Overview
Railing is the practice of speaking harshly, abusively, or contemptuously about others. The Bible warns against this sin in multiple contexts, whether directed at leaders, fellow believers, or enemies. Such speech grieves the Holy Spirit and damages Christian witness and community.
Key Scriptures
"But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people." (1 Corinthians 5:11, NIV)
"Do not rail at the governor of your people." (Acts 23:5, ESV)
"Do not repay evil with evil or railing with railing, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called." (1 Peter 3:9, ESV)
"But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for railing." (Jude 1:9, ESV)
Application
Guard your speech carefully, replacing harsh criticism with words that build others up and reflect Christ's redemptive love.