It is the world’s largest bulldozer, powerful enough to push 24 tons of earth in a single pass. Manufactured in Japan, the Komatsu D575A is the record-breaking champion of bulldozers that boasts of 1,150 horsepower. I guess you could say that it leaves all the others in the dust! By all accounts, it is a mechanical monster that moves more dirt faster and farther than any man-made machine. But, while it is a world-record holder, there is a spiritual bulldozer that has the Komatsu beat. And according to God’s record of truth in Scripture, it is the serious sin of slander.
Slander is more effective at digging up dirt than any bulldozer man has ever invented. And because it runs on the fuel of rumor, slander can spread good-name-destroying dirt faster and farther, too. It can even bury someone’s character so deeply that it cannot be excavated and cleaned. This subtle sin, however, is not manufactured in Japan—it is created in the wicked factory of our hearts and distributed through the conveyor belt of our sinful tongues (Matt. 15:19; James 4:11-12). It is no wonder, then, that believers are repeatedly commanded to “cast off” slander (Eph. 4:31; Col. 3:8; 1 Peter 2:1).
Moreover, slander is an especially abominable wickedness. A loose tongue is all that is needed for slander to breed, making it an exceptionally easy sin to commit. Slander is also particularly satanic, as it is one of the devil’s most cherished evils (Gen. 3:1; Job 1:9-11; Rev. 12:10). Further, it is characteristic of the ungodly world, since they slander believers for standing for the truth (Matt. 5:11; 1 Pet. 3:16). And most significantly, slander is contrary to the Lord, as He does not even bring a charge against His elect, which is precisely what slander does (Rom. 8:33).
How, then, can believers resist and repent of this grave evil? Here are some biblical suggestions:
(1) First, tell only the Lord when you hear about someone’s sin, and pray for them. And if the situation demands confrontation with the person, then speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15).
(2) Second, avoid “empty talk” and fill your conversations with that which is upbuilding and gracious (Matt. 12:36). You can’t use your speech for evil when you are using it for good (Eph. 4:29).
(3) Third, keep secure what you are told in confidence. Private words can often morph into slander (Prov. 20:19).
(4) Fourthly, mind your own business and focus on doing your Father’s business (1 Thess. 4:11; Luke 2:49).
(5) Fifthly, ask for God’s help: “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” (Psalm 141:3).
(6) Sixth, be slow to speak: “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19, KJV).
Bible Gleanings is a widely-read weekend devotional column, written for the Murray Ledger & Times in Calloway County, Kentucky.
Brandon is the founder and main contributor to Brandon’s Desk, the blog with biblical resources from his ministry. He pastored the family of believers at Locust Grove Baptist Church in Murray, Kentucky for six years. He and his wife Dakota live there with their three dogs, Susie (Jack Russell), Aries (English Shepherd), and Dot (Bluetick Beagle).
For more devotional entries like this, check out Brandon’s latest book, Bible Gleanings Volume II, which features 100 daily devotionals gleaned from God’s word:
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