What is a reviler in the Bible?

Response

A reviler is an individual who uses words to harm, dominate, or offend someone’s character or reputation. In modern terms, we would refer to a reviler as a verbal abuser. The term “reviler” is a versatile word found in the Bible to depict various forms of verbal wrongdoing, such as slander, angry outbursts, and profanity. Reviling is often grouped with sins that are typically considered more serious, like homosexuality and theft (1 Corinthians 6:9-10;2 Timothy 3:2-3). In 1 Corinthians 5:11, Paul includes revilers among the sexually immoral and drunkards, advising the church to avoid such individuals if they claim to be Christians.

Leviticus 24:10–16 provides an Old Testament background for understanding the concept of a reviler. In this account, a man was overheard cursing God and brought before Moses to determine the appropriate action. The man was accused of blaspheming against the Lord. In some versions, the term “blasphemer” in this context is also translated as “reviler.” The Lord’s response to this offense was clear: “Anyone who blasphemes the name of the Lord must be put to death” (verse 16).

Our words hold significance to God “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”, (Psalm 19:14) because what we speak reflects what is in our hearts “Not that which goes into the mouth defiles a man; but that which comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.”, (Matthew 15:11). The man in Leviticus 24 blasphemed the Lord because he was reviling Him in his heart. We often justify our inappropriate speech by saying, “That’s not really who I am. I was just provoked.”Jesus says we are like that, on the inside «But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. », (Matthew 15:18), and, “Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks” «O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. », (Matthew 12:34). Revilers are simply revealing what is in their hearts, and it is the heart that God searches and judges (Jeremiah 17:9-10).

Revilers give themselves permission to misuse the gift of speech while justifying their ongoing sin. Verbal abusers blame their victims. The foul-mouthed blame bad company (Ephesians 5:4;1 Corinthians 15:33). Slanderers and blasphemers either don’t believe in God or have reduced Him in their minds to an entity they can feel comfortable with (Psalm 14:1;Zephaniah 3:5). People who revile God have no fear of the Lord and will face His wrath one day «The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: But fools despise wisdom and instruction. », (Proverbs 1:7). We are even warned against reviling angelic majesties «But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. », (Jude 1:10).

Revilers who come to Christ can change by surrendering their mouths to the Lord (Romans 6:6-7). They can ask God to make them sensitive to the words that offend the Holy Spirit «And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. », (Ephesians 4:30), and they can discipline themselves to seek forgiveness every time they insult someone in any manner «If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. », (1 John 1:9).

Our mouths were created for the glory of the Lord, not for lesser purposes: “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” Revilers must learn to see their sin as God does.

Jesus informed His followers that revilers would speak against them, but they were not to lose heart. Men reviled Him, and those who do not know Him will continue to revile His followers «If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. », (John 15:18). The disciples were not to lose heart when they were reviled. Instead, Jesus gave them this encouragement: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11-12;ESV). Revilers have always been present but should never be named among.

God’s chosen ones (Ephesians 5:3-4).