Putting others down stems from pride and insecurity, but the Bible calls us to lift others up with encouragement and love. Here are verses that condemn judgmental attitudes and promote kindness, humility, and empathy towards others.
Bible Verses About Putting Others Down
Proverbs 12:18
“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
This verse emphasizes the power of words. Rash and hurtful words can wound as sharply as a sword, causing deep emotional pain and lasting scars.
In contrast, wise and considerate words have the power to heal and uplift others. Being mindful of our speech can be a reflection of our godly wisdom and compassion.
James 4:11
“Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law.”
James warns believers against speaking ill of others. This act not only harms relationships but also dishonors God’s law of love and unity.
We are called to build each other up in love, rather than tearing each other down through judgment and malicious words. It’s a reminder of the sacredness of our words and their impact.
Ephesians 4:29
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
Paul instructs the church in Ephesus to use their words for edification. Our language should be constructive, uplifting, and filled with grace.
This teaches us to be intentional with our speech, aiming to strengthen and encourage others rather than causing them to stumble or lose heart.
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”
This verse beautifully illustrates the impact of kind and gentle words. They bring sweetness and healing, much like honey to the soul and body.
It’s a call for us to communicate in ways that nourish and rejuvenate others, promoting overall well-being and fostering positive relationships.
Colossians 3:8
“But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.”
Paul urges the Colossian church to discard negative emotions and toxic speech. These harmful elements damage both the speaker and the listener.
In our journey of spiritual growth, we must replace such negativity with kindness, patience, and love, reflecting Christ in our interactions.
Matthew 12:36
“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.”
Jesus reminds us of the seriousness of our words. Every careless or harmful word will be accounted for in the day of judgment.
This calls for a heightened awareness and responsibility in our speech, knowing that our words have eternal significance and consequences.
1 Peter 2:1
“So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.”
Peter encourages believers to rid themselves of all forms of negative speech and attitudes. These behaviors hinder spiritual growth and unity within the body of Christ.
By discarding such negative tendencies, we can create an environment of mutual respect, love, and encouragement.
Titus 3:2
“To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.”
Paul, speaking to Titus, outlines qualities that should characterize believers. Speaking evil of others and engaging in quarrels are contrary to our call for gentleness and courtesy.
When we embody these qualities, we reflect God’s love and grace, creating a welcoming and peaceful community.
Psalms 101:5
“Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy. Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure.”
The psalmist warns against slander and arrogance. God detests these behaviors and promises to deal with them sternly.
It reminds us that humility and righteousness should guide our interactions, fostering trust and respect among one another.
Ecclesiastes 10:12
“The words of a wise man’s mouth win him favor, but the lips of a fool consume him.”
This verse contrasts the outcomes of wise versus foolish speech. Wisdom in our words garners favor, while reckless speech leads to downfall.
Wisdom in our speech not only honors God but also builds bridges and earns respect and trust among our peers.
Proverbs 11:12
“Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.”
This proverb points out that belittling others shows a lack of wisdom and understanding. Silence, in certain situations, reflects true discernment and respect.
It’s a lesson in choosing our battles wisely and understanding the power of restraint and empathy in our interactions.
Matthew 7:1-2
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”
Jesus instructs us not to judge others harshly, for the same standards will be applied to us. This teaching encourages compassion and understanding.
Avoiding judgment allows us to foster grace-filled relationships, acknowledging that only God sees the full picture of each person’s heart and motives.
Romans 12:18
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
Paul encourages believers to strive for peace in their relationships, as much as it depends on us. Maintaining peace requires effort, humility, and patience.
This verse serves as a reminder that our actions and words should contribute to harmony and unity within our communities.
Proverbs 15:1
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Solomon shares a powerful truth about the effects of our responses. Gentle words can diffuse anger and tension, while harsh words escalate conflicts.
Choosing to respond with kindness and gentleness reflects a Christ-like character and promotes reconciliation and peace.
Galatians 5:14
“For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'”
Paul reminds us of the essence of God’s law: loving our neighbors as ourselves. This love includes speaking and acting in ways that are kind and edifying.
By embracing this commandment, we can create a culture of mutual respect and support, reflecting God’s love to the world.
Proverbs 18:21
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
This verse underscores the immense power of our words. They hold the potential to bring life or cause death, impacting the lives of others profoundly.
We are encouraged to use our words to bless, encourage, and uplift, understanding the significant influence they carry.
James 3:6
“And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.”
James highlights the destructive potential of the tongue if not controlled. It can cause widespread harm and chaos in our lives and relationships.
This warning urges us to be vigilant and proactive in taming our speech, seeking God’s wisdom and grace to speak life and truth.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.”
Paul’s description of love includes qualities that are incompatible with putting others down. Love’s patience, kindness, and humility should guide our interactions.
By embodying these attributes, we can build supportive and nurturing relationships that reflect the nature of Christ’s love.
Psalms 34:13
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.”
The psalmist advises us to guard our speech against evil and deceit. This discipline is crucial for maintaining integrity and fostering trust.
The effort to keep our words pure and honest is a testament to our commitment to living a life pleasing to God.
Proverbs 25:18
“A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a war club, or a sword, or a sharp arrow.”
This proverb equates false testimony with dangerous weapons. Bearing false witness can cause immense harm and destruction.
It serves as a stark warning about the gravity of dishonesty and the ethical responsibility we carry in speaking truthfully.
Matthew 5:22
“But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.”
Jesus elevates the standards of righteousness, warning against anger and insults. These attitudes can lead to severe spiritual consequences.
This teaching encourages us to pursue reconciliation and understanding, avoiding contemptuous behavior that can harm our souls.
Romans 14:13
“Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.”
Paul exhorts believers to abstain from judgment and actions that could become stumbling blocks to others’ faith. Supporting each other’s spiritual journey is crucial.
By lifting each other up, we promote a healthy environment for growth and discipleship, enhancing the unity and strength of the faith community.
Genesis 4:7
“If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.”
God’s warning to Cain about sin’s desire to dominate emphasizes the need for self-control and righteousness in our actions and words.
Recognizing sin’s presence helps us to actively choose goodness and kindness, preventing destructive behaviors from taking root.
1 John 4:20
“If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.”
John challenges the authenticity of one’s love for God if they harbor hatred towards others. True love for God is reflected in our love for our fellow humans.
This verse calls us to examine our hearts and relationships, aiming to embody Christ’s love in our interactions.
Proverbs 6:16-19
“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.”
Solomon lists behaviors detested by God, including deceitfulness, violence, and sowing discord. Such actions undermine the fabric of a godly community.
We are called to pursue virtues that build harmony, integrity, and peace, aligning our lives with God’s desires and principles.
James 1:26
“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.”
James critiques those who fail to control their speech, labeling their religious practices as worthless. True faith involves disciplined and righteous speech.
This verse reminds us that our words are a reflection of our inner spiritual state, prompting us to seek purity both in heart and expression.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
Paul encourages the Thessalonians to continue uplifting and encouraging each other. Positive and supportive words are a vital aspect of Christian fellowship.
Through mutual encouragement, we enhance each other’s faith journey, fostering a culture of growth and strength within the church.
Exodus 23:1
“You shall not spread a false report. You shall not join hands with a wicked man to be a malicious witness.”
Moses, delivering God’s commands, warns against spreading false reports and engaging in malicious testimony. Integrity in our speech is vital.
This teaching calls us to uphold truth and justice, resisting any temptation to participate in harmful or deceitful actions.
Proverbs 10:18
“The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool.”
This proverb addresses the deceit involved in hiding hatred and the foolishness of slander. Both behaviors are morally and spiritually detrimental.
By embracing honesty and rejecting slander, we maintain a conduct that honors God and nurtures healthy relationships.
Isaiah 32:7
“As for the scoundrel—his devices are evil; he plans wicked schemes to ruin the poor with lying words, even when the plea of the needy is right.”
Isaiah condemns those who use deceitful schemes to harm others, particularly the vulnerable. God’s justice opposes such wicked acts.
This verse encourages us to be champions of truth and justice, standing against any form of deceit and oppression.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Bees
What Does the Bible Say About Putting Others Down
When discussing the Bible’s teachings on putting others down, we find a clear and consistent message: it is strongly discouraged. Within its pages, numerous passages urge us to uplift and encourage our fellow human beings, fostering a spirit of love and kindness.
Firstly, we are reminded of the profound importance of love in our interactions. Jesus emphasized this repeatedly, teaching us to “love our neighbors as ourselves.” When we put others down, we contradict this commandment and sow divisions rather than building unity. Jesus’ ministry was filled with acts of compassion and understanding, encouraging us to treat each person with dignity and respect.
Furthermore, the Apostle Paul provides practical advice on how we should treat each other. He instructs us in his letters to speak the truth in love and build one another up. Negative speech that diminishes another person is not conducive to the growth and strength of our communities. Paul also warned against letting any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.
The Book of Proverbs, rich with wisdom literature, delves deeply into the power of words. It warns us that reckless words pierce like a sword, while the tongue of the wise brings healing. This imagery starkly contrasts the harm and the potential good our speech can produce. Our words should be thoughtful and aimed at bringing peace and comfort rather than causing hurt and sowing discord.
James, another prominent voice in the New Testament, elaborates on the importance of controlling our speech. He likens the tongue to a small spark that can set a great forest ablaze, highlighting the significant impact our words can have. His admonition is clear: we must exercise restraint and mindfulness, understanding the weight our words carry.
Considering these teachings, it becomes evident that the Bible encourages a culture of mutual respect and kindness. We are called not only to avoid harm but to actively seek the good of others, using our words to uplift and inspire. In embodying these principles, we reflect the love and grace we have received, fostering a world where everyone can thrive.