Bullying is a hurtful and harmful behavior that undermines the dignity and worth of individuals created in God’s image. In the Bible, we find teachings and principles that condemn oppression and injustice, calling us to stand up for the oppressed and defend the vulnerable. Join us as we reflect on verses that address the reality of bullying and affirm God’s call to love and protect one another.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Creativity
Bible Verses About Bullying
Romans 12:19
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
Bullying often incites a strong desire for revenge in those who are victimized. This verse reminds us to refrain from taking matters into our own hands.
God calls us to trust in His justice rather than acting on our immediate emotions. By doing so, we allow divine intervention, trusting that the Lord will address the wrongdoings in His perfect way and time.
Leviticus 19:18
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”
Here, we are commanded to love others as we love ourselves, which creates a hostile environment for bullying behaviors. Holding grudges and seeking revenge only fosters negativity and division.
Instead, adopting a posture of love and forgiveness can defuse potential conflicts and promote healing. This call to love our neighbors applies universally, helping build a community of mutual respect and care.
1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
This verse challenges us to respond to negativity with positivity. When faced with bullying, repaying evil with a blessing goes against natural impulses but aligns with our higher calling.
Such responses can break the cycle of negativity and even transform the hearts of aggressors. It’s a powerful way to reflect God’s love and principles in real-world actions.
Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Christ teaches us to love even our enemies, including those who may bully or oppress us. This approach can be incredibly challenging but it is transformative.
Praying for those who harm us promotes a heart of compassion and empathy, which can bring about positive change, both in the victim and the perpetrator. This radical love aligns us closer with the heart of Christ.
Proverbs 6:16-19
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
This passage highlights God’s abhorrence for behaviors that often encompass bullying. From lies to causing conflict, the Lord detests these actions because they harm individuals and communities.
As followers of Christ, we are called to reject such behaviors and instead, embody principles of truth, peace, and integrity. By doing so, we foster environments where bullying cannot thrive.
Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Our words have immense power to either harm or build up. This verse reminds us to use speech that edifies and supports others. Bullying often involves harmful words and insults.
By choosing to speak words that build others up, we contribute positively to their well-being and create an atmosphere of respect and kindness, counteracting the effects of bullying.
Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
For those who have been bullied, this verse offers comfort and hope. It assures us that God is near when we are brokenhearted and crushed in spirit. He sees our pain and offers His presence and healing.
This truth can be a source of strength and encouragement, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles.
1 Thessalonians 5:14-15
“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.”
This passage speaks to our responsibility to support one another. It calls us to warn, encourage, help, and be patient. These actions contrast sharply with bullying and instead promote a culture of care and support.
Moreover, the directive to avoid repaying wrong with wrong encourages us to break cycles of retaliation and focus on doing good for all.
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Reckless words can cause deep wounds, much like bullying does. This verse contrasts the harm caused by careless speech with the healing power of wise words.
Choosing our words carefully and speaking with wisdom can bring healing and restoration, countering the damaging effects of bullying.
James 4:11
“Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it.”
Slander is a common tool of bullying, aimed at damaging someone’s reputation or character. This verse instructs us to refrain from speaking ill of one another.
This directive helps build a community based on respect and kindness, where injurious words and actions have no place.
Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
This passage calls us to humility and selflessness, considering others’ interests before our own. Bullying often stems from selfish ambition and an inflated sense of self-worth.
Adopting an attitude of humility and placing others’ needs above our own can dismantle the pride and self-centeredness that fuels bullying behavior, fostering a more loving and supportive environment.
Colossians 3:12-13
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience are qualities that counteract bullying. This verse encourages us to embody these traits and extend forgiveness.
Forgiving those who have wronged us can be challenging, but it frees us from the burden of bitterness and promotes healing and reconciliation.
Psalm 37:1-2
“Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.”
It can be disheartening to see wrongdoers seemingly prosper, but this verse reassures us of their ultimate fate. Their actions are temporary and will not endure.
This helps us focus on the long-term, trusting in God’s justice and remaining steadfast in doing good.
Matthew 18:6
“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”
Jesus emphasizes the severity of causing harm to others, particularly to those who are vulnerable. Bullying can cause significant harm and lead others astray.
Understanding the gravity of such actions should motivate us to protect and uplift one another, especially the vulnerable.
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
This verse offers reassurance to those facing bullying. God promises His presence, strength, and help. We can find solace and courage in His unwavering support.
Trusting in God’s power and presence can provide the resilience needed to navigate and overcome challenges posed by bullying.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
God’s Spirit empowers us not with fear, but with power, love, and self-discipline. These attributes are crucial in standing up against bullying.
Embracing this empowerment enables us to act with courage, show love even in adversity, and exercise self-control, transforming how we respond to and address bullying situations.
Deuteronomy 31:6
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Facing bullying can be intimidating, but this verse encourages us to be strong and courageous. We are reminded that God is always with us, providing constant support.
Understanding that we are never alone can bolster our confidence and courage in standing up against bullying.
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Supporting those who are bullied by carrying their burdens aligns with Christ’s teaching. This verse calls us to empathy and active support for one another.
By standing with those who are oppressed, we help lift their burdens and promote a community of care and solidarity.
Zechariah 7:9-10
“This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.'”
God’s instruction to administer justice, show mercy, and avoid oppression directly counters the behavior of bullies. We are called to act justly and compassionately towards everyone, especially the vulnerable.
Following this directive promotes an environment of fairness and care, where bullying cannot take root.
1 John 4:20
“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.”
This verse reminds us that our love for God is reflected in how we treat others. Bullying is incompatible with love for God and others.
Embracing genuine love for our brothers and sisters is essential to our faith and helps eradicate the animosity that fuels bullying.
Romans 12:17-18
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
This verse encourages us not to retaliate but to strive for peace. By doing what is right and seeking peaceful relationships, we set a standard of respect and kindness.
Such a standard can greatly reduce instances of bullying and promote harmonious interactions.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
The characteristics of love described here stand in stark contrast to bullying. True love does not dishonor others, is not self-seeking, and holds no grudges.
By embodying these qualities, we create an environment where bullying behaviors are opposed by a culture of genuine care and respect.
Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God directly counters the attitudes that lead to bullying. This is the standard God sets for us.
By adhering to these principles, we can help foster a more just and compassionate community.
Proverbs 22:24-25
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.”
The company we keep influences our own behaviors. Associating with hot-tempered individuals can lead us astray and potentially draw us into bullying behaviors.
Choosing friends who exhibit calmness and good character helps ensure we maintain positive and respectful conduct.
Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
This verse encourages us to counteract negative actions with positive ones. When faced with bullying, responding with good rather than allowing ourselves to be consumed by negativity can have a powerful impact.
Doing so can change the atmosphere, replacing hostility with kindness and respect.