SHUNNING THE SLANDERER. “He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.” Proverbs 20:19 A reoccurrence of God’s holy law, “Do not go about spreading slander among your people. “‘Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the LORD.” Lev 19:16
Slander. Slanderer. Slanderous. Slandering. The word comes from the Greek word “diabolos”.
diábolos (from 1225 /diabállō, “to slander, accuse, defame”) – properly, a slanderer; a false accuser; unjustly criticizing to hurt (malign) and condemn to sever a relationship.
[1228 (diábolos) is the root of the English word, “Devil” (see also Webster’s Dictionary).
1228 (diabolos) in secular Greek means “backbiter,” i.e. an accuser, calumniator (slanderer). 1228 (diábolos) is literally someone who “casts through,” i.e. making charges that bring down (destroy). Satan is used by God in this plan – as a predictable wind-up toy, playing out his evil nature.]
The apostle Paul also speaks to Timothy concerning idle talk and gossip among the church women. Causing strife and division among God’s people is akin to bloodshed. Most assuredly, the Lord cares about what you are saying, how you are saying it and to whom you are saying it to. This is a normal occurrence among women in groups and it’s rampant in churches, unfortunately. It also appears as if it was rampant among the Israelites, men included. Slander is of the fleshly, sinful human nature.
Satan loves slander and gossip. His purpose is always to divide and deceive. I have been the recipient of the flattering gossiper a few times. Women sidling up close to me, speaking flattering words in my ears, and then speaking falsely behind my back. One day people telling you they will always go with you, the next day calling up everyone telling them falsehood, lies and deception about you.
Why do we slander? It’s often a vying for control and power. It’s a form of manipulation to steer people to get them to believe what you want them to believe. When people don’t get what they want you to give them, they falsely accuse you. I’m going to say that again, when people don’t get what they want you to give them, they falsely accuse you. Often slander comes on the heels of an offense, or perceived offense. Slandering people cannot stand to be corrected or instructed, they have to be right at all costs, they want recognition or to usurp authority. Sometimes they just want attention and even bad attention is attention. Christians slander under the guise of, “I am so holy and this person/church is evil. So I had to warn you!” Slandering has one purpose: to destroy.
These deceptors operate in darkness, beguiling the simple and unstable souls, silly-hearted women, ready and willing to hear and believe a lie. Do you not have anything better to do than sit around and talk about other people? In the church world, many slander the church or the pastor because they don’t like how things are done at that church. They didn’t get what they wanted so they have to tell everyone how they were wronged. Why would you give ear to anyone calling you up just to speak evil of another? Have you no common sense? It’s gross negligence of self-control.
It’s evil to spread a false report and equally as sinful to believe a false report.
Maybe slander works because our society lacks common sense and people are led by their emotions and feelings. Or maybe “My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge”- knowledge of God’s holy Word. Where’s the courage to say, “Get thee behind me Satan. This is slanderous!”? When will you learn? If they are speaking evil about another, they will eventually speak evil of you. Just wait. Your turn is coming.
Here’s wisdom: THEREFORE, (a word that calls you to pay attention) do not associate with them. There’s another warning in this: you will reap what you sow. If you give ear to slander, believe it and pass it on, don’t be surprised when others do the same to you. This is God’s law. When others speak slanderous about you, examine yourself. Maybe it’s because you did the same to another and now you are eating the fruit of those rotten seeds you have sown.
To Learn More About Pastor Crystal please visit the Leadership Page
To Learn More About Pastor Crystal please visit the Leadership Page
To Learn More About Pastor Crystal please visit the Leadership Page
