slander – Three Minute Bible

February 14, 2025February 14, 2025

Colossians 3:8f – Words of War

Picture of a toy cannon with the words "Filthy Language" on the side, surrounded by toy soldiers.

[… rid yourselves of all such things] … and filthy language from your lips.

Summary: Words can be weapons. Paul points out that the tools of slander are words that cause real hurt.

If your idea of “filthy language” is anything that gets **BLEEPED** out on TV, you are on the right track. Strong’s Concordance calls this kind of language “vile conversation.” “But wait!” (As they say on TV), “There’s more!!”

The Greek word Paul used has roots. They are made up of root words that mean “shameful” (G153) and to “disfigure” or be “ashamed.”

February 13, 2025February 13, 2025

Colossians 3:8e – Doom Loop

Hand holding a lighted wooden match with a dark woods in the background.

[… rid yourselves of] … slander …

Summary: By following each step in Paul’s thinking, we discover that he has something very specific in mind.

Let’s go back and review the whole verse so far:

“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander …”

Paul is painting a portrait of a slave to SELF. When we put our self-interest above God and others, we will always find things that offend us. The rest of the world is only interested in pleasing themselves, so since my SELF is most important (to me), it is very irritating when other people do not share my concern for my own happiness.

July 26, 2023July 26, 2023

Ephesians 4:31 – The Golden Plate

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

Summary: Paul gives us a blunt instruction to “get rid” of all things unholy. Before we come before God asking for his favor, we need to examine ourselves carefully.