Forbidden Words – Backbiting, Talebearing, Slander
The common element in these three activities is talking about others behind their back. Psalm 15:3 makes it clear that the person who backbites does not dwell with God. Paul lists “backbiters” in Romans 1:30 among those who have rejected God. “Backbitings” is a sin that causes divisions (2 Corinthians 12:20). God will destroy the one who slanders his neighbor (Psalm 101:5), and Proverbs 26:20 says that where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.
Why is going around talking about other people behind their backs a sin? People do it all the time. First, it creates strife, anger, and division (Proverbs 25:23, 26:20, 2 Corinthians 12:20). As Christians, we are trying to avoid these negative consequences among our friends, neighbors, and brethren. We want to promote friendship, love, and unity.
Second, these sinful modes of communication are ways of self-justifying and not dealing with the real problem. Many times, people talk about others behind their back because they don’t want to confront the problem itself. This is passive aggressive. Christians are to speak truth to each other. That means dealing with problems openly, honestly, and forthrightly. Yes, this is hard to do, but God wants us to do the hard things!
Finally, using this language is destructive for both the person doing this and the person being attacked. Paul calls this behavior “animalistic” in Galatians 5:15, “But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!” Like two animals squaring off against one another, the result is that both get hurt. We have no countenance from God to behave in this fashion (regardless the motives), and those who do it should be ashamed. Let’s repent of such sinful ways and elevate our lives to the level of Jesus Christ.
God bless you, and I love you.
Kevin Cauley