Why Do We Slander?Sample

Pride invites slander in

Slander is one of the many sins that ultimately stems from pride. Think how often pride takes a tough situation and blows it up with slanderous (a.k.a. untrue and/or unloving) words.

A frustrated wife yells, “You never think about what I want!” An angry husband snaps, “You always care more about the kids than me!” Never? Always? Neither of those statements is true, but the exaggeration makes the other person look like the problem and the only one who has changing to do.

That same pride twists memories and summaries of tense interactions. If you and I have a confrontational conversation, it will be tempting for me only to remember the worst thing you said (or how you said it). And you will be tempted to do the same when you tell your friend how the conversation went. When there’s tension in a relationship, be very careful with your words, because pride wants to invite slander into the room.

Paul offers a better path: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29).

This is how our Father speaks to us. His words, even when they cut deep and humble our hearts, are wholesome, helpful, and beneficial. They meet our deepest need to be saved and be right with God. Meditate on the way God has spoken to you, and then pray for his strength to speak the same way to those in your life.