Reviling and reproaching are actions characterized by harsh and abusive language directed towards others. In the context of the Bible, these actions are often associated with the wicked, who use such language against the saints—those who are set apart for God's purposes. The scriptures provide numerous instances and teachings regarding the reviling and reproaching of the righteous by the wicked.

Biblical Instances and Teachings

1. Psalm 31:13 : "For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side; they conspire against me and plot to take my life." This verse reflects the experience of the righteous who face slander and plots from the wicked. The psalmist expresses the emotional turmoil and danger posed by those who revile and reproach him.

2. Psalm 44:16 : "at the voice of the scorner and reviler, because of the enemy bent on revenge." Here, the psalmist laments the constant presence of scorn and reviling from enemies. The wicked are depicted as relentless in their pursuit to shame and harm the righteous.

3. Matthew 5:11 : "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me." Jesus teaches that reviling and reproaching are to be expected by His followers. However, He assures them of their blessedness when they endure such treatment for His sake.

4. 1 Peter 4:14 : "If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you." Peter echoes the teaching of Jesus, emphasizing that insults and reviling for the sake of Christ are a mark of divine favor and presence.

5. 2 Timothy 3:12 : "Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." Paul warns Timothy that persecution, which includes reviling and reproaching, is an inevitable part of a godly life. The wicked will often target those who live in accordance with Christ's teachings.

The Nature of Reviling and Reproaching

Reviling and reproaching are not merely personal attacks but are often spiritual in nature. They are manifestations of the enmity between the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light. The wicked, under the influence of sin and opposition to God, direct their hostility towards the saints, who represent God's presence and righteousness in the world.

Response of the Saints

The Bible instructs the saints on how to respond to reviling and reproaching:

· 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." The saints are called to respond with blessing rather than retaliation, reflecting the character of Christ.

· Romans 12:14 : "Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse." Paul encourages believers to maintain a posture of blessing even towards those who persecute and revile them.

· Matthew 5:44 : "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Jesus commands His followers to love and pray for their persecutors, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel.

Conclusion

The reviling and reproaching of the saints by the wicked is a recurring theme in the Bible, highlighting the tension between the righteous and the unrighteous. The scriptures provide guidance and encouragement for believers to endure such treatment with grace and to respond in a manner that reflects the love and holiness of God.Psalm 102:8
My enemies reproach me all the day; and they that are mad against me are sworn against me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Zephaniah 2:8
I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the revilings of the children of Ammon, whereby they have reproached my people, and magnified themselves against their border.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

What is a reviler in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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Reviling: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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