During our family devotions last night my Bible reading was on slander. I asked the kids what slander was. Justin said gossip. Hannah agreed. Harrison didn't know at all.
I suppose you could say that slander is a form of gossip, but there is a difference in the two. Slander is when there is malicious, false, and defamatory statements or reports against a good name.
Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. Psalm 101:5
Whoso privily. That's when you go whispering to someone else, spreading false accusations. Those people slandering another will be the ones that have that high look and proud heart. The ones that say openly and loudly that they're living in the right, and yet privately slandering, from person to person, someone's good name. Telling lies to bring down others trying to live for the Lord.
He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool. Proverbs 10:18
The person that goes around slandering someone's good name is a liar. They won't come right out and admit they hate the person they are slandering, more than likely because of some sort of silly jealousy. No, that would make them a sinner and cost them their reputation. Instead, they hide behind their lies and slander trying to make themselves look better and higher than the one they are slandering. They are a fool.
God knows the truth. And those who are living right will be able to discern the truth from the lies.
Pray for discernment. Be careful what you listen to. It's one thing to hear something. It's another thing to LISTEN! When someone is being slandered, reach out to that person and give them a word of encouragement.
