Sometimes, we say or do things we regret, hurting others along the way. The Bible offers guidance to help us understand the importance of our actions and words. Let’s explore some powerful verses that remind us to treat everyone with love, kindness, and respect in our everyday lives.
Bible Verses About Hurting Others
Proverbs 18:21 – The power of the tongue can lead to harm or healing
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:21
Matthew 5:44 – We are called to love even those who hurt us
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44
James 4:11 – Speaking ill of others is a form of judgment
“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.” – James 4:11
Galatians 5:15 – Harm can come when we compete instead of love
“If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” – Galatians 5:15
Romans 12:17 – We should avoid repaying evil for evil
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.” – Romans 12:17
Proverbs 16:28 – Gossip can deeply hurt others
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” – Proverbs 16:28
Ephesians 4:32 – Instead of hurt, we should choose kindness
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Matthew 7:1 – We must be cautious about judging others
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” – Matthew 7:1
Colossians 3:8 – We are called to put away harmful actions
“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” – Colossians 3:8
Proverbs 20:3 – It is honorable to avoid quarrels
“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool isQuick to quarrel.” – Proverbs 20:3
1 Peter 3:9 – We should respond to harm with blessing
“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
Proverbs 27:5 – Open rebuke can be better than hidden love
“Better is open rebuke than hidden love.” – Proverbs 27:5
Luke 6:31 – Treating others well counters harm
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” – Luke 6:31
Galatians 6:1 – Restoring those who have stumbled is imperative
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.” – Galatians 6:1
Ephesians 4:29 – Our words should build others up
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.” – Ephesians 4:29
Matthew 12:36 – We will account for our careless words
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.” – Matthew 12:36
Romans 14:13 – We should not put stumbling blocks in others’ paths
“Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.” – Romans 14:13
Proverbs 12:18 – Our words have the power to hurt
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” – Proverbs 12:18
Proverbs 11:9 – Wickedness can lead to the demise of others
“With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape.” – Proverbs 11:9
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 – Love should be our guiding principle
“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.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Philippians 2:3 – We should act with humility and not selfishness
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
Matthew 5:22 – Anger can lead to greater harm
“But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.” – Matthew 5:22
Proverbs 14:29 – Patience keeps us from causing pain
“Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.” – Proverbs 14:29
Job 19:2 – Hurt can come from unfounded accusations
“How long will you torment me and crush me with words?” – Job 19:2
James 1:19 – Listening first prevents harm
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19
Proverbs 25:18 – False accusations are like a weapon
“Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is one who gives false testimony against a friend.” – Proverbs 25:18
Isaiah 53:5 – Our wounds can be healed through Christ
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5
Luke 17:3 – Confronting wrongs is necessary
“So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.” – Luke 17:3
Exodus 20:16 – We are told not to bear false witness
“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” – Exodus 20:16
Romans 13:10 – Love does no harm to a neighbor
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” – Romans 13:10
Also Read: 30 Important Bible Verses About Disabilities
What Does the Bible Say About Hurting Others?
When we look at the Bible, it’s clear that hurting others is something we should avoid. The scripture guides us to act with kindness, compassion, and love towards one another. In various books, the Bible talks about the importance of treating others well and the consequences of causing harm.
First, let’s talk about the Golden Rule, which is one of the most straightforward commands: “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you” (Matthew 7:12). This simple statement encourages us to think about how our actions affect others. If we don’t want to be hurt, it makes sense that we shouldn’t hurt others either.
The Bible also teaches us to love our neighbors. Jesus tells us that the two greatest commandments are to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). When we love our neighbors, we show care, kindness, and respect. Hurting others is the opposite of what Jesus taught us about love.
Moreover, the Bible warns us about the consequences of causing pain. For instance, Proverbs often talks about the outcomes of our actions. It tells us that those who cause trouble for others will eventually face trouble themselves (Proverbs 11:17). This isn’t just about physical harm; it includes emotional and mental pain too.
Furthermore, the teachings of Jesus include forgiveness and compassion. Jesus taught that we should forgive others who hurt us (Matthew 18:21-22) and show mercy. This goes hand in hand with the idea that we should refrain from causing others pain since we, too, seek forgiveness and mercy when we make mistakes.
Paul’s letters in the New Testament also emphasize love and community. He advises us to build each other up instead of tearing each other down (Ephesians 4:29). By encouraging positive interactions, we create a healthier and more loving community.
To summarize, the Bible is rich with advice and guidance on how to treat others. It teaches us the value of kindness, love, and forgiveness while warning against the harm that comes from hurting others. By following these teachings, we can strive to live more harmonious lives and create a positive impact in our communities.