Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5760 Human attitudes and behaviour  »  5951 slander

False and malicious talk about others. It not only harms those against whom it is directed, but also brings ruin to those who propagate it.

Slander condemned

Slander is sinful

Mark 7:21-23 pp Matthew 15:19-20 See also Jeremiah 9:4-6; Ezekiel 22:9; Romans 1:29-31; 2 Corinthians 12:20; 2 Timothy 3:2-4

Slander is forbidden

Leviticus 19:16 See also Exodus 23:1; Proverbs 3:30; Proverbs 10:18; Proverbs 12:22; Ephesians 4:31; Colossians 3:8; Titus 2:3; Titus 3:1-2; James 4:11; 1 Peter 2:1

Slander is destructive

Proverbs 16:27 See also Proverbs 11:9; Proverbs 26:28; Proverbs 30:10

Dealing with slander

Committing one's cause to God

Psalm 120:1-2 See also Psalm 12:1-7; Psalm 31:14-20; Psalm 64:1-4; Psalm 69:6-21; Psalm 109:1-5

Maintaining one's integrity

1 Peter 2:12 See also Psalm 119:23; 1 Peter 2:15; Peter 3:9,15-17

Rejoicing in the Lord

Matthew 5:11-12 See also Acts 5:41

Not listening to slander

1 Samuel 24:9 See also Proverbs 17:4

Judgment upon slanderers

Proverbs 21:28 See also Deuteronomy 22:13-19; Proverbs 19:5,9; Proverbs 21:28; Isaiah 29:20-21; Isaiah 51:7-8; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

Examples of slander

Jeremiah 18:18 See also Genesis 39:7-20; 1 Kings 21:1-14 Naboth's vineyard; Nehemiah 6:5-7; Psalm 31:13; Psalm 35:15-16; Psalm 38:19-20; Psalm 41:5-9; Luke 23:2; Acts 6:13-14; Acts 24:5-9; Romans 3:8; 3Jn 9-10

See also

5132  biting
5575  talk, idle
5868  gossip
5893  insults
8751  false witness
8776  lies
8843  unforgivable sin