"Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence."
— Psalm 101:5 (NIV)
Slander is not just gossip—it's a direct assault on someone's character. It involves spreading false or damaging statements with the intent to harm, discredit, or ruin someone's reputation. Whether whispered in private or shouted in public, slander is sin—and God does not take it lightly.
What Is Slander?
Slander is the malicious twisting of truth, or the outright invention of lies, meant to injure someone's image or influence others against them. Even exaggerating someone's faults or presenting facts out of context can become slander.
Scripture repeatedly condemns slander because it destroys trust, divides communities, and reflects the enemy's work.
"Do not speak evil against one another, brothers."
— James 4:11
When we slander others, we become judges rather than servants—and that role belongs only to God.
The Hidden Forms of Slander
Slander doesn't always sound cruel. Sometimes it sounds like:
"I just think people need to know the truth about them."
"They always act so holy, but let me tell you what they're really like."
"I heard they did something shady once…"
Even passive or "casual" slander—planting seeds of doubt about someone's integrity—can be just as poisonous.
Slander always has this in common: it aims to tear down rather than build up.
Spiritual Consequences
Defames someone created in God's image
Invites divine judgment (Psalm 101:5)
Disqualifies leaders (1 Timothy 3:11)
Sows division among believers (Proverbs 6:19)
Erodes the unity and love of the Church
No matter how righteous it may feel, slander never serves God's purposes. Truth shared without love becomes a weapon.
Reflection Questions
Have I ever twisted or exaggerated facts to make someone look worse?
Do I speak about others in ways that make people doubt or dislike them?
Have I slandered someone out of jealousy, insecurity, or offense?
Would God be pleased with how I speak about others behind closed doors?
Challenge: Be a Defender, Not a Destroyer
When you're tempted to slander, take a different path. Be someone who covers in love, corrects in truth, and protects in grace. Speak to people, not about them. Confront sin when needed—but do so directly and with humility.
If you've slandered someone, repent. Go to them. Seek forgiveness. Restore what your words may have broken.
Prayer for Integrity and Restraint
"Lord, help me to speak truthfully and lovingly. Remove from me the desire to tear others down or damage their name. Give me courage to be silent when needed, and boldness to speak only what edifies. Guard my heart from jealousy, bitterness, and pride. Let my words reflect Your justice, mercy, and truth. In Jesus' name, Amen."