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
James 4:11 – Speak kindly and avoid 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.”
Ephesians 4:29 – Use words to build up, not tear down
“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.”
Proverbs 16:28 – Gossip can destroy relationships
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
Colossians 3:8 – Discard negative speech
“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
Proverbs 12:18 – Words have the power to harm or heal
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Matthew 7:1 – Avoid hypocritical judgment
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.”
Proverbs 11:12 – Discretion in speech shows wisdom
“Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.”
Galatians 5:15 – Love prevails over conflict
“If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”
1 Peter 2:1 – Maintain integrity in community
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”
Proverbs 21:23 – Wisdom guards against destructive talk
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
Romans 14:10 – Accountable for how we treat others
“You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.”
Psalm 101:5 – Avoiding slanderous behavior**
“Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate.”
Titus 3:2 – Be gentle and peaceable in speech
“To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”
Proverbs 25:18 – Harmful words can damage reputations
“Like a hammer, a sword, or a sharp arrow is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor.”
Matthew 12:36 – We will give account for our words
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Encourage, do not tear down
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Philippians 2:3 – Value others above ourselves
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
Luke 6:31 – Treat others as you wish to be treated
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Proverbs 18:21 – The tongue holds great power
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Galatians 6:7 – Reap what you sow
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”
2 Corinthians 12:20 – Strive for harmony, not division
“For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.”
Proverbs 10:19 – Less talk can prevent conflict
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
Proverbs 15:1 – A gentle response can diffuse anger
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Romans 13:10 – Love fulfills the law
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
Matthew 5:22 – Anger can lead to serious consequences
“But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.”
1 John 4:20 – True love cannot harbor hate
“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.”
Isaiah 58:9 – Compassionate humility opens God’s ears
“Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.”
Proverbs 27:17 – Mutual growth from encouragement
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Hebrews 10:24 – Spur one another on towards good
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
Matthew 5:44 – Love our enemies through prayer
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
1 Peter 3:9 – Respond with blessing, not cursing
“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.”
Proverbs 29:11 – Wise man controls emotions
“Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”
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.