Slander and gossip can be destructive forces in our relationships and communities. Discover what the Bible teaches about slander and how it emphasizes the importance of using our words for building up rather than tearing down. Let’s explore verses that guide us towards more compassionate communication.
Bible Verses About Slander
Exodus 23:1
“Do not spread false reports. Do not help a guilty person by being a malicious witness.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of truth and integrity. It warns against spreading false reports or acting as a malicious witness, which can harm someone’s reputation and character. As Christians, we are called to speak the truth in love and avoid participating in slander or gossip.
Proverbs 10:18
“Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.”
This verse exposes the foolishness of spreading slander and concealing hatred through lies. It reminds us that God values honesty and integrity. As followers of Christ, we are called to promote love, unity, and reconciliation rather than spreading harmful rumors or false accusations.
Matthew 12:36-37
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words, you will be condemned.”
Jesus reminds us of the weight and power of our words in this verse. He emphasizes that we will be held accountable for every empty or harmful word we speak. Therefore, as Christians, it is crucial to be mindful of our speech and avoid engaging in slander or gossip, for our words have the potential to bring either restoration or destruction.
Romans 1:29-30
“They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents.”
This verse highlights the consequences of engaging in slander and gossip. It is listed among a list of sinful behaviors that characterize those who have rejected God. As Christians, we are called to live counter-culturally and avoid participating in such destructive practices.
Ezekiel 22:9
“In you are slanderous men bent on shedding blood; in you are those who eat at the mountain shrines and commit lewd acts.”
This verse reveals how slander can be associated with other sinful behaviors. It shows that those who engage in slanderous actions are often involved in other immoral practices. As Christians, we should strive for holiness and avoid any form of slander or participation in wickedness.
Leviticus 19:16
“Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the Lord.”
God’s command in this verse is clear: we must not participate in spreading slander among our community. We are called to protect and care for our neighbors’ well-being and reputation. Instead of spreading slander, we should seek opportunities to encourage, build up, and demonstrate God’s love.
Psalm 15:1-3
“Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others.”
This beautiful psalm speaks of the characteristics of those who are worthy of dwelling in God’s presence. It emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth and refraining from slanderous speech. As Christians, we should strive to live a blameless life, being examples of righteousness and grace.
Colossians 3:8
“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
Paul, in this verse, urges believers to put off slanderous speech along with other negative behaviors. He calls us to remove malice, anger, and any filthy language from our lips. Instead, we should be vessels of God’s grace and love, building up one another.
James 4:11-12
“Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?”
In this passage, James sternly warns against speaking ill of one another. He reminds us that when we slander or judge others, we assume a position that belongs to God alone. As Christians, we should humbly submit to God and focus on loving and building up our brothers and sisters in Christ, rather than tearing them down.
1 Timothy 5:13
“Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to.”
Paul warns against becoming busybodies who engage in gossip and speak nonsense. This applies to our interactions with others both within and outside the church. As Christians, we should be careful with our words and use them to bring life and edification rather than indulging in idle talk or spreading harmful rumors.
1 Peter 2:1
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”
Peter calls believers to rid themselves of all forms of slander, along with other negative attitudes and behaviors. Instead of participating in slander, we are to pursue righteousness, integrity, and genuine love for one another.
Psalm 101:5
“Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate.”
This verse reveals God’s stance against slander. He promises to silence the slanderer and opposes those who have proud and haughty hearts. As Christians, we are called to imitate God’s character and reflect His love and mercy, rather than engaging in slanderous speech.
Proverbs 20:19
“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.”
This proverb warns against the dangers of being a gossip. It highlights how betraying someone’s confidence can lead to broken trust and damaged relationships. As Christians, we should be trustworthy individuals who guard the secrets of others and refrain from spreading harmful information.
Titus 3:2
“To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”
Paul instructs Titus to lead the believers by example, urging them to avoid slandering others. Instead, they are to live peaceably, considerately, and gently, reflecting the love of Christ to all around them.
Proverbs 26:20
“Without wood, a fire goes out; without a gossip, a quarrel dies down.”
This proverb emphasizes the power of gossip in fueling conflicts and quarrels. If we refrain from participating in gossip, we can contribute to resolving conflicts and promoting peace. As Christians, we should actively seek reconciliation and avoid being part of the problem through slanderous speech.
1 Corinthians 6:10
“Nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
Paul’s letter to the Corinthians enumerates various sinful behaviors, including slander. He makes it clear that those who engage in slanderous speech, along with other sinful practices, will not inherit the kingdom of God. As believers, we should be aware of the serious consequences of participating in slander and strive to align our speech with God’s standards.
Jeremiah 9:4
“Beware of your friends; do not trust anyone in your clan. For every one of them is a deceiver, and every friend a slanderer.”
Jeremiah warns the people to be cautious and not to trust those who engage in slanderous behavior, even among their friends and family. This verse reminds us to be discerning and seek godly friendships that build us up and promote righteousness.
Psalm 101:7
“No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence.”
