Bible Verses About Slander
The Bible frequently warns against slander, painting a vivid picture of its devastating effects on individuals and communities. From the Old Testament wisdom literature to the New Testament epistles, God’s Word consistently condemns this sin of the tongue. It’s a subtle yet potent weapon, capable of destroying reputations, sowing discord, and harming relationships. Understanding what the Bible says about slander is crucial for every believer. It’s not merely about avoiding hurtful speech, but about cultivating a heart that honors God and loves our neighbor. As we explore these scriptures, we’ll see God’s strong disapproval of slander and the call to speak words that build up rather than tear down.
"“‘You shall not go up and down as a slanderer among your people. You shall not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am Yahweh."
"I will not allow one who slanders his neighbor in secret. I will not tolerate one who has a haughty look and a proud heart."
"He who hides hatred has lying lips. He who utters a slander is a fool."
"Through malice the godless man destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous are rescued."
"A perverse man stirs up strife. A whisperer separates close friends."
"Where there is no wood, the fire goes out. Where there is no gossip, contention ceases."
"Everyone takes heed to beware of his neighbor, and should not trust any brother; for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbor will go around with slanders."
"being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, malice; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil habits, backbiters, slanderers, God haters, insolent, proud, boastful, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,"
"For I fear that by any means, when I come, I may find you not to be as I want, and that I myself may be found by you not as you want, that there may be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, whisperings, proud thoughts, disturbances;"
"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice."
"Wives in the same way must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things."
"to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men."
"Don’t speak against one another, brothers. He who speaks against a brother and judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge."
Frequently asked questions
- Slander, in biblical terms, refers to the act of speaking false and malicious words with the intent to damage another person’s reputation or standing. It is a grave sin because it directly undermines God’s design for human relationships and His call for truthfulness.