Vilifying, in a biblical context, refers to the act of speaking or writing about someone in a disparaging or belittling manner. This behavior is often associated with slander, defamation, and bearing false witness, all of which are addressed in Scripture as contrary to the character and commands of God.

Biblical References and Teachings

The Bible consistently warns against the use of harmful and deceitful speech. In the Ten Commandments, God explicitly commands, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16). This command underscores the importance of truthfulness and integrity in our interactions with others.

The Book of Proverbs frequently addresses the power of words and the destructive nature of vilifying speech. Proverbs 10:18 states, "He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool" . This verse highlights the foolishness and moral corruption inherent in slanderous behavior.

In the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles further emphasize the importance of guarding one's speech. Jesus teaches in Matthew 12:36-37, "But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned" . This passage serves as a sobering reminder of the eternal significance of our words.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of vilifying in his epistles. In Ephesians 4:29, he instructs believers, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen" . Paul encourages speech that edifies and imparts grace, contrasting sharply with the destructive nature of vilification.

Moral and Ethical Implications

From a biblical perspective, vilifying others is not only a violation of God's commandments but also a reflection of a heart that is not aligned with the love and truth of Christ. James 3:9-10 highlights the inconsistency of using the same tongue to bless God and curse others: "With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!" .

The call to love one's neighbor as oneself (Mark 12:31) inherently opposes any form of speech that seeks to harm or belittle others. Christians are urged to emulate Christ, who is described as "full of grace and truth" (John 1:14), and to reflect His character in their interactions.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to examine their hearts and speech, seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance to cultivate words that reflect the love and truth of God. Colossians 4:6 advises, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone" . This counsel serves as a practical guide for engaging in conversations that honor God and uplift others.

In summary, vilifying is antithetical to the teachings of Scripture, which call for truthfulness, love, and edification in all forms of communication. The Bible provides clear guidance on the importance of using words to build up rather than tear down, reflecting the character of Christ in all interactions.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Vilify.

Others of Your Writers, in their Wantonness, Even Minister to Your ...
... Chapter XV. Others of your writers, in their wantonness, even minister
to your pleasures by vilifying the? Others of your writers ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/apology/chapter xv others of your.htm

Apology
... your? Chapter XV. Others of your writers, in their wantonness, even minister
to your pleasures by vilifying the? Chapter XVI. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/apology/

Of Flattery.
... Psa.56.21. 2. But besides the mischiefs of it to the Patient, tis the most
dishonoring, the most vilifying thing to the Agent. I ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section viii of flattery.htm

Conclusion
... the genuine sense of the Holy Scriptures, and may furnish insolent sophists with
a just pretext for violently assailing, or even vilifying, the doctrine of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/synod of dort/conclusion.htm

The Great Offence in the Christians Lies in their Very Name. The ...
... [499] You are therefore vilifying [500] in harmless men even the harmless name we
bear, which is not inconvenient for the tongue, nor harsh to the ear, nor ...
/.../tertullian/ad nationes/chapter iii name great offence.htm

Conclusion and this is the Perspicuous, Simple, and Ingenuous ...
... the genuine sense of the Holy Scriptures, and may furnish insolent sophists with
a just pretext for violently assailing, or even vilifying, the doctrine of the ...
/.../various/the canons of dordt/conclusion and this is the.htm

On the Opinion of Dionysius.
... For what marvel is it if men who have presumed to take counsel against the Lord
and against His Christ,' are also vilifying the blessed Dionysius, Bishop of ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/on the opinion of dionysius.htm

Christian Meekness
... Whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hellfire' (Matthew 5:22).
Under that word fool', all vilifying terms are by our Saviour forbidden. ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/12 christian meekness.htm

Of Evil-Speaking in General.
... exceed, and beat him above those stripes, then thy brother should seem vile unto
thee." Whence appears that we should be careful of not vilifying an offender ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/of evil-speaking in general.htm

Matt. xiii. 53
... [1911] vilifying, reviling, insulting. But not so the saints; they on the
contrary mourn for such as sin, rather than curse them. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xlviii matt xiii 53.htm

Vilifying (1 Occurrence)
...Vilifying (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 20:20 Whoso is vilifying his father and his mother,
Extinguished is his lamp in blackness of darkness. (YLT). ...
/v/vilifying.htm - 6k

Village (21 Occurrences)

/v/village.htm - 16k

Vilified (1 Occurrence)

/v/vilified.htm - 6k

Extinguished (14 Occurrences)
... (WBS YLT). Proverbs 20:20 Whoso is vilifying his father and his mother,
Extinguished is his lamp in blackness of darkness. (YLT). ...
/e/extinguished.htm - 10k

What does the Bible say about managing/controlling emotions? | GotQuestions.org

Vilifying: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus