Bullying, a pervasive issue in society, is addressed in the Bible through various teachings on kindness, justice, and compassion. Here are 20 Bible verses about bullying, each accompanied by a brief commentary to highlight their relevance.
Bible Verses About Bullying
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.”
This verse encourages us to use our words to uplift and support others, counteracting the harm of bullying.
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.”
Loving others as ourselves prohibits bullying, fostering a community of mutual respect and care.
Matthew 7:12
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
The Golden Rule guides us to treat others with kindness, eliminating bullying behavior.
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 lists behaviors, including causing conflict, that God detests, highlighting the seriousness of bullying.
Romans 12:18
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Striving for peace with everyone involves rejecting bullying and promoting harmony.
Psalm 34:14
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
Turning from evil and pursuing peace aligns with opposing bullying and embracing positive actions.
Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
These virtues directly counteract bullying, promoting a compassionate and kind approach to others.
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 advocates responding to bullying with kindness and blessings instead of retaliation.
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Wise and healing words are an antidote to the harm caused by 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.”
Slandering others is a form of bullying, which this verse condemns, advocating for respectful speech.
Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Loving and praying for those who bully us transforms hostility into opportunities for grace.
Proverbs 22:10
“Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.”
Removing a bully from a situation can end conflict and restore peace.
Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Responding to bullying with goodness and positive actions can overcome the negativity.
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
Fostering love and forgiveