“When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:23 ESV).
The word “revile” in this passage is synonymous with the idea of verbal abuse. A “reviler” therefore, is someone who is vocally malicious towards other human beings. When others treat us in this manner, we should look to Jesus as our example, for He “…never answered back when insulted; when he suffered he did not threaten to get even; he left his case in the hands of God who always judges fairly” (TLB).
For instance, consider the level of self-restraint that Jesus demonstrated at the time of His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane…
“Suddenly one of Jesus’ disciples drew his sword, slashed at the High Priest’s servant and cut off his ear. At this Jesus said to him, ‘Put your sword back into its proper place. All those who take the sword die by the sword. Do you imagine that I could not appeal to my Father, and he would at once send more than twelve legions of angels to defend me? But then, how would the scriptures be fulfilled which say that all this must take place?'” (Matthew 26:51-54 Phillips).
As the Biblical book of Hebrews adds, “…consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won’t grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:3 HCSB).
So what should be our response when others revile us? Romans 12:19 provides us with that answer: “Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, ‘I will take revenge; I will pay them back,’ says the Lord” (NLT). The following verses then go on to say…
“…feed your enemy if he is hungry. If he is thirsty give him something to drink and you will be ‘heaping coals of fire on his head.’ In other words, he will feel ashamed of himself for what he has done to you. Don’t let evil get the upper hand, but conquer evil by doing good” (Romans 12:20-21 TLB).
So, we would do well is to seek God in prayer for the wisdom to respond appropriately in such instances. In the words of one commentator…
“Jesus is our example. He suffered wrongfully at the hands of man. We should follow in His steps. He didn’t pour out guile from His mouth when they were doing these things. In fact, what did He say as they were nailing Him to the tree? He said, ‘Father, forgive them, they know not what they do’ (Luke 23:34). That’s your example. ‘Pray for those,’ Jesus said, ‘who despitefully use you’ (Matthew 5:44).” (1)
(1) Chuck Smith, Verse by Verse Study on 1 Peter 1-2 https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/smith_chuck/c2000_1Pe/1Pe_001.cfm