Slander is something we all hope to avoid, both as the one speaking and the one spoken about. The Bible addresses slander directly, reminding us of the power of our words and the damage they can cause. It’s not just about gossiping; it’s about the deeper issues of the heart that lead us to speak ill of others. Understanding what Scripture says about slander can help us guard our tongues and foster a more loving community.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About vision
What Does The Bible Say About slander
Proverbs 10:18
“Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.”
This verse highlights the foolishness of spreading slander and deception. It warns against using lying lips to conceal hatred and emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and honesty in our words and actions.
Slander is harmful and can tarnish someone’s reputation. As followers of Christ, we are called to speak the truth in love and to avoid engaging in gossip or spreading false information about others.
Proverbs 11:13
“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
This verse reveals the damaging effects of gossip and how it betrays trust. It reminds us to be trustworthy individuals who can keep confidences and guard the privacy of others.
As Christians, we should cultivate a reputation for being trustworthy and reliable, always respecting the confidentiality and dignity of others. Instead of participating in gossip, we should strive to be people who build others up with our words.
Proverbs 16:28
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
This verse warns us about the divisive nature of gossip. It emphasizes that spreading rumors and engaging in gossip can harm relationships and create conflicts.
As followers of Christ, we should be peacemakers and strive to build unity among people. Instead of spreading gossip, we should seek to resolve conflicts and encourage reconciliation.
Proverbs 20:19
“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.”
This verse advises us to be cautious of those who talk excessively and engage in gossip. It highlights the importance of distancing ourselves from those who betray confidences and spread harmful rumors.
As Christians, we are called to be discerning and wise in choosing our companions. We should surround ourselves with people who exhibit wisdom, integrity, and a respectful use of their words.
Proverbs 26:20
“Without wood, a fire goes out; without a gossip, a quarrel dies down.”
This verse illustrates the role of gossip in fueling unnecessary conflicts. It challenges us to recognize that gossip perpetuates quarrels and intensifies disagreements.
As followers of Christ, we should be peace-seekers rather than fanning the flames of discord through gossip. We should strive to promote reconciliation and restoration, using our words to build bridges instead of walls.
Ephesians 4:31
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”
This verse emphasizes the need to eliminate slander from our lives. It instructs us to put away bitterness, anger, and malice, which can lead to engaging in harmful speech.
As Christians, we are called to embrace forgiveness and love. We should guard our hearts and minds against harboring negative emotions that could lead us down the path of slanderous speech. Instead, we should strive for reconciliation and promote peace.
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.”
This verse warns against the dangers of idleness and becoming busybodies who engage in idle chitchat and spread nonsensical rumors.
As believers, we are called to be productive members of society, using our time and words wisely. We should refrain from engaging in idle talk and instead focus on edifying and uplifting conversations.
James 4:11
“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.”
This verse prohibits slandering one another and serves as a reminder that by doing so, we are speaking against God’s law and acting as judges rather than humble followers.
As Christians, we should be careful with our words, avoiding slander and embracing the principles of love, grace, and mercy. Instead of speaking ill of others, we should seek to build them up and demonstrate Christ’s love through our actions.
1 Peter 2:1
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”
This verse exhorts believers to rid themselves of all forms of slander. It emphasizes the importance of fostering a sincere and genuine spirit, free from malice, deceit, and envy.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be people of integrity, living honestly and truthfully. Our words should be filled with love and encouragement, seeking to uplift and build others up rather than tearing them down with slanderous speech.
2 Timothy 3:3
“…without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good”
This verse portrays the negative characteristics associated with slander. It warns against being unforgiving and lacking self-control, as these traits can lead to engaging in slanderous speech.
As Christians, we are called to a higher standard of love and self-control. Our words should reflect the love of Christ and demonstrate our commitment to forgiveness and reconciliation, rather than participating in slanderous conversations.
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 assures that those who engage in secret slander will be held accountable. It also highlights God’s displeasure with pride and arrogance, which often accompany slanderous speech.
