Overview
Reviling involves hurling contemptuous speech, mockery, and insults at others. The crucifixion of Jesus provides the clearest biblical example, where both passersby and religious leaders engaged in reviling him as he hung on the cross, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah's suffering.
Key Scriptures
"And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads" (Matthew 27:39, ESV). "Those who passed by derided him, saying, 'You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross'" (Matthew 27:40, ESV). "So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, 'He saved others; he cannot save himself'" (Matthew 27:41-42, ESV).
Application
Christians must guard their tongues against reviling speech, remembering Christ's example of patient endurance and responding to mockery with grace rather than retaliation.