Slander is a serious offense in the Bible. It involves making false or damaging statements about someone with the intent to harm their reputation. The Bible strongly condemns slander, warning of both spiritual and earthly consequences.
In this topic, we will explore what the Bible says about slander, the punishments associated with it, and how believers should guard against it. We will also look at key verses that highlight God’s view on slander and the importance of truthfulness.
What Is Slander According to the Bible?
Definition of Slander
Slander is the act of speaking falsehoods or misrepresenting someone in a way that damages their reputation. It is closely related to gossip, but while gossip may involve spreading rumors, slander specifically involves false accusations.
Biblical Terms for Slander
In the Bible, slander is often associated with words like:
- False witness (Exodus 20:16)
- Lying lips (Proverbs 12:22)
- Evil speech (Ephesians 4:31)
- Bearing false testimony (Deuteronomy 19:16-21)
Slander is considered a sin because it goes against God’s commands for honesty and integrity.
Bible Verses That Condemn Slander
Old Testament Warnings Against Slander
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Exodus 20:16 – “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”
- This is one of the Ten Commandments, showing how serious false accusations are in God’s eyes.
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Leviticus 19:16 – “You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life of your neighbor; I am the Lord.”
- Slander is forbidden among God’s people because it causes division and harm.
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Proverbs 10:18 – “The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool.”
- Slander is linked to hatred and foolishness.
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Psalm 101:5 – “Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy.”
- This verse emphasizes that God judges those who speak falsely against others.
New Testament Teachings on Slander
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Matthew 12:36-37 – “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
- Jesus warns that our words have eternal consequences.
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Ephesians 4:31 – “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.”
- Paul instructs believers to remove slander from their lives.
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James 4:11 – “Do not speak evil against one another, brothers.”
- Christians are warned against tearing each other down through false accusations.
Punishments for Slander in the Bible
1. Punishment Under the Mosaic Law
In the Old Testament, slander was taken very seriously. False accusations could lead to severe legal and social consequences.
- Deuteronomy 19:16-21 – If a person falsely accused someone, they would receive the same punishment they intended for their victim.
- Numbers 12:1-10 – Miriam, Moses’ sister, was struck with leprosy after speaking against Moses. This shows that slander could bring divine punishment.
- Proverbs 19:5 – “A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape.” This verse emphasizes that God ensures justice for those harmed by slander.
2. Spiritual Punishment for Slanderers
Slander is not just a legal offense—it has spiritual consequences as well.
- Revelation 21:8 – Slanderers and liars are included among those who will face eternal separation from God.
- 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 – Slanderers are among those who “will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
- Matthew 12:36 – Jesus states that every careless word will be judged.
3. Social Consequences of Slander
Even outside of biblical law, slander leads to broken relationships, loss of trust, and damaged reputations. Proverbs 16:28 states:
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
Slander destroys friendships, communities, and even churches.
How to Avoid Slander and Speak Truth
1. Control Your Tongue
James 3:5-6 warns about the power of the tongue:
“The tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!”
To avoid slander, we must think before we speak and ask ourselves:
- Is it true?
- Is it necessary?
- Is it kind?
2. Seek God’s Help in Guarding Your Words
Psalm 141:3 says:
“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!”
Praying for wisdom and self-control helps prevent careless or harmful speech.
3. Speak Words That Build Others Up
Instead of tearing people down, we are called to encourage and uplift others. Ephesians 4:29 says:
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up.”
Speaking truth in love and kindness reflects God’s character.
4. Repent If You Have Slandered Someone
If we have spoken falsely about someone, the Bible urges us to:
- Confess our sin (1 John 1:9).
- Seek forgiveness from God and those we have hurt.
- Commit to speaking truthfully moving forward.
Biblical Examples of Slander and Its Consequences
1. Joseph and His False Accusation (Genesis 39:7-20)
Joseph was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, leading to his unjust imprisonment. This shows how slander can lead to severe consequences for the innocent.
2. Jesus and the False Witnesses (Matthew 26:59-60)
Jesus Himself was slandered before His crucifixion. The religious leaders brought false witnesses against Him, leading to His trial and death.
3. Naboth’s False Accusation (1 Kings 21:8-13)
King Ahab’s wife, Jezebel, falsely accused Naboth of blasphemy, leading to his execution. This highlights how slander can be used as a tool for injustice.
The Bible is clear: slander is a serious sin with spiritual, social, and even legal consequences. God commands His people to speak truthfully, avoid false accusations, and use words to build others up rather than destroy them.
By controlling our speech, seeking God’s wisdom, and repenting when necessary, we can honor God with our words and avoid the punishment that comes with slander.