Topical Bible: Slander: Hypocrites Addicted To

◄ Slander: Hypocrites Addicted To ►

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Slander, defined as the act of making false and damaging statements about someone, is a grievous sin condemned throughout Scripture. It is often associated with hypocrisy, as those who engage in slander frequently present themselves as righteous while secretly harboring malice and deceit.

The Bible provides numerous warnings against slander, highlighting its destructive nature and the hypocrisy of those who indulge in it. In the Book of Proverbs, slander is linked to the actions of a deceitful person: "A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip separates close friends" (Proverbs 16:28). This verse underscores the divisive power of slander and its ability to destroy relationships.

Hypocrites, who outwardly display piety but inwardly are corrupt, are particularly prone to slander. Jesus Himself rebuked the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, as they were often guilty of slandering others while maintaining a facade of righteousness. In Matthew 23:27-28 , Jesus declares, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness."

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of slander among hypocrites in his epistles. In Romans 1:29-30 , he lists slander among the sins of those who have turned away from God: "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." This passage illustrates the moral decay that accompanies a life of hypocrisy and slander.

James, the brother of Jesus, provides further insight into the destructive nature of the tongue, which is often the instrument of slander. In James 3:6 , he writes, "The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell." This vivid imagery emphasizes the potential for slander to corrupt not only the individual but also the community.

The Psalms also speak to the issue of slander, particularly in the context of the righteous being falsely accused by hypocrites. Psalm 109:2-3 states, "For wicked and deceitful mouths open against me; they speak against me with lying tongues. They surround me with hateful words and attack me without cause." Here, the psalmist laments the pain caused by slanderous attacks, often perpetrated by those who feign righteousness.

In summary, slander is a sin that is frequently associated with hypocrisy in the Bible. Those who engage in slander often do so under the guise of righteousness, yet their actions reveal a heart far from God. The Scriptures consistently warn against the dangers of slander and call believers to a life of integrity and truth.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 11:9
An hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

We Shall not be Curious in the Ranking of the Duties in which ...
... Charity is not self addicted. ... importing, that great censurers are often the greatest
hypocrites, and sincerity has ... It goeth not about as a slander to reveal a ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/chapter iv we shall not.htm

the Manner of this Oversight
... it the reason why women are more addicted to pride ... the light) are too oft the marks
of painted hypocrites. ... Yet, alas, when sinners reproach and slander us for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 2 - the manner.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... When he was but a child, he was so addicted to lying that his parents scarce knew
when to believe he spake true; yea, he would invent, tell, and stand to the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm