The tongue is a world of iniquity. A world in your mouth that sets the world outside ablaze. The little muscle behind your teeth can defile all of the muscles in your body and ignite the present age with the fires of hell (James 3:6). There are many ways to go wrong with the tongue. But I’d like to focus this exhortation on reviling.

Reviling should not be mistaken for potent speech. Potent speech is commendable. But the reviler flails with limp words and limp wrists. Shimei reviled David and that King of Israel could have had Shimei’s head anytime he wanted it throughout the stone throwing. The little tatter tots of Bethel reviled Elisha with “Go on up you bald head.” That holy servant cursed them and two she bears had forty-two children for breakfast.

Revilers are listed among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:10). And no wonder, that kingdom is full of light and life, both of which are seldom found in the comment section on X, where the worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched. This Reviler has companions who will also not inherit the kingdom: thieves who have not what they steal, covetous, who have not what they desire, and drunkards who have not the filling of the Spirit.

This Reviler’s name is Ichabod for the glory has departed. All that is left is venom, malice, and corruption, railing before the prophet like 42 children from Bethel Elementary.

It is easy to return reviling for reviling. But the command is to return a blessing for reviling. But blessing those who rail against you requires that you be under the heavy blessing of God. This we will be as we humble ourselves.