We’ve all seen it. A godly leader is doing what’s right — leading with integrity, making an impact for God’s glory. And then, someone attacks their character.
Not their methods. Not their vision. The leader himself.
The slander isn’t just frustrating — it’s personal. And worse, it’s not even true. But still, it spreads.
When this happens, we’re tempted to respond in all sorts of ways. We get defensive. We want to stand up for a friend. Sometimes, we feel the urge to jump online and set the record straight — or give someone a piece of our mind. But those responses almost never help.
Oswald Sanders wisely said, “No leader lives a day without criticism…” (Spiritual Leadership, p. 145). Often, that criticism isn’t fair.
Nehemiah faced that kind of slander. Throughout his mission to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls, he faced intense opposition from two men: Sanballat and Tobiah. They were outside the city, but they believed they should have influence inside the city. They operated from the outside while wanting to control what happened inside. So they tried every trick in the book: intimidation, rumors, manipulation, recruiting insiders, political games, and even threats of violence.
But by Nehemiah 6, their schemes had largely failed. The wall was built — only the gates needed their doors. And as Sanballat and Tobiah saw the metaphorical and literal door closing on their efforts, they got desperate. With the end in sight and their influence slipping, they pulled one final card: slander.
They threatened to report Nehemiah to the king and gave him a preview of the message:
“Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words. And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.”
They accused Nehemiah of trying to establish a rival kingdom. They claimed he had recruited prophets to crown him king. It was a complete fabrication — no receipts, no proof. Just bold-faced lies from men trying to manipulate the situation with fear. But they tried to hold him hostage with their lies: “Meet with us, or we’re sending this to the king.”
This still happens today. Our world is full of modern-day Sanballats and Tobiahs. They live online, in churches, and in parachurch ministries. People who overstep their boundaries. People who meddle in stewardships that don’t belong to them. They claim insider information, make baseless accusations, and claim to be “truth-tellers” with no receipts. Sound familiar?
So how did Nehemiah respond?
In a world where rumors spread like wildfire — across the internet, in the church foyer, on campus, or over coffee — it’s essential to know how to handle slander. Nehemiah gives us a blueprint:
1. Call it what it is.
Nehemiah said simply, “There is no truth to any part of your story. You are making it all up in your head” (Nehemiah 6:8– paraphrased). He didn’t waste time over-explaining. He didn’t defend himself point by point. He didn’t take their bait. He just said: “That’s not true — and you know it. You made it up.” Sometimes the most godly response is a brief and clear denial.
2. See it clearly.
Nehemiah discerned their motive: “They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, ‘Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed’” (v. 9). He recognized their goal was to derail God’s work by sowing fear. As leaders, we must not lose sight of the bigger picture. Opposition is often designed to distract and discourage.
3. Pray for strength.
Instead of reacting in the flesh, Nehemiah turned to God and prayed, “Now, O God, strengthen my hands.” Opposition like this often signals that you’re on the right track. Nehemiah didn’t face it alone — he recognized that the work was far too important, and far too large, to accomplish in his own strength.
4. Keep going.
Nehemiah didn’t stop to play political games or chase his accusers down in court. He didn’t let slander stall the mission. The wall still needed doors. The city needed more people. There was more to do — and he wasn’t going to be distracted. He had a job to do. The New Testament urges us to press on toward the mark (Phil. 3:14) and to lay aside every distraction that could entangle us or disqualify us in the race (Heb. 12:1–2). Often, moments of slander come just before God is about to do something great — so don’t let them pull you off course.
Nehemiah could have won the argument. He could have lawyered up, released a detailed rebuttal, or met with his enemies to “clear things up.” But he knew better. It was a trap. It would waste time — and possibly cost him his life. So he didn’t cave. He didn’t get sidetracked. He told the truth. He saw the game. He prayed for strength. He kept building. And God blessed the work tremendously.
There will always be Sanballats and Tobiahs. And the New Testament warns us to steer clear of these kinds of people and conversations (see 1 Timothy 1:4; 6:4-5; 2 Timothy 2:14, 16). Don’t engage them. Don’t entertain them. Stay out of it.
When outsiders try to meddle in a ministry that isn’t theirs, Satan often uses that chaos to divide God’s people. When you feel the urge to clap back, defend your name, or post something “just to set the record straight” — pause. Label them for what they are (modern-day Sanballats and Tobiahs). Then do what Nehemiah did. Don’t trade your stewardship for a shouting match.
Speak the truth. See the situation clearly. Ask God for strength. And keep going.
You’ve got work to do. Steward it with vision, resolve, and trust in the Lord.
“Now, O God, strengthen my hands.” (Nehemiah 6:9)