In this verse, David expresses his commitment to maintaining integrity and truthfulness in his presence. As believers, we should strive to reflect these qualities as representatives of Christ, avoiding deceitful speech, including slander.
Matthew 7:1-2
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Jesus’ instruction in this passage cautions against the tendency to judge others. This includes making slanderous or derogatory comments about them. As Christians, we are called to have a posture of humility and love, leaving judgment to God and focusing on our own personal growth.
Proverbs 16:28
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
This proverb highlights the destructive nature of gossip. It reveals how slanderous speech can create conflicts and cause division among friends. As Christians, we should be peacemakers who strive for reconciliation and avoid being instruments of division through slanderous words.
1 Corinthians 5:11
“But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.”
In this verse, Paul instructs the Corinthians to separate themselves from those who engage in slander, along with other sinful behaviors. As Christians, we are to hold one another accountable and distance ourselves from individuals who persist in unrepentant slander so that they may be challenged to repent and seek restoration.
Psalm 50:20
“You sit and testify against your brother and slander your own mother’s son.”
This verse reveals the ungodly practice of slandering one’s own family members. It exposes the harm that can come from engaging in such behavior. As Christians, we should strive to build up and support our family members, promoting love and unity rather than participating in slander.
Proverbs 11:13
“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
In this verse, Solomon compares the actions of a gossip and a trustworthy person. The gossip betrays the confidence of others, while the trustworthy individual maintains the security of a secret. As Christians, we should strive to be trustworthy individuals who can be relied upon to keep confidences and guard the reputations of others.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
Paul’s warning in this verse reminds us of the influence that individuals engaged in slanderous speech can have on us. We should be cautious about the company we keep, ensuring that we surround ourselves with people who uplift, encourage, and promote godly character.
Proverbs 10:19
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
This proverb highlights the wisdom of exercising self-control over our speech. It warns against the temptation to engage in slanderous speech, knowing that an abundance of words will not bring an end to sin. As Christians, we should strive to practice self-control, knowing that our words have the power to bring either life or death.
1 Timothy 3:11
“In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.”
Paul instructs Timothy regarding the qualities of women in the church. Among other characteristics, he emphasizes the importance of avoiding malicious talk and being trustworthy individuals. As believers, we are called to be examples of godliness, faithfully representing Christ and promoting His kingdom.
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
This proverb highlights the importance of forgiveness and grace in our relationships. Instead of repeating offenses or engaging in slanderous speech, we are called to cover offenses with love. This helps to maintain unity and fosters an environment of trust among close friends.
Proverbs 6:16-19
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
This passage lists seven things that are detestable to the Lord, one of which is a false witness who pours out lies. Slanderous speech is an act that stirs up conflict and spreads falsehoods. As Christians, we are to pursue righteousness and strive to avoid engaging in such behavior.
Proverbs 26:22
“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.”
Proverbs describes the enticing nature of gossip through this imagery of “choice morsels” that go deep into a person’s being. This verse warns us of the potential harm that slanderous speech can cause, not only to the person being talked about but also to the one participating in gossip.
2 Timothy 3:1-5
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”
In this passage, Paul warns Timothy of the characteristics of people who have rejected God. Slanderous speech is among a list of behaviors that reflect a heart that is far from God. As Christians, we are called to distance ourselves from such individuals and instead pursue righteousness and genuine love.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Blooming
What does the Bible say About Slander?
In the Bible, the concept of slander is addressed in several passages, offering guidance on how we should approach and avoid slanderous speech. Slander is generally defined as making false and damaging statements about someone with the intent to harm their reputation. Here are some key biblical principles regarding slander:
1. Prohibition of Slander: The Bible clearly condemns slander. In the Old Testament, the ninth commandment in Exodus 20:16 states, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” This commandment emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and warns against spreading falsehoods.
2. The Power of Words: Proverbs 18:21 (ESV) reminds us that, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” This verse underscores the significant impact our words can have on others. Slanderous speech can cause great harm, not only to the person being slandered but also to the one spreading false information.
3. Gossip and Slander: Gossip often goes hand-in-hand with slander. Proverbs 11:13 (NIV) advises, “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.” When we engage in gossip, we can easily slip into slanderous speech, damaging trust and relationships.
4. Speaking the Truth in Love: While the Bible prohibits slander, it encourages speaking the truth in love. Ephesians 4:15 (NIV) instructs, “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” It’s important to address concerns or conflicts honestly and constructively, without resorting to false accusations.
5. Restoration and Forgiveness: When we realize we’ve engaged in slanderous speech, the Bible encourages us to seek forgiveness and reconciliation. Matthew 5:23-24 (ESV) says, “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First, be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” This verse highlights the importance of making amends and seeking reconciliation when our words have caused harm.
In summary, the Bible unequivocally condemns slander and underscores the importance of truthful, loving, and edifying speech. It encourages us to use our words to build up and restore relationships rather than tearing them down through false accusations. By following these biblical principles, we can strive to live in harmony with our neighbors and honor God through our words and actions.