1 Kings 18:27

Why was Elijah blessed for ridiculing the prophets of Baal when the Bible urges us to use kind words to our enemies?

PROBLEM: The Bible says here that “Elijah mocked them” and suggested that their god was “meditating, or he is busy, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened.” However, the Scriptures teach in other places to “love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44), “bless and do not curse” (Romans 12:14), and “let your speech always be with grace” (Colossians 4:6). Elijah’s conduct hardly seems exemplar of these truths.

SOLUTION: First, it should be pointed out that the text does not specifically commend every word Elijah uttered. It simply says that God answered his prayer to vindicate him by sending fire to consume the sacrifice and the prophets of Baal (v. 38).