Likewise, teach the older women … not to be slanderers …
Summary: In Greek, the word “slander” comes from the root word for “devil.” Slander is a tool for hurting others. Envy and jealousy are two of the motives for hurting others.
Keeping in mind that we are looking for truths we can all learn from, I find this text especially interesting. “Why?” you ask. The answer, once again, is found in the Greek text.
The word “slanderer” is translated from the Greek, “diabolos” (pronounced “de-ä’-bo-los”). If this word looks vaguely familiar, it should. It is similar to “el diablo” in Spanish which is, of course, the word for, “devil.” Jesus describes the devil as the “father of lies” (John 8:44). If the devil is the father of lies, then slander is one of his children.
Slander is a particular type of lying that is used against another person. The lie is a false charge which damages another person’s reputation.
Why would anyone want to do that?
From the world’s perspective, social status is very important. What people think of us matters. It can affect where a person can go and what they can do. It might mean the difference between getting a good job and a bad one. People with the right social status get into the best schools and can get money when they want it.
If Person ‘A’ is jealous of Person ‘B,’ they want what Person ‘B’ has. Sometimes, if Person ‘A’ is particularly nasty, and if they cannot have what Person ‘B’ has, they might want to “get even.” “Getting even” in this case is like one runner grabbing the shirt of another runner that is ahead. Since the one behind cannot keep up, they pull the other person back so they can “get even.”
If a woman is jealous of her neighbor’s husband, she might want to steal him away. If he is not the philandering type, then the next best thing might be to humiliate her “opponent” by spreading a malicious lie. All the better if it causes friction between the neighbor and her spouse. Likewise, if a man is resentful of another man’s success, it is an easy thing to start a rumor that undermines the other man’s social credibility.
Slander is the devil’s tool. It is used to hurt and not to heal. It is always vague, hard to disprove, and easy to imagine being real. Slander appeals to the worst in us, which serves the larger purposes of the devil.
To “not be a slanderer” is to respect each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. In the spiritual realm, we know that judgment awaits us (Romans 14:10). Knowing that we will stand before God, we strive to avoid sin. For there is “nothing concealed that will not be disclosed or hidden that will not be made known.” (Matthew 10:26)
When Paul warns us against using slander to hurt someone else, he is warning us to avoid falling into the devil’s trap.
Application: Avoid making claims about other people. It is always better to stick to the facts.
Food for Thought: How does Satan use slander as a weapon against Jesus?
I have always found it interesting that Satan used false testimony and lies to have Jesus tried and crucified as a criminal. I find it interesting, because even though evil intent and slander was used against Jesus, the Lord used it for good as He triumphed over death and redeemed mankind.
I think that scenario plays itself out over and over again. Satan, through worldly attacks, slanders Jesus and His people even today. But the Lord overcomes these attacks to accomplish His purposes. John 16: 33.
Thank you, Rich!
I appreciate the reminder that God is in control, even when it seems like Satan has free rein. (See Job!)
Another verse that speaks to this is Romans 8:28:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.“
🤗 Thank you Rich I like it when the Lord turns bad to good.
I love the examples provided by Rich. There are plenty of examples in the bible of the devil slandering Jesus and as Rich pointed out, he certainly does it even today. I think today, the devil’s slandering of Jesus is often subtle, through the messages transmitted on TV, social media, stores, etc. It’s the proclamation that things are “better” following the world and the world has “more” to offer than Jesus. Jesus (and His followers) are often called “hypocrites,” “freaks,” and far worse names. In some areas, people avoid us like the plague because of what they have been told about people who believe/follow Jesus.
Darla,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this! You are absolutely right.
How does Satan use slander as a weapon against Jesus?
Casting out the demons by the power of Satan. A gluttonous man, a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!, many false witnesses came forward against Him. Accused Him of blasphemy, lying to people, saying He is a king and they should not pay taxes to Cesar, stirring up the people, and of having a demon.
Matthew 9:34; 11:19; 26:60, Mark 14:64, Luke 23:2; 23:5, John 8:52
Jesus addressed their slander in Matthew 12:36, But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment.
In the end all truth is eternal and lies are exposed and cast out.
Ron,
You have compiled a very grim reminder of what our Lord endured while on earth. Not a very nice way to treat our Creator, is it?
Thank you for your perspective on this!
👍🏻