“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21
Bible Verses About Cruelty
Genesis 6:11 – God observed the increasing wickedness on Earth.
“Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence.” – Genesis 6:11
Psalm 37:28 – God loves righteousness and doesn’t forsake His faithful.
“For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed; the offspring of the wicked will perish.” – Psalm 37:28
Proverbs 3:31 – Avoid envying the cruel, for they will not end well.
“Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways.” – Proverbs 3:31
Isaiah 58:6 – God desires our actions to free the oppressed.
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” – Isaiah 58:6
Micah 6:8 – God requires us to act justly and love mercy.
“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.” – Micah 6:8
Zechariah 7:10 – God warns against oppression and cruelty.
“Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.” – Zechariah 7:10
Matthew 7:12 – Treat others as we wish to be treated.
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” – Matthew 7:12
Luke 6:31 – Custom of kindness applies to how we treat enemies too.
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” – Luke 6:31
Romans 1:32 – Cruelty has consequences according to God’s law.
“Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.” – Romans 1:32
1 Peter 3:9 – We are encouraged to bless others to receive blessings.
“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.” – 1 Peter 3:9
James 2:13 – Mercy triumphs over judgment.
“Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” – James 2:13
Proverbs 11:17 – Being kind brings us joy.
“Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.” – Proverbs 11:17
Ephesians 4:31 – We are called to eradicate bitterness and cruelty.
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” – Ephesians 4:31
Colossians 3:12 – We are called to be compassionate and kind.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” – Colossians 3:12
1 John 3:15 – Hatred is akin to murder in God’s eyes.
“Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.” – 1 John 3:15
Galatians 5:15 – Cruelty leads to destruction.
“If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” – Galatians 5:15
Philippians 2:14 – We are to do everything without grumbling or arguing.
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” – Philippians 2:14
Romans 12:19 – Vengeance belongs to God, not us.
“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.” – Romans 12:19
Matthew 18:32-33 – We should forgive others as we have been forgiven.
“Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’” – Matthew 18:32-33
2 Corinthians 1:24 – Not leaders who dominate but helpers in your joy.
“Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy.” – 2 Corinthians 1:24
Proverbs 14:31 – Oppressing the poor is an offense to God.
“Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” – Proverbs 14:31
Luke 9:55 – Jesus rebuked his disciples’ cruelty.
“But Jesus turned and rebuked them. Then he and his disciples went to another village.” – Luke 9:55
2 Timothy 3:3 – A sign of the times where people will be cruel.
“Without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good.” – 2 Timothy 3:3
1 Thessalonians 5:15 – Seek good for each other, not harm.
“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:15
Revelation 21:8 – The fate of the cowardly and cruel.
“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” – Revelation 21:8
2 Peter 2:9 – God knows how to rescue the godly.
“If this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.” – 2 Peter 2:9
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the Bible verses about cruelty, it becomes clear that our actions and attitudes matter greatly. God wants us to treat others with love, kindness, and mercy. When we encounter cruelty, whether through our actions or the actions of others, we should remember to practice empathy and ensure we don’t contribute to the cycle of negativity. Instead, we can aim to uplift and support one another, living in accordance to God’s teachings.
Ultimately, by following God’s words, we can make the world a better place for all. Let’s encourage each other in kindness and keep spreading love, making an impact that aligns with biblical teachings.
For more interesting topics, check out some of these articles on the Bible, or explore ways to lead others to Christ. The journey of faith is best when shared.