the Week of Proper 28 / Ordinary 33
Click here to learn more!
Bible Dictionaries
Detraction
Charles Buck Theological Dictionary
or In the native importance of the word, signifies the withdrawing or taking off from a thing; and as it is applied to the reputation, it denotes the impairing or lessening a man in point of fame, rendering him less valued and esteemed by others. Dr. Barrow observes (Works, vol. 1: ser. 19, ) that it differs from slander, which involves an imputation of falsehood; from reviling, which includes bitter and foul language; and from censuring, which is of a more general purport, extending indifferently to all kinds of persons, qualities, and laudable actions, the reputation of which it aimeth to destroy. It is a fault opposed to candour. Nothing can be more incongruous with the spirit of the Gospel, the example of Christ, the command of God, and the love of mankind, than a spirit of detraction; and yet there are many who never seem happy but when they are employed in this work: they feed and live upon the supposed infirmities of others; they allow excellence to none; they depreciate every thing that is praise-worthy; and, possessed of no good themselves, they think all others are like them. "O! my soul, come thou not into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour be not thou united."
These files are public domain.
Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
Buck, Charles. Entry for 'Detraction'. Charles Buck Theological Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/cbd/d/detraction.html. 1802.
