Definition and Context
Insulting refers to the act of speaking or behaving in a manner that is disrespectful, contemptuous, or scornful towards others. In the biblical context, insulting is often associated with actions or words that demean, belittle, or provoke others, and it is generally viewed as contrary to the teachings of love, respect, and humility that are central to Christian doctrine.

Biblical References
The Bible addresses the issue of insulting behavior in various passages, emphasizing the importance of speech that edifies rather than tears down. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns against the dangers of harboring anger and using insulting language. Matthew 5:22 states, "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." Here, Jesus highlights the severity of using derogatory terms and the spiritual consequences of such actions.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of speech in his epistles. In Ephesians 4:29 , he instructs believers, "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 importance of using words that are constructive and gracious, rather than harmful or insulting.

Moral and Ethical Implications
From a moral and ethical standpoint, insulting behavior is seen as a violation of the command to love one's neighbor as oneself (Mark 12:31). Insults can cause emotional harm, damage relationships, and create discord within communities. Proverbs 12:18 states, "There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." This proverb contrasts the destructive nature of harsh words with the healing power of wise and kind speech.

Jesus as an Example
Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of how to respond to insults. Despite being mocked and reviled, He did not retaliate with insults of His own. 1 Peter 2:23 describes His response: "When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly." Jesus' response to insults demonstrates the virtues of patience, forgiveness, and trust in God's justice.

Practical Application
Believers are encouraged to follow the example of Christ and to cultivate speech that reflects the love and grace of God. James 1:19 advises, "My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger." This counsel serves as a practical guide for avoiding insulting behavior and fostering a spirit of understanding and peace.

In summary, the Bible consistently teaches that insulting behavior is contrary to the character of God and the teachings of Christ. Believers are called to use their words to uplift and encourage others, reflecting the love and grace that they have received through Jesus Christ.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Insult.

2. (a.) Containing, or characterized by, insult or abuse; tending to insult or affront; as, insulting language, treatment, etc.

5197. hubristes -- a violent, insolent man
... man. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: hubristes Phonetic Spelling:
(hoo-bris-tace') Short Definition: an insolent, insulting man Definition: an ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5197.htm - 7k

3679. oneidizo -- to reproach
... Word Origin from oneidos Definition to reproach NASB Word Usage denounce (1), insult
(2), insulting (2), reproach (1), reproached (2), reviled (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3679.htm - 7k

But, Says My Opponent, You are Insulting us Without Reason...
... Book VII. 30 But, says my opponent, you are insulting us without reason?
But, says my opponent, you are insulting us without reason ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/30 but says my opponent.htm

All his Insulting Epithets are Shewn by Facts to be False.
... Book I. Section 10. All his insulting epithets are shewn by facts to be false.
I therefore pass over everything else, as mere insolent ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 10 all his insulting.htm

The Second Fall of Jesus.
... The clamour and insulting speeches of the enraged multitude might be plainly heard;
and a herald at that moment proclaimed in a loud voice, that three ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xxxii the second fall.htm

Malachi
... Their whole ideal of religion and service is insulting; they have forgotten
that Jehovah is "a great King," i.14. [Footnote 1: Ch. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/malachi.htm

The Massacre
... demeanour. They thought that she was cursing and insulting them, and one
of the fiery barbarians lifted his sword to cleave her head. ...
/.../chapter xxxiii the massacre.htm

Jesus Before Caiphas.
... Caiphas made use of the most insulting language, and the archers again struck and
abused our Lord, vociferating at the same time, 'Answer at once! Speak out! ...
/.../chapter viii jesus before caiphas.htm

John xiii. 1
... Him; and at one time the Pharisees sent servants to take [1957] Him, at another
they sent plotters against Him; and they continued also insulting Him themselves ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxx john xiii 1.htm

Letter xxxiii. (AD 396. )
... 3. I heard from the brother aforesaid that you had complained of his having said
something in answer to you in an insulting manner; but, I pray you, do not ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xxxiii a d 396.htm

The Groups Round the Cross
... they could not keep their tongues off Him or give Him the dying man's privilege
of peace; but, losing all sense of propriety, they made insulting gestures and ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter xiii the groups round.htm

The Nailing of Jesus to the Cross.
... to the cave where they had confined our Lord and dragged him out with their usual
brutality, while the mob looked on and made use of insulting language, and ...
/.../chapter xxxviii the nailing of.htm

Insulting (10 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Containing, or characterized by, insult or abuse; tending to insult or affront;
as, insulting language, treatment, etc. ...Insulting (10 Occurrences). ...
/i/insulting.htm - 9k

Insolent (16 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Presumptuous; insulting; haughty, contemptuous or brutal in behavior or
language; overbearing; domineering; grossly rude or disrespectful; saucy; as ...
/i/insolent.htm - 11k

Taunt (38 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Very high or tall; as, a ship with taunt masts. 2. (vt) To reproach with
severe or insulting words; to revile; to upbraid; to jeer at; to flout. ...
/t/taunt.htm - 18k

Abusive (7 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Derisive; insulting; vulgar; as, abusive
language. 2. (a.) Given to misusing; also, full of abuses. ...
/a/abusive.htm - 9k

Nabal (18 Occurrences)
... Nabal not only refused any assistance or presents, but sent back insulting words
to David, whereupon the latter, becoming very angry, determined upon the ...
/n/nabal.htm - 16k

God-haters (1 Occurrence)
... God-haters (1 Occurrence). Romans 1:30 evil-speakers, God-haters, insulting, proud,
boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, (YLT NIV). ...
/g/god-haters.htm - 6k

Insultingly (1 Occurrence)

/i/insultingly.htm - 6k

Insultest (1 Occurrence)

/i/insultest.htm - 6k

Insulted (18 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 1:13 who before was speaking evil, and persecuting, and insulting, but
I found kindness, because, being ignorant, I did 'it' in unbelief, (See RSV). ...
/i/insulted.htm - 11k

Finger (35 Occurrences)
... The scandalous person is thus described in Proverbs 6:13 as "teaching" or "making
signs with his fingers." Such insulting gestures (compare eg the gesture of ...
/f/finger.htm - 22k

Why did the Prophet Elisha curse the “youths” for making fun of his baldness (2 Kings 2:23-24)? | GotQuestions.org

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Insulting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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