In today’s digital world, information spreads at lightning speed. Sadly, misinformation and slander spread just as quickly—often even faster. One recent example that circulated online claimed that Joel Osteen pays himself $54 million a year, lives in a 70,000 square foot mansion, and drives a Ferrari 458 Italia. Research shows these claims are false, yet they were shared widely as if they were fact.
This raises an important question for the body of Christ: When Christians resort to rumors and slander—even against those we believe are teaching falsely—are we not guilty of spreading falsehood ourselves?
The Bible’s answer is clear: yes. Slander, false reports, and malicious gossip are sins that God hates. They are not tools He allows us to use in defending the truth.
1. What Scripture Says About Slander
From Old to New Testament, the Lord is explicit in condemning slander:
“You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness.” (Exodus 23:1) “Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:16) “Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy; the one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, I will not tolerate.” (Psalm 101:5) “Therefore, putting away lying, let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.” (Ephesians 4:25)
For the believer, spreading rumors is not a “small sin.” It is a direct violation of God’s commands. Gossip and slander are listed alongside murder, envy, and malice as the marks of a depraved mind (Romans 1:29–30).
2. Why Slander is So Dangerous
Many justify rumors against false teachers by saying, “Well, they preach a false gospel anyway.” But here’s why slander is so destructive:
It replaces truth with lies. False doctrine twists Scripture. Slander twists facts. Both come from the same source—Satan, “the father of lies” (John 8:44). It distracts from the real issue. When people argue over whether Osteen owns a Ferrari, they stop talking about whether his prosperity gospel is biblical. The enemy loves this diversion. It hardens hearts against correction. If lies are used to attack someone, that person can dismiss all criticism—even the true, biblical kind—because it’s been mixed with slander. As Proverbs 18:17 warns: “The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.” It destroys the witness of the Church. How can we claim to be “people of the truth” if we spread falsehoods? The world notices the hypocrisy.
3. Slander vs. Biblical Correction
It’s crucial to see the difference between exposing false doctrine and spreading slander:
Exposing false doctrine means opening Scripture and showing where teaching contradicts God’s Word (Acts 17:11, 2 Timothy 3:16). Slander means making claims that are not true about someone’s life, motives, or possessions in order to discredit them.
Paul instructed Timothy: “The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness” (2 Timothy 2:24–25). The weapon we use is truth, not rumor.
4. How to Guard Against Spreading Slander
Believers must be vigilant. Here are practical ways to guard ourselves:
Test all claims. Before repeating a report, ask: Is this true? Can it be verified? (Proverbs 18:13). Stick to Scripture. Correct error by showing what God’s Word says, not by attacking someone’s lifestyle with unverified claims. Check your heart. Are you motivated by love for truth and the person’s soul, or by a desire to “win” or tear them down? (1 Corinthians 13:6). Refuse to share gossip. Even if it feels juicy or confirms your suspicions, if you don’t know it’s true, silence honors Christ (Proverbs 10:19). Pray for discernment. James 1:5 promises wisdom to those who ask.
5. A Higher Standard
We are called to be salt and light in a dark world (Matthew 5:13–16). That means we must hold ourselves to a higher standard than the culture around us. The world thrives on rumors, clickbait, and character assassination. But the Church must thrive on truth, holiness, and love.
When we address false doctrine, let us do so as Jesus and the apostles did: by opening the Scriptures, reasoning with people, and pointing them to the true gospel. Lies—whether in doctrine or in gossip—are the devil’s weapon. Truth is God’s.
Conclusion
Rumors and slander may seem like small tools for a good cause, but in reality, they are poison. When we spread lies, even about those we believe to be false teachers, we grieve the Holy Spirit, discredit our witness, and risk keeping that person from ever receiving true correction.
Let us remember: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). We fight lies with truth, darkness with light, hatred with love. Only then will the Church reflect the character of Christ in both doctrine and practice.
Feeding the Flock Ministry 
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