Definition and Context
In biblical terms, "railings" refers to abusive or scornful language, often characterized by harsh criticism or insult. This behavior is condemned in Scripture as it reflects a heart that is not aligned with the love and grace of God. Railings are often associated with anger, malice, and a lack of self-control, which are contrary to the fruits of the Spirit.

Biblical References
The Bible addresses the issue of railings in several passages, emphasizing the importance of speech that edifies rather than tears down. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul warns against such behavior in his letters to the early churches.

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 verbal abuser, a drunkard or swindler. With such a man do not even eat." Here, Paul includes verbal abuse, or railing, among serious sins that warrant separation from the community of believers.

2. Ephesians 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." This verse underscores the call for believers to use their words to build up rather than to engage in railing.

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 encourages believers to respond to insults not with railing but with blessing, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel.

Theological Implications
Railings are indicative of a heart that has not fully submitted to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. The use of abusive language is a manifestation of the sinful nature, which believers are called to put to death (Colossians 3:8). The Bible teaches that words have the power to either bless or curse, and Christians are called to be agents of blessing.

Practical Application
Believers are encouraged to examine their speech and ensure it aligns with the character of Christ. This involves cultivating a heart of love, patience, and kindness, which naturally produces speech that edifies and encourages. The practice of self-control, a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), is essential in overcoming the temptation to engage in railing.

Conclusion
While the Bible does not condone railings, it offers a path to redemption and transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit. By aligning one's heart and speech with the teachings of Christ, believers can reflect the love and grace of God in their interactions with others.

But Why Should I Prolong this Discussion? I Shall Take no Notice ...
... I shall take no notice of his reproaches and railings; I shall make no answer to
his violent attacks, that daily task of his, for which Porphyry sharpened his ...
/.../13 but why should i.htm

'the Angel Adjutant'
... The bricks are crusted, and in a dull fashion shiny with grime; the doors,
window-frames, and railings are dark with dirt only disturbed by fresh accretions ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/x the angel adjutant.htm

1 Timothy vi. 7-Feb
... is according to godliness; he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions
and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings ...
/.../homily xvii 1 timothy vi.htm

But as to those who Think that not Here...
... with a certain Carnus, Forculus, and Limentinus? What powers do you set
in order at the railings? If you have ever read in David ...
/.../tertullian/scorpiace antidote for the scorpions sting/chapter x but as to.htm

The Fulfilment
... They bore paving-stones, stakes, posts, railings, garden implements, weapons from
kitchens, from hardware booths and from armories; anything that one man or a ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xxiii the fulfilment.htm

Psalm CXXX. (CXXXI. ).
... But his heart, out of which proceed, according to the Gospel, evil thoughts, murders,
adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, railings [1405] , is ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/psalm cxxx cxxxi.htm

Thus the Future of which we Spoke at the Beginning Has in England ...
... A passing philosopher (who is also, by a mere coincidence, the man who turned him
out) pauses, and leaning elegantly on the railings, explains to him that he ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 11 thus the future.htm

First Impressions
... rested on eight columns. The space below it, enclosed by railings, was occupied
by the choir and the readers. The soleas, or division ...
/.../chapter xx first impressions.htm

Letters to Olympias.
... For the railings, and insults, and reproaches, and gibes inflicted by enemies, and
their plots are compared to a worn-out garment, and moth-eaten wool when God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/letters to olympias.htm

Eating with Unwashed Heart Defiles the Man.
... those things which proceed through the mouth, evil thoughts, of which the species
are"murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, railings. ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/15 eating with unwashed heart.htm

Railings (2 Occurrences)
...Railings (2 Occurrences). Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts,
murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, railings: (ASV) ...
/r/railings.htm - 7k

Questionings (8 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 6:4 he is puffed up, knowing nothing, but doting about questionings and
disputes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings ...
/q/questionings.htm - 8k

Railingly (2 Occurrences)

/r/railingly.htm - 7k

Doting (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes
of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, (KJV ASV ...
/d/doting.htm - 8k

Proud (96 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes
of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, (KJV WBS ...
/p/proud.htm - 33k

Blasphemy (15 Occurrences)
... railed." (So in the King James Version of Matthew 15:19 = Mark 7:22 Colossians
3:8, but in the Revised Version (British and American) "railings"; Revelation 2 ...
/b/blasphemy.htm - 20k

Strifes (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes
of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, (KJV WBS). ...
/s/strifes.htm - 7k

Whereof (94 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes
of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, (KJV ASV). ...
/w/whereof.htm - 36k

Questions (76 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes
of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, (KJV DBY ...
/q/questions.htm - 28k

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