What does the Bible teach about slander?

Words, there are so many things to be said about them.  You can use them to build others up or bring them down.  On a more personal level, they can help you get that long awaited promotion or they can help motivate your employer to give you walking papers because of some uncontrolled outburst.  In reality, words do matter.  Just consider all of the well-crafted documents that people try to have you sign on a regular basis, which can later be used to defend or incriminate you.

In today’s world, we need to be even more cautious with our words since so many things can be misconstrued with all of the modern technological conveniences.  In the past, you would often have to remember things people said during conversations.  Now with the convenience of texting, emails and all of the other gadgets available, you can say so many things is so little time.  The drawback is that when you correspond with others in written text everything can seem black and white, since the emotions and emphasis of words are not included in the words…unlike a normal conversation.  This can have dire consequences when sending emails to your work colleagues or bosses who may accidently misconstrue your thoughts and intentions.

In the New Testament, we see how Jesus Christ talks about considering the importance of what we say, with the following words.  “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.  For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:36-37 NIV)

The Ten Commandments included a command against giving “false testimony against your neighbor.” (Deuteronomy 5:20 NIV)  Likewise, the Apostle Paul included gossiping and slandering in his many lists of sinful behaviors.

“Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.  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; they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy.  Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.” (Romans 1:28-32 NIV, italics added for emphasis)

Words, or the control thereof, definitely have a major impact on determining our character.  King Solomon said, “Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.” (Proverbs 17:28 NIV)  In other words, there is a reason that the old cliché – think, before you speak – has so much meaning.

Overall, Scripture teaches that the words used by an individual, whether verbal, gestured or written, can be used in a constructive or destructive way.  Therefore, individuals are commanded to refrain from making slanderous statements that damage the character, reputation or well-being of another.  As believers mature, they will understand the importance of expressing his or her opinions to others in a constructive and kind manner.