Many times, the term “slander” is thrown around flippantly, and more often than not, it is used incorrectly and thus ironically slanders the one being charged with “slandering.”
A simple definition of slander from modern dictionaries will yield something similar to what Oxford Languages presents, “The action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person’s reputation.”
The Holman Bible Dictionary helpfully summarizes the term from the biblical text,
“To speak critically of another person with the intent to hurt (Lev. 19:16). In a court of law it means to falsely accuse another (Exod. 20:16; Deut. 5:20). Jesus said, “I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak” (Matt. 12:36 HCSB). This should cause each person to be very careful what they say about others (Eph. 4:31; 1 Pet. 2:1). The Bible shows that slander is a mark of the unregenerate world (James 4:11-12; 1 Pet. 2:12; 3:16). Jesus spoke of Satan as one who “has not stood in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of liars” (John 8:44 HCSB). Diabolos can mean “slanderous” or “the slanderer” (the devil).”
Here, I want to highlight in particular “with the intent to hurt” and “falsely accuse another.” These are crucial for using the term correctly.
Summary:
Slander is making false statements to defame or injure the reputation or character of another person. In other words, it is bearing false witness. Where the rubber meets the road is here: a true statement that results in a person’s damaged reputation is not slander.
For example, if we correctly rebuke or correct a false statement, teaching, teacher, or address the sins of an individual, it will logically and likely damage their reputation. Yet, this doesn’t mean they were slandered, as slander denotes the fabrication of errors with the intent to damage reputation. Assuming the charges are factual, an individual’s reputation being damaged is a natural consequence of their error (whatever that may be), and their character is already in question.
Obviously, more can be said about the reality that all analysis and examinations should be done carefully, with truth, integrity, and righteous judgment.
What Slander Is NOT
- Correction ≠ Slander
- Disagreement ≠ Slander
- Speaking publicly about someone or their statements ≠ Slander
- Addressing an individual’s claims/arguments ≠ Slander
- Offense/hurt feelings ≠ Slander
While slander can be included or introduced into the above situations (speaking lies or attempting to defame one’s character), they are not inherently slanderous. This means that in the typical case where “slander” is claimed simply because one individual challenges or charges another, the term is being misused. Such can only be called slander if it is false and attempts to harm one’s reputation.
If merely addressing someone or their claim were slander, we could never be biblical in our judgment, rebuke, or correction. (Proverbs 27:5; 1 Tim. 5:20; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 4:2; Luke 17:3-4; Proverbs 9:8-9).
Addressing someone’s Claims ≠ Attacking someone’s Character
This point in particular is essential, as many times examining and critiquing the claims/arguments of another are deemed ‘slanderous’ and ‘defamation.’ This can be, ultimately, a way to avoid correction (and in some cases, responsibility) in that it avoids any possible discussion because it removes any and all genuine critiques from the table.
In learning basic apologetics and proper analysis/discussions, it is encouraged to address the claims and not the person in order to avoid the logical fallacy known as “ad hominem.” Addressing the statement, not the person, is a rule specifically designed to help one avoid attacking someone’s character and helps protect against unjust accusations of slander. Even then, there are times when addressing a person’s actions and behaviors is necessary and not slanderous.
Conclusion
In an era where reactionary accusations and emotional reasoning often cloud public discourse, Christians must be characterized by truth, discernment, and integrity. Not every rebuke is slander. Not every critique is character assassination. As followers of Christ, we are called to judge righteously (John 7:24), speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15), and be slow to speak careless words (Matt. 12:36). When correction is necessary, let it be done carefully, humbly, and with a commitment to truth, never with malice or deception. And when we are on the receiving end of correction, may we not be so quick to cry “slander” without first examining the truthfulness and intent of what is being said.