Preaching on Slander: Destructive force

Today we address a destructive force that can poison relationships, divide communities, and grieve the heart of God: slander. Our text for this solemn reflection comes from Exodus 23:1, a clear and direct command: "You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness." This ancient instruction remains profoundly relevant for us today.

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INTRODUCTION:

A. Slander is a sin forbidden by God. From the very foundations of His law, God has declared His opposition to the spreading of falsehoods and the malicious damaging of another's reputation.

B. “SLANDER” refers to people who have a tendency to find fault with the behavior and attitudes of others and to spread their accusations and criticisms everywhere. It is a relentless negativity, an inclination to focus on the perceived flaws of others and broadcast them without regard for truth or charity.

C. It is an abomination to God (Proverbs 6:16; Numbers 19:16-21). Proverbs 6 lists "a false witness who pours out lies" as one of the seven things the Lord hates, indeed, an abomination. While the reference to Numbers 19:16-21 speaks of ritual uncleanness, the underlying principle highlights the defiling nature of bearing false witness and spreading impurity within the community.

I. AMONG THE SINS OF SLANDER ARE:

Slander is not a singular act but encompasses a range of harmful behaviors.

A. Gossip (Romans 1:30; 2 Corinthians 12:20). The Greek words used here describe whispering, speaking in secret, displeasures, or complaints, often with the intent to undermine or criticize others, as seen in the murmuring against the apostles in Acts 6:1.

1. We should not gossip about one another (James 4:11). James warns against speaking evil of one another or judging our brothers and sisters. Our words should build up, not tear down.

2. We should do everything without grumbling (Philippians 2:14). Gossip often stems from discontent and negativity. A spirit of grumbling fuels the desire to find fault and complain about others, ultimately leading to arguments.

3. We must stay without murmurings (1 Peter 4:9). Even in offering hospitality, Peter urges us to do so without grumbling. A critical and complaining spirit taints even acts of service. Gossip thrives in an atmosphere of discontent and negativity.

B. “RETRACTION” (Romans 1:30 - "slanderers"; 1 Corinthians 12:20 - "slanderers"; 1 Peter 2:1 - "slanders"). This refers to speaking behind someone's back, backbiting, whether secretly or openly.

1. Here again, we see the term "slander" used (1 Timothy 3:11 - "not slanderers"; 2 Timothy 3:3 - "slanderers"; Titus 2:3 - "not slanderers"). It's important to note that in 1 Timothy 3:11, regarding deacons' wives, the term cautions against those who act like "devils" (the literal meaning of the Greek word often translated as "slanderer" or "accuser"), highlighting the destructive, adversarial nature of slander.

2. Slander can also mean to accuse falsely (Luke 3:14). John the Baptist warned soldiers against this temptation – to get money by informing against the rich through blackmail. This paints a vivid picture of how slander can be used for personal gain at another's expense (WORD PICTURES).

3. It can also manifest as informing against others, oppressing the poor with false accusations (Proverbs 14:31; 22:16). This reveals the injustice inherent in slander, how it can be used to harm and exploit the vulnerable.

4. Historically, the term was used to designate a malicious informer, one who accused for the purpose of gaining profit for himself. This underscores the selfish and often corrupt motivations behind slanderous speech.

C. “CHATERING” (1 Timothy 5:13; 3 John 10). This describes unjust accusations with malicious words, speaking much and without substance (baseless). It indicates a flow of words lacking factual support, spreading accusations without any foundation. In 1 Timothy 5:13, it is linked with idleness and being busybodies, speaking of things they ought not. In 3 John 10, Diotrephes is condemned for his malicious talk against the apostle John and others.

CONCLUSION:

A. We should not murmur, as some of the people of Israel murmured (1 Corinthians 10:10). The Israelites' constant complaining and speaking against Moses and God serve as a warning against the destructive nature of a murmuring spirit, which often fuels slander.

B. Slander is a sin before God, and He will punish it. God takes our words seriously. We will be held accountable for the damage our tongues inflict.

C. Within slander are:

1. Gossip: Idle and often harmful talk about others.

2. Detraction, Slander, Defamation: Speaking behind someone's back, spreading false accusations, and damaging their reputation.

3. Charlatanism (Chattering): Spreading baseless accusations and speaking without substance, often with malicious intent.

D. Let us avoid this sin and not speak ill of one another or falsely to seek personal gain, because we will be accountable to God. Our words have power – the power to build up or to tear down. Let us choose to use our tongues to speak truth in love, to encourage and edify one another. Gossip has no place among Christians. May we strive to be people of integrity, whose words are seasoned with grace and truth, reflecting the love of Christ in all our interactions.

Preaching on Slander: Destructive force