Definition and Meaning:
The term "revile" refers to the act of speaking about someone or something in a highly insulting or abusive manner. In biblical contexts, reviling is often associated with verbal attacks, slander, and blasphemy. It is considered a serious sin, reflecting a heart that is not aligned with the love and righteousness of God.

Biblical References:

1. Old Testament Context:
Reviling is addressed in the Old Testament as a behavior that is contrary to the character of God’s people. In Leviticus 24:14, the Israelites are instructed to bring out of the camp anyone who blasphemes or reviles the name of the Lord, indicating the severity of such an act. The law underscores the importance of maintaining reverence for God and others.

2. New Testament Teachings:
The New Testament continues to emphasize the sinfulness of reviling. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches about the importance of controlling one's speech and attitudes towards others. Matthew 5:22 warns against anger and insults, which can lead to judgment.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently admonishes believers to avoid reviling. In 1 Corinthians 6:10, Paul lists revilers among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God, highlighting the gravity of this sin. Similarly, in 1 Peter 3:9, believers are encouraged not to repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but to bless instead.

3. Jesus as an Example:
Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of how to respond to reviling. Despite being reviled Himself, He did not retaliate or speak harshly in return. 1 Peter 2:23 states, "When He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly." This passage underscores the call for Christians to follow Christ’s example of patience and trust in God’s justice.

4. Practical Implications for Believers:
Believers are called to a higher standard of speech and conduct. Ephesians 4:29 instructs Christians to let no corrupting talk come out of their mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up. This directive aligns with the broader biblical teaching that words have the power to bless or curse, and followers of Christ are to use their speech to edify and encourage.

5. Consequences of Reviling:
The Bible warns of the spiritual and relational consequences of reviling. Proverbs 10:18 states, "He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and he who spreads slander is a fool." Reviling not only damages relationships but also reflects a heart that is not submitted to God’s will. It can lead to division within the community of believers and hinder one’s witness to the world.

Conclusion:
While the Bible clearly condemns reviling, it also offers a path to redemption and transformation through Christ. Believers are encouraged to seek the Holy Spirit’s help in taming the tongue and cultivating a heart that reflects God’s love and grace.1442. gadaph -- to revile, blaspheme
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to revile, blaspheme NASB Word Usage blasphemed
(5), blaspheming (1), reviles (1). blaspheme, reproach. ...
/hebrew/1442.htm - 6k

V. ...
... which we as Christians have, that we may say, That word is not mine, this faith
is not mine, they are all the work of God: whoever reviles me reviles God, as ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter iv v .htm

Hebrews i. 1, 2
... He that reviles his brother, reviles God: and he that honors his brother, honors
God. Let us train therefore our tongue to speak good words. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily i hebrews i 1.htm

Second Sunday after Easter
... us to have patience when the world manifests its bitterest, most hateful enmity
toward our doctrine and toward our very lives, when it reviles and slanders and ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday after easter.htm

Chapter xix.
... it is not easy to find any one who, when he has received a blow, wishes merely to
return the blow; and who, on hearing one word from a man who reviles him, is ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter xix.htm

Awake, Thou that Sleepest
... 6. This is he, who, "having a form of godliness, denies the power thereof;" yea,
and probably reviles it, wheresoever it is found, as mere extravagance and ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 3 awake thou that.htm

Being Generous and Loving
... the wicked is cruel. He who oppresses the poor reviles his Maker, But he
who has pity on the needy honors him. He who listens not ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/being generous and loving.htm

Preface.
... friend. And if an enemy reviles, he must be borne with: but a friend, if
he errs, must be taught; if he teaches, listened to. But ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on the holy trinity/preface 2.htm

Of Some Commands of God, and of Patience.
... If any one reviles, he must answer him with a blessing; [1208] he himself must never
revile, that no evil word may proceed out of the mouth of a man who ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xviii of some commands of.htm

In Charging Basil with not Defending his Faith at the Time of the ...
... treatises have been put forth since the time of the trial, he declares that his
apology, though written so very long after, was in time, but reviles that which ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 9 in charging basil.htm

The Saracens, under Mavia their Queen, Embrace Christianity; and ...
... For a Christian is "no striker, reviles not, does not fight"; for "it becomes not
a servant of the Lord to fight." [675] But your deeds cry out against you by ...
/.../chapter xxxvi the saracens under mavia.htm

Reviles (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Reviles (5 Occurrences). Matthew 15:4 For God
said, 'Honour thy father and thy mother'; and 'Let him who ...
/r/reviles.htm - 7k

Revilers (3 Occurrences)

/r/revilers.htm - 7k

Reviler (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who reviles. Multi-Version Concordance
Reviler (3 Occurrences). Leviticus 24:14 Lead the reviler ...
/r/reviler.htm - 7k

Revilest (2 Occurrences)

/r/revilest.htm - 6k

Certainly (415 Occurrences)
... Matthew 15:4 For God said, 'Honour thy father and thy mother'; and 'Let him who
reviles father or mother be certainly put to death'; (WEY). ...
/c/certainly.htm - 37k

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