (1 Samuel 18:6-9). But Saul’s slander failed to prevent David from becoming king.
Jehoshaphat was falsely accused
When King Jehoshaphat sought to obey God, he was slanderously accused of assisting the wicked King Ahab (2 Chronicles 18:1–19:2). But Jehoshaphat continued serving God faithfully despite the attacks.
Jewish leaders slandered Jesus
During Jesus’ ministry, Jewish religious leaders spread false rumors that He had demonic power (Matthew 12:22-24). The Gospels also record their false accusations against Him at his trial (Mark 14:55–59). Nevertheless, Jesus submitted Himself to evil for the greater good.
Paul endured slander for Christ
The apostle Paul gave up his prestigious position to follow Christ. Consequently, he endured attacks from enemies of Christianity who slandered his character and ministry (2 Corinthians 6:3-10). However, their slander could not stop Paul from preaching the Gospel.
These examples provide warnings against using words for evil. They also encourage believers to persevere through slander, following Jesus’ example.
Principles for dealing with slander as a Christian
When facing slander, Christians should respond in a way that honors Christ. Here are some key principles for dealing with accusations, rumors, and lies:
- Bring it to God in prayer instead of repaying evil with evil (1 Peter 2:23)
- Seek godly counsel from spiritually mature Christians (Proverbs 12:15)
- Correct inaccurate information but avoid quarrels over hearsay (2 Timothy 2:24-26)
- Focus on living above reproach, keeping a clear conscience (1 Peter 3:15-17)
- Forgive those who slander you, just as Christ forgave (Colossians 3:13)
- Trust that God will vindicate you in due time (Psalm 37:5-6)
The Bible offers comfort and hope to those experiencing slander: “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11-12).
Conclusion
Slander contradicts biblical values like honesty, grace, and love. Therefore, Christians must diligently guard against using words destructively. Instead, believers should speak truthfully, constructively, and lovingly. Though slander may come from enemies of the Gospel, Christians have hope of redemption. Following Jesus’ model, they can endure suffering while trusting God to defend and reward them for righteousness. In all things, the Bible guides believers to use their words wisely for God’s glory.