As believers, we are called to humility and love for our neighbors. We should guard our hearts against pride and gossip, knowing that God will silence those who engage in slander and bring justice to all.
Matthew 12:36
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”
This verse reminds us of the accountability we have for our words, including slanderous speech. It underscores the importance of speaking with wisdom, recognizing that we will be judged for every idle and thoughtless word we utter.
As Christians, we should strive to align our words with the teachings of Jesus and let our speech be uplifting and encouraging, rather than engaging in harmful gossip or slanderous remarks.
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.”
This verse calls us to eliminate slander and negative speech from our lives. It emphasizes that as followers of Christ, we should strive to demonstrate holiness in our actions and words.
As Christians, we are called to be set apart from the world and to reflect the character of Christ. This includes refraining from engaging in slander and being intentional in our choice of words, speaking love, truth, and encouragement instead.
James 1:26
“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”
This verse warns against the hypocrisy of claiming to be religious while failing to control our speech. It cautions that if we do not guard our words, our faith is rendered meaningless.
As believers, we should strive to align our words with our faith, keeping a tight rein on our tongues and speaking with love and truth. Our speech should reflect our commitment to following Christ and bearing witness to His grace in our lives.
Psalm 34:13
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of guarding our speech. It calls us to refrain from engaging in evil talk and dishonesty.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be people of truth and integrity. Let us be mindful of our words, using them to bring life, encouragement, and edification to others rather than engaging in slanderous speech or falsehood.
1 Corinthians 6:10
“nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
This verse highlights that those who engage in slander will not inherit the kingdom of God. It underscores the seriousness of participating in harmful speech and its implications for our relationship with God.
As believers, we should strive to live in a manner that aligns with the values of God’s kingdom. This includes refraining from engaging in slander and seeking to embody the love and grace that Christ demonstrated in His teachings and actions.
1 Peter 3:10
“For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.”
This verse underscores the connection between the quality of our lives and the words we speak. It reminds us that if we desire a life filled with goodness and joy, we must refrain from engaging in evil talk and deceitful speech.
As believers, we should strive to be people of truth and integrity, guarding our tongues and using our words to bring life, encouragement, and edification to others.
Titus 2:3
“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine but to teach what is good.”
This verse provides guidance on how older women should conduct themselves, counseling against engaging in slanderous speech. It encourages them to teach what is good and exhibit a reverent lifestyle.
As believers, regardless of age or gender, we are called to emulate Christ’s teachings. Let us strive to be people who teach what is good, avoiding slanderous speech and instead serving as examples of love, grace, and wisdom.
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.”
This verse prohibits the spreading of slander among the community and emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the well-being of our neighbors. It serves as a reminder that our actions and words should align with God’s commandments.
As believers, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves. Let us refrain from participating in gossip or slanderous speech and instead strive to promote unity, understanding, and respect within our communities.
Matthew 5:11
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.”
This verse speaks to the reality of facing slanderous speech or false accusations because of our faith in Christ. It encourages us by reminding us that even in the face of such adversity, we are blessed.
As believers, we should not be disheartened by slander or persecution. Instead, let us trust in the Lord and find solace in the knowledge that our identity is in Him. May we respond to slander with love, grace, and a steadfast commitment to following Christ.
Psalms 140:11
“May slanderers not be established in the land; may disaster hunt down the violent.”
This verse expresses a plea for God’s intervention against slanderers and those who perpetuate violence. It acknowledges the destructive nature of slander and calls for justice.
As believers, we should align our prayers with God’s justice and mercy. Let us pray for the restoration of truth, the healing of the wounded, and the transformation of hearts that engage in slanderous speech.
2 Corinthians 12:20
“For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.”
This verse highlights the Apostle Paul’s concerns regarding the presence of discord, slander, and gossip within the Corinthian church. It reveals the detrimental effects of such behaviors on the unity and effectiveness of the body of Christ.
As believers, we should be aware of the potential harm caused by slander and gossip within our own communities. Let us strive to build one another up, speak words of encouragement and love, and promote unity in the body of Christ.