Thanks Michael, it’s good to have the key texts provided. I’m not sure our discussion is likely to head in a constructive direction beyond this, so I’ll note a couple more points and see if anyone else wishes to join in:
At present I’m not convinced that the bible makes a clear prohibition against all forms mockery, strong language and insult. The verses noted so far in this thread do not, to me, seem to provide sufficient clarity to say, for example, that Paul was sinning in making some of his stronger comments in the epistles, or that the OT prophets sinned in their communications, or that the early church was guilty of ‘mockery’. Proverbs quotations in particular seem too weak in terms of their genre and context (general sayings; rude behaviour against the poor borne of arrogance and delight at calamity) to be applicable to, say, Christian ethical preaching denouncing an abhorrent practice (where I could see legitimate mockery being effective and loving).
It does seem clear, though, that in general terms Christians are called to gentle respect and careful choice of language, which makes perfect sense. I don’t see those positive commandments disallowing all possibility of mockery, however, since the example of Christ and God in the scriptures seems very clear. No argument has yet been provided for why that particular behaviour is acceptable for God, Jesus, prophets and apostles but not ordinary Christians.
