Topical Encyclopedia Backbiting, often understood as speaking maliciously about someone who is not present, is a behavior that is strongly condemned in the Bible. It is considered a form of gossip and slander, which can cause division and harm within communities and relationships. The Scriptures provide clear guidance on the destructive nature of backbiting and the importance of maintaining integrity in speech.Proverbs 16:28 · "A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip separates close friends." This verse highlights the divisive nature of backbiting, emphasizing how it can destroy even the closest of relationships. Proverbs 25:23 · "As the north wind brings forth rain, so a backbiting tongue brings angry looks." Here, the comparison to the north wind suggests that backbiting inevitably leads to conflict and anger, disrupting peace and harmony. Psalm 15:1-3 · "O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill? He who walks with integrity and practices righteousness, who speaks the truth from his heart, who has no slander on his tongue, who does no harm to his neighbor, nor casts a scorn on his friend." This passage underscores the importance of integrity and truthfulness, indicating that those who refrain from backbiting are those who are righteous and can dwell in the presence of the Lord. Romans 1:29-30 · "They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents." In this list of sinful behaviors, gossip and slander are included, showing the severity with which backbiting is viewed in the context of moral depravity. 2 Corinthians 12:20 · "For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalries, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder." The Apostle Paul expresses concern that backbiting and other negative behaviors may be present in the church, indicating the potential for such actions to disrupt the unity and spiritual health of the community. James 4:11 · "Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. And if you judge the law, you are not a practitioner of the law, but a judge of it." This admonition from James warns against speaking ill of others, equating it with setting oneself above the law, which is contrary to the humility and love expected of believers. Ephesians 4:31 · "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." The call to eliminate slander and malice from one's life is part of a broader exhortation to live in a manner worthy of the calling received as followers of Christ. The Bible consistently teaches that backbiting is a sin that harms both the speaker and the community. It is contrary to the love, unity, and truth that are to characterize the lives of believers. Through these scriptures, the call is clear: to speak with integrity, to build up rather than tear down, and to foster peace and unity within the body of Christ. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 15:1-3Lord, who shall abide in your tabernacle? who shall dwell in your holy hill? Nave's Topical Index Proverbs 25:23 Romans 1:28,30 2 Corinthians 12:20 Library Spiritual Culture. An Exhortation to Peace and Unity A Few Sighs from Hell; The Epistle of St. James A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ... Resources What is the danger in gossiping about your pastor and his family? | GotQuestions.orgWhen is it right to criticize my pastor? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about spreading rumors? | GotQuestions.org Backbiting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |