A Biblical Argument Against Slander
Introduction
In an age where social platforms amplify voices and spread words instantaneously, the abhorrent practice of using these tools to slander ministers of the Gospel has become a grievous concern. Pastors and spiritual leaders, called to proclaim God’s truth, often face malicious attacks on their character, motives, or teachings through tweets, posts, or viral threads. Such slander not only seeks to tarnish reputations but also undermines the Gospel’s witness, sowing division and distrust within the body of Christ. The Bible, however, stands resolute against this sin, condemning slander as an affront to truth, love, and the sanctity of God’s image in every person. This article explores the scriptural case against slander, revealing why it is incompatible with Christian faith and how believers are called to speak words that edify rather than destroy.
“The only thing more frustrating than slanderers is those foolish enough to listen to them”
Slander, the act of spreading false or damaging statements about another, is in direct opposition to Scripture’s teachings, which call for truth, love, and the edification of others. The Bible consistently condemns slander as a sin that disrupts Christian community, dishonors God, and defiles the slanderer’s heart.
First, Scripture emphasizes the sanctity of truth.
In Exodus 20:16, the Ninth Commandment declares, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Slander violates this command by distorting truth and harming another’s reputation through lies or malicious intent. Proverbs 12:22 reinforces this: “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.” Slander, rooted in falsehood or reckless disregard for truth, is detestable to God.
Second, slander contradicts the call to love one’s neighbor.
Jesus teaches in Matthew 22:39 to “love your neighbor as yourself,” a principle that precludes actions that unjustly harm others. Slander wounds its target, often irreparably damaging their name or relationships. James 3:9-10 warns against the inconsistency of a tongue that both praises God and curses others, noting that “with it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.”
To slander is to attack the image of God in another, an act incompatible with Christian character.
Third, the Bible highlights the destructive power of the tongue.
Proverbs 18:21 states, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue,” underscoring the tongue’s capacity to destroy through words like slander. James 3:6 describes the tongue as “a fire, a world of unrighteousness,” capable of setting ablaze relationships and communities. Slander fuels division, erodes trust, and sows discord, which Proverbs 6:19 lists among the things God hates: “a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.”
Finally, slander reflects a corrupt heart.
Jesus teaches in Matthew 12:34-35 that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Slander reveals envy, malice, or pride within the speaker, defiling them before God. Christians are called to “put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander” (1 Peter 2:1), pursuing instead words that “give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29).
The person who will speak to you about someone will soon speak about you to someone.
Conclusion
In conclusion, slander is a grave sin that violates God’s commands to uphold truth, love others, and guard the tongue. It harms both the victim and the slanderer, disrupting the unity and holiness to which believers are called. Instead, Scripture exhorts us to speak truth in love, building up the body of Christ and reflecting the character of our God, who is truth itself.
