Words have power, and the Bible frequently warns against using them carelessly. Slandering others, spreading false information or damaging someone’s reputation, is something the Bible takes seriously. Gossip and slander can destroy relationships and harm communities. Let’s explore what scripture says about guarding our tongues and why it encourages us to speak truth in love.
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What Does The Bible Say About Slandering Others
Proverbs 10:18
“Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.”
This verse cautions against the foolishness of spreading slander and concealing hatred with lies. It emphasizes the importance of speaking truthfully and refraining from spreading harmful rumors or falsehoods about others. Slandering others not only damages their reputation but also reveals foolishness within the heart of the individual engaging in such behavior.
Proverbs 11:13
“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
This verse highlights the importance of trustworthiness and the negative consequences of gossip. When we gossip and spread confidential information entrusted to us, we betray the trust of others and damage relationships. Conversely, a trustworthy person respects the confidence placed in them and recognizes the value of maintaining privacy.
Proverbs 16:28
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
This verse reminds us of the destructive nature of gossip. Engaging in gossip not only causes conflict but also has the potential to separate close friends. It serves as a warning against the divisive power of slanderous words and encourages us to pursue unity and harmony instead.
Proverbs 20:19
“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.”
This verse advises us to avoid those who excessively talk and engage in gossip. Their loose lips not only betray the trust of others but also reveal a lack of self-control and discretion. Surrounding ourselves with individuals who are trustworthy and discerning helps maintain healthy relationships and protects our own reputation.
Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of using our words to build others up rather than tearing them down. Slandering others through unwholesome talk is to be avoided completely. Instead, we are encouraged to speak words of encouragement, kindness, and edification that benefit both the listener and the one being spoken about.
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. It cautions us against engaging in slanderous speech, for we will be held responsible for every empty or careless word we utter. This should encourage us to exercise caution and wisdom in our speech, choosing words that are uplifting and reflect the love of Christ.
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 instructs us to remove slander from our speech, along with other negative and harmful behaviors. As followers of Christ, we are called to live transformed lives that reflect His character. By ridding ourselves of slanderous speech, we create room for words that build up, encourage, and exemplify the love of God.
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 exhorts believers to refrain from slandering one another. It points out that when we speak ill of others, we are essentially disregarding God’s command to love and respect our brothers and sisters in Christ. By slandering, we place ourselves in a position above God’s law, which is contrary to His teaching.
1 Peter 2:1
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”
This verse urges us to remove all forms of slander from our lives. It reminds us that slander goes against the heart of Christ, who calls us to love one another genuinely and sincerely. By renouncing slander, we create an environment of unity, peace, and love.
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, including being a false witness who spreads lies. Slandering others and stirring up conflict are actions that God despises. As believers in the love and righteousness of God, we should avoid engaging in such behavior and seek to promote peace, unity, and truthfulness.
Proverbs 25:18
“Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor.”
This verse compares one who gives false testimony against a neighbor to weapons of destruction. Just as a club, sword, or arrow inflicts harm, so does slander and false testimony. It serves as a warning against the damage that can be caused by spreading lies and emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and integrity in our words.
Psalm 15:3
“The one who does not slander with their tongue, who does no wrong to a neighbor and casts no slur on others.”
This verse describes the character of someone who is approved in the sight of God. It emphasizes the need to abstain from slandering others with our tongues, as well as avoiding any form of wrong or defamation against our neighbors. It encourages us to uphold values of respect and love when engaging with others.
Proverbs 17:4
“Wrongdoers eagerly listen to slander; liars pay close attention to malicious gossip.”
This verse reveals the inclination of wrongdoers to eagerly listen to and engage in slanderous talk. It warns against the dangers of entertaining malicious gossip, as it can lead to a distortion of truth and the perpetuation of harmful rumors. As followers of Christ, we are encouraged to guard our hearts and minds against such destructive influences.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
This famous passage from Corinthians highlights the characteristics of love. Love is patient, kind, and devoid of envy, boasting, and pride. It does not dishonor others, engage in slander, or seek its self-interests. Love rejoices in the truth and seeks to protect, trust, hope, and endure. By embodying these qualities, we display a Christ-like love that shuns slander and fosters unity and harmony.
Proverbs 20:22
“Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.”
This verse advises us against seeking revenge for wrongs committed against us, including slander. Rather than retaliating, we are called to exercise patience and trust in the Lord to bring justice. By doing so, we rise above the temptation to engage in slander and put our faith in God’s righteous judgment.
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 harmful habits of idleness and gossip. It highlights the danger of becoming busybodies who engage in meaningless and harmful conversation. As believers, we are called to be intentional with our words, using them to build up rather than tear down, and avoiding senseless chatter that may lead to slander and discord.
Proverbs 26:20
“Without wood, a fire goes out; without a gossip, a quarrel dies down.”
This verse contains a powerful image, comparing the role of gossip in igniting quarrels to wood fueling a fire. It serves as a reminder that without the presence of a gossip, conflicts and disputes tend to lose their intensity. By refraining from spreading gossip, we contribute to peace and harmony within our relationships and communities.
Proverbs 26:22
“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.”
This verse illustrates the allure of gossip by comparing it to delicious food. It warns us that gossip can be captivating and tempting, easily drawing one into its destructive grasp. We are encouraged to guard our hearts and minds against the temptation of participating in gossip and to choose words that uplift and encourage others instead.
Proverbs 10:19
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
This verse emphatically states that multiplying words does not end sin. Instead, those who are wise and discerning practice restraint and discretion with their tongues. In the face of temptation to engage in slanderous speech, we should remember the importance of thoughtful silence and choose our words carefully, so as not to contribute to sin and disharmony.
Proverbs 26:28
“A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.”
This verse reveals the destructive nature of both lying and flattery. By engaging in slanderous speech, we demonstrate hatred towards those we hurt with our words. Similarly, a flattering mouth can lead to ruin and harm. It encourages us to exercise honesty and sincerity in our speech, avoiding the pitfalls of falsehood and deceit.
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 hypocrisy in religious practice. It stresses that true religion involves discipline and control over our speech, including abstaining from slander and gossip. Our words have the power to reveal the authenticity of our faith, and if we fail to tame our tongues, our religion is rendered meaningless and empty.
Proverbs 12:22
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
This verse conveys God’s attitude towards lying lips and emphasizes the importance of trustworthiness. Slandering others involves lying and spreading falsehoods, which God finds detestable. On the other hand, God delights in individuals who are trustworthy and honest, reflecting His character and fostering healthy relationships built on truth.
Exodus 20:16
“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.”
This commandment from the Ten Commandments explicitly instructs against giving false testimony or engaging in slanderous speech. It underscores the importance of truth and the damaging effects of spreading lies or rumors about others. By adhering to this commandment, we demonstrate love and respect for our neighbors, honoring their reputation and dignity.