Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Meaning:In biblical terms, a "reviler" refers to someone who speaks abusively or contemptuously to or about others. The act of reviling involves using harsh, insulting, or slanderous language. This behavior is condemned in Scripture as it reflects a heart that is not aligned with the love and righteousness of God.
Biblical References:The Bible addresses the issue of reviling in several passages, highlighting its destructive nature and the spiritual consequences for those who engage in it.
1.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 : "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor
revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God."
In this passage, the Apostle Paul lists revilers among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God. This underscores the seriousness of reviling as a sin that separates individuals from the blessings of God's kingdom.
2.1 Peter 3:9 :
"Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."
Here, Peter instructs believers not to respond to reviling with more reviling. Instead, Christians are called to bless those who insult them, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel in their lives.
3.Proverbs 20:20 :
"Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness."
While not using the term "reviler" directly, this proverb warns against reviling one's parents, illustrating the severe consequences of such behavior.
Theological Implications:
Reviling is more than just harsh words; it is indicative of a heart condition that is contrary to the character of Christ. The Bible teaches that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34). Therefore, reviling is a manifestation of a deeper spiritual issue that needs to be addressed through repentance and transformation by the Holy Spirit.
Moral and Ethical Considerations:
From a moral and ethical standpoint, reviling is seen as a violation of the command to love one's neighbor as oneself (Matthew 22:39). It is an act that tears down rather than builds up, contrary to the edifying speech encouraged inEphesians 4:29 : "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen."
Practical Application for Believers:
Believers are called to be mindful of their speech, ensuring that it reflects the grace and truth of Christ.James 1:26 warns, "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless." Christians are encouraged to cultivate a heart of love, patience, and kindness, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide their words and actions.
Conclusion:
While the Bible does not condone reviling, it offers hope for transformation through Christ. By submitting to the work of the Holy Spirit, believers can overcome the tendency to revile and instead become instruments of peace and grace in a world often marked by harsh and divisive language.Greek
3060. loidoros -- abusive, subst. railer
... See 3058 (). Word Origin of uncertain origin Definition abusive, subst. railer
NASB Word Usage reviler (1),revilers (1). railer, reviler....
989. blasphemos -- slanderous, evil-speaking
... of a root of uncertain origin and pheme Definition slanderous, evil-speaking NASB
Word Usage blasphemer (1), blasphemous (1),revilers (1), reviling (1)....
Library
On Corrupting the Word of God
... Let therevilers look to that; it harms not them: and if they are blamed or reviled
for so doing, let therevilers look to that: Let the hearers accommodate...
The Maritime Itinerant.
... some who were possessed of education demanding his authority for preaching the gospel,
but to them all, he was patient, and some of hisrevilers were soundly...
Continuation.
... says again, "Be not deceived: neither adulterers, nor effeminate persons, nor abusers
of themselves with mankind, nor fornicators, norrevilers, nor drunkards...
An Account of the Several Annual Conferences, and of the General...
... salvation" into this wilderness, and likewise exhibit some of the honors conferred
upon this "strutting bishop," as some of his heartlessrevilers have called...
Faith and Works
... fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor the unmanly, nor homosexuals, nor
thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, norrevilers, nor extortioners...
Faith Without Works is Dead, and Cannot Save a Man.
... nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, norrevilers, nor extortioners...
The Sinning Brother.
... for I do not think that any one will readily be found who has not been censured
thrice for the same form of sin, say, reviling, with whichrevilers abuse their...
Treats Upon the Actions of Carnal and of Spiritual Persons; Also...
... fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves
with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, norrevilers, nor rapacious...
That all Sins are Put Away in Baptism.
... nor those who serve idols, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor the lusters after
mankind, nor thieves, nor cheaters, nor drunkards, norrevilers, nor robbers...
From the Fond Caresses which the Soul Has Has with God Beneath the...
... unable, nay, as afraid, to revenge thyself, and still thou continuest not only firm
and unshaken in thy conduct, but dost lovingly pray for thyrevilers to thy...
Thesaurus
Revilers (3 Occurrences)...Revilers (3 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 6:10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards,
nor
revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
...Reviles (5 Occurrences)
Reviler (3 Occurrences)
Resources
What is a reviler in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgIs it possible to be a gay Christian? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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