What is the Bible's stance on slander?

Meaning and Nature of Slander

Slander, broadly defined, is the act of speaking falsely or maliciously about another person. In Scripture, various terms convey this idea of harmful speech—terms such as “evil speaking,” “malicious talk,” or “bearing false witness.” These words encompass an intent to damage someone's reputation or stir up animosity through untruthful or spiteful statements.

Proverbs emphasizes the foolishness of such behavior: “Whoever spreads slander is a fool” (Proverbs 10:18). Additional biblical instructions press the seriousness of controlling our words, as untruthful speech and malicious rumors contradict the love, gratitude, and self-control encouraged by the Bible.

Slander in the Ten Commandments

The Bible’s strongest framework against slander can be traced to its earliest legal code. The Ninth Commandment states: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16). While the direct context warns against false testimony in a judicial setting, the principle stretches to any harmful, untrue speech.

Throughout Israel’s laws, false accusations and deceptive words are consistently rejected. Such directives protected the community’s well-being and upheld justice and truthfulness, reflecting the character of God, who is described as the “God of truth” (Psalm 31:5).

Old Testament Warnings and Examples

1. Proverbs: Proverbs frequently warns that hateful talk, gossip, and lies incite discord and divide even close friends (Proverbs 16:28). It also labels the slanderer as reckless, bringing consequences both on victims and on the speaker (Proverbs 10:18).

2. Levitical Law: The Hebrew people were told, “You must not go about spreading slander among your people” (Leviticus 19:16). Slander was seen not just as a personal offense but as a community-damaging sin.

3. Narrative Examples: In the story of Joseph, his brothers used misleading and malicious words to damage Joseph’s relationship with their father (Genesis 37). Similarly, wicked accusations occur throughout the accounts of Kings and Chronicles, underscoring how slander fuels unjust actions.

New Testament Insights

1. Christ’s Teaching: Jesus underscored that evil words arise from the condition of the heart (Matthew 12:34–35). Slander, therefore, is not just verbal misconduct but signals deeper moral and spiritual issues.

2. Apostolic Counsel: James exhorts believers, “Brothers, do not slander one another” (James 4:11). He also teaches the importance of taming the tongue as a reflection of genuine faith (James 3:9–12). Peter admonishes Christians to rid themselves of “all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander” (1 Peter 2:1).

3. Practical Exhortations: Paul’s letters urge believers to set an example with gracious speech, refusing gossip and harmful chatter (Ephesians 4:31–32; Titus 3:2). These imperatives assume a transformation that begins at salvation and continues as part of spiritual growth.

Spiritual Consequences of Slander

Scripture insists that “death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). Words have the capacity to build up or destroy. When one gives in to slandering others:

• It disrupts fellowship within the community of faith.

• It undermines the trust needed for healthy relationships.

• It reveals a heart prone to harbor bitterness, envy, or hatred.

Furthermore, the Bible says God takes false witnessing seriously (Psalm 101:5). Ultimately, those who persist in slander risk inviting disciplinary consequences in this life and damaging their spiritual walk.

Transforming the Tongue

1. Renewing the Mind: True change springs from renewed hearts. Colossians 3:8 exhorts, “Rid yourselves of anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” This cleansing process involves meditating on God’s Word, prayer, and seeking the Holy Spirit’s help.

2. Practicing Love: A consistent scriptural theme is that love refrains from harming others (Romans 13:10). By placing love for God and neighbor at the forefront, one becomes far less inclined to speak words that injure.

3. Guarding Our Speech: “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth” (Psalm 141:3) captures the biblical plea for divine help in restraining harmful language. Being slow to speak (James 1:19) and quick to listen curbs impulses that might lead to slander.

Restoration after Slander

When slander has taken place, Scripture points toward confession, repentance, and reconciliation (Matthew 5:23–24). There is grace for those who have spoken deceitfully but choose to apologize and make amends. Healing occurs as forgiveness is sought and extended—mirroring the forgiveness that God offers through the work of Christ (Ephesians 4:32).

Practical Guidelines for Believers

• Examine motives before speaking: Ask whether the words are necessary, truthful, and spoken with love.

• Turn away from gossip: If a conversation slips into harmful rumor-spreading, steer it back to truth or graciously exit.

• Seek Peace: “If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). Slander only disrupts unity, so the believer should strive for calm and charitable dialogue.

• Encourage one another: Rather than tearing people down, Scripture champions building each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Summary of the Bible’s Stance

Slander—defined as malicious false speech—stands condemned in both Old and New Testaments. Rooted in deception and hostility, it undermines relationships and community life. The Bible consistently calls followers to honesty, love, and renewed thinking that transforms how they speak.

Whether in ancient Israel’s commands or in Apostolic teaching, the stance remains clear: honor God and others by speaking truthfully and kindly. When believers act in accordance with this principle, they reflect the integrity and character God desires for His people.