“Gramma, what is the meaning of Slander and how does God feel about people who slander others?”
The old lady, intrigued by the question posed by her grand child, paused briefly to compose her thoughts and then replied:
"My dear child, slander simply means making any false or malicious statement or report about someone knowing that it could lead to the destruction of the person’s good name or reputation or to cause him pain and suffering. This does not only include making up lies but even includes saying truthful things if by doing so, you deliberately mean to cause harm. Throughout the Holy Bible, God has warned us over and over of his rejection of this action. Let me read to you one of the passages which I think deals best with this subject. It is taken from Proverbs Chapter 10, Verses 18-21:
The one who conceals hatred has lying lips
and whoever utters slander is a fool.
and whoever utters slander is a fool.
When words are many, transgression is not lacking,
but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
The tongue of the righteous is choice silver;
the heart of the wicked is of little worth.
The lips of the righteous feed many,
but fools die for lack of sense
but fools die for lack of sense
“The passage begins by referring to the hypocrite, who conceals his hatred by pretending to like someone then talking badly after. He called these people who lie and slander others, “fools”. He went further to warn us of the danger of loose talk and the damage this may cause. The more you are free with your words, the greater chance you will have to do harm.”
The old lady waited to assess the child’s reaction and then continued:
“Notice that the passage goes further to suggest that the real problem is not the tongue or the words spoken, but in the heart which controls them and which chooses to deliberately deceive, damage and destroy. God refers to these wicked people as worthless and fools, who will die for lack of sense. He went on to compliment those who are honest and who go on to help many people.”
Little Ana listened intently to the words of her grand mother then turning to her she observed:
“Gramma, I cannot understand how people will continue to slander others after hearing God’s words!”
The old lady, by way of confirmation, then replied:
“Yes Ana, you are so correct. But God even went further to make sure that no one will have any excuse about how he feels about these hypocrites. Listen to these words contained in Proverbs Chapter 10, Verses 31-32, and judge for yourself:”
A good person's mouth is a clear fountain of wisdom;
a foul mouth is a stagnant swamp.
The speech of a good person clears the air;
the words of the wicked pollute it.
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