Definition and Context:
In biblical terms, "railers" refers to individuals who engage in abusive, scornful, or slanderous speech. The term is often associated with those who use their words to insult, mock, or defame others. This behavior is condemned in Scripture as it reflects a heart that is not aligned with the teachings of Christ and the fruit of the Spirit.

Biblical References:
The Bible addresses the issue of railing in several passages, highlighting the destructive nature of such speech and the need for believers to avoid it.

1. 1 Corinthians 5:11 : "But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat."
· In this passage, the Apostle Paul instructs the Corinthian church to distance themselves from those who claim to be believers yet engage in sinful behaviors, including railing. The term "slanderer" in this context is synonymous with a railer, emphasizing the severity of such conduct.

2. 1 Corinthians 6:10 : "nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor verbal abusers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."
· Here, Paul lists verbal abusers, or railers, among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God. This underscores the seriousness with which God views the misuse of speech and the importance of repentance and transformation.

3. 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."
· Peter exhorts believers to respond to insults and railing not with similar behavior but with blessing. This teaching aligns with the call to love one's enemies and reflects the transformative power of the Gospel in a believer's life.

Theological Implications:
Railing is considered a manifestation of the sinful nature, which believers are called to put to death through the power of the Holy Spirit. The New Testament consistently teaches that the tongue is a powerful instrument that can be used for good or evil (James 3:5-10). Christians are urged to use their speech to edify and build up others, reflecting the character of Christ.

Practical Application:
Believers are encouraged to examine their speech and ensure it aligns with biblical principles. This involves avoiding gossip, slander, and any form of abusive language. Instead, Christians are called to speak truth in love, offer encouragement, and use their words to glorify God. Engaging in regular self-reflection and seeking accountability within the Christian community can aid in overcoming the temptation to rail.

Historical and Cultural Context:
In the ancient world, railing was a common practice, often used in public disputes or as a means of social control. The early church, living in a culture where such behavior was prevalent, was called to be distinct in their conduct, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel through their speech and actions.

Conclusion:
While the Bible does not provide an exhaustive list of behaviors that constitute railing, the emphasis is on the heart attitude behind the words. Believers are called to cultivate a heart that reflects the love and grace of Christ, allowing their speech to be seasoned with salt and full of grace (Colossians 4:6).

The Answer to the Objection Raised.
... nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor defilers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves,
nor covetous persons, nor drunkards, nor railers, nor extortioners shall ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xv the answer to.htm

Letter Liv. To the Chorepiscopi.
... Church were received after careful examination; the whole of their life was
investigated; an enquiry was made as to their being neither railers nor drunkards ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter liv to the chorepiscopi.htm

Whether Cursing is a Mortal Sin?
... But cursing excludes from the kingdom of God, according to 1:Cor.6:10, "Nor cursers
[Douay: 'railers'], nor extortioners shall possess the kingdom of God ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether cursing is a mortal.htm

"If we Confess Our Sins, He is Faithful and Just to Forgive us Our ...
... You pretend to repent for drunkenness, or such like, and yet you are ordinary cursers,
swearers, liars, railers, neglecters of prayer, profaners of the Sabbath ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xix if we confess.htm

Vanity of Human Glory.
... a great thing to have one's name familiar to the mouths of the mixed multitude of
this world, of swearers, and jesters, and liars, and railers, and blasphemers ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xii vanity of human.htm

The Christian Service
... and sorrow. Many are the railers at fate and circumstances which keep them
from realizing the object of their search. The failure ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study viii the christian service.htm

The Properties of Sanctifying Grace
... fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor the effeminate, nor liers with mankind,
nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor railers, nor extortioners ...
/.../pohle/grace actual and habitual/section 3 the properties of.htm

The Marks of the New Birth
... How many are the baptized gluttons and drunkards, the baptized liars and common
swearers, the baptized railers and evil-speakers, the baptized whoremongers ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 18 the marks of.htm

Foundation of Moral Obligation.
... necessity have a place. The railers against expediency, therefore, know
not what they say nor whereof they affirm. It is, however ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture viii foundation of moral.htm

part ii
... Are there so many wilful drunkards, worldlings, self-seekers, railers, haters of
a holy life, that want nothing but death to make them remediless? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/part ii.htm

Railers (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Railers (1 Occurrence). 2 Timothy 3:2 For men
shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, haughty ...
/r/railers.htm - 6k

Railer (1 Occurrence)

/r/railer.htm - 8k

Railing (9 Occurrences)

/r/railing.htm - 10k

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