[Greek] μωμάομαι (mōmaomai), [Latin] vituperare[French] blamer: to blame, to scorn, to find fault with, to mock, to criticize; 2Cor.6:3, 2Cor.8:20
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This means to blame, to scorn, to find fault with, to blame, and to criticize. Homer’s Iliad 3.412 states “All the women of Troy blame me hereafter; and I have measureless griefs at heart.” Aeschylus’ Agamemnon 277 states “Truly you scorn my understanding as if it were a child’s.” Aristophanes’ Birds 171 states “By Zeus himself! Your jest hits the mark.”
Old Testament: This term means blemish, priestly blemish, stain, defect, and moral stain. The Lord said to Moses:‘Anyone who has the following blemishes may not come forward: he who is blind, or lame, who has a split lip, or a limb too long’(Lev.21:18). Yet his degenerate children have treated him basely, a twisted and crooked generation (Deu.32:5). Whoever corrects the arrogant earns insults; and whoever reproves the wicked incurs opprobrium (Pro.9:7).
New Testament: This term means to find fault with and to blame. Paul states that he and his ministry must work together in receiving God’s grace. They must not show evidence to cause others to find fault in this ministry. Paul states one must strive to be beyond reproach. Paul may be alluding to concerns arising from Paul’s management of the collection through messengers.
Scripture:
“We cause no one to stumble in anything, in order that no fault may be found with our ministry.” 2Cor.6:3
Those in ministry must work together in receiving God’s grace. We must not allow others to find fault in the ministry.
“This we desire to avoid, that anyone blame us about this lavish gift administered by us.” 2Cor.8:20
It is important that all those in ministry must be beyond reproach so that others may not find reason for scandal. Any evidence or appearance of misconduct can bring dishonor or reproach to the ministry.
Conclusion:
Blame, vituperate, vituperation
This is one of those terms which can be applicable in any time period.
In the Old Testament, this term conveys the same meaning in the form of a noun (blemish or stain).
In the New Testament, this term continues to be very applicable for ministry in our current age. These scriptures are very prophetic, timely, and applicable to the problems in all the churches and denomination. In any age, ministers must be beyond approach. Sadly, many have failed this moral standard over the years.
–Useless Words Alert—
Vituperation: the act of blaming, censoring, and finding fault
Vituperate: to blame, to censor, and to find fault
I hope you will not find fault for me keeping this post short.