Harsh words and insults are warned against in Scripture, as they can cause harm and damage relationships. The book of James teaches that those who cannot control their tongue are deceiving themselves about their religious devotion. The wisdom literature of Proverbs offers guidance on this issue, cautioning that a person who insults others lacks wisdom and discretion, as seen in passages like Proverbs 12:16 and Proverbs 12:18. Furthermore, Proverbs 20:22 and Proverbs 11:12 remind us to refrain from responding to insults and instead trust in God's justice and timing.
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If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.
Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Whoever shows contempt for his neighbor lacks judgment, but a man of understanding remains silent.
Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. And if you judge the law, you are not a practitioner of the law, but a judge of it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.
Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving.
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.
Why, then, do you judge your brother? Or why do you belittle your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: “As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess to God.” So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘Hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.