Topical Encyclopedia A "reviler" is a term used in the Bible to describe someone who engages in abusive or contemptuous speech, often characterized by insults, slander, or verbal attacks. This behavior is consistently condemned in Scripture, as it reflects a heart that is not aligned with the love and righteousness that God desires for His people.Biblical References: 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, revilers are listed among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God, highlighting the severity of this sin. The inclusion of revilers in this list underscores the destructive nature of abusive speech and its incompatibility with a life transformed by the Gospel. 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." While the term "reviler" is not directly used here, the principle is clear: believers are called to respond to insults and reviling with blessing, not retaliation. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical ethic of love and forgiveness, even towards those who speak against us. 3. Proverbs 20:20 : "Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness." Although the term "reviler" is not explicitly mentioned, the act of cursing one's parents is a form of reviling. This proverb warns of the dire consequences of such behavior, emphasizing the importance of honoring and respecting others, particularly one's parents. 4. Matthew 5:22 : "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell." Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount addresses the heart attitude behind reviling. The use of derogatory language is equated with serious spiritual danger, indicating that reviling is not merely a matter of words but of the heart's condition. Theological Implications: The consistent biblical condemnation of reviling highlights the importance of speech in the life of a believer. Words have the power to build up or tear down, to bless or to curse. The New Testament, in particular, emphasizes the transformation of the believer's speech as evidence of a renewed heart. James 3:9-10 states, "With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!" The call to avoid reviling is not merely about refraining from negative speech but about cultivating a heart that reflects the character of Christ. This involves a commitment to love, patience, and kindness, even in the face of provocation. The believer is called to be a witness to the transformative power of the Gospel, which includes the sanctification of one's speech. Practical Application: For Christians, the avoidance of reviling involves both personal discipline and reliance on the Holy Spirit. It requires a conscious effort to guard one's tongue and to speak words that edify and encourage. Ephesians 4:29 instructs, "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." In a world where reviling is often normalized, believers are called to be counter-cultural, demonstrating the love and grace of Christ through their words. This commitment to godly speech serves as a powerful testimony to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) One who reviles.Greek 3060. loidoros -- abusive, subst. railer ... railer. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: loidoros Phonetic Spelling: (loy'-dor-os) Short Definition: a railer, reviler, abuser Definition: a railer ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3060.htm - 6k 3058. loidoreo -- to abuse, revile Library Whether one Ought to Suffer Oneself to be Reviled? Whether Backbiting is Suitably Defined as the Blackening of ... Letter cciii. To the Bishops of the Sea Coast. 1 Cor. v. 11-Sep Continuation: Audacity of Satan. The Penitent Thief The Gods of Egypt The Death of Jesus Galatians Chapter iii. Fulfilling of the Law in the Higher Sense. --Particular Examples ... Thesaurus Reviler (3 Occurrences)...Reviler (3 Occurrences). ... Leviticus 24:23 And Moses spoke to the children of Israel; and they led the reviler outside the camp and stoned him with stones. ... /r/reviler.htm - 7k Rail (8 Occurrences) Reproacher (2 Occurrences) Railer (1 Occurrence) Railing (9 Occurrences) Revilers (3 Occurrences) Revilement (1 Occurrence) Self-avenger (2 Occurrences) Revile (28 Occurrences) Company (287 Occurrences) Resources What is a reviler in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about satire and/or sarcasm? | GotQuestions.org Worldliness ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Reviler: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Reviler (3 Occurrences)Leviticus 24:14 Leviticus 24:23 Psalms 44:16 Subtopics Related Terms |
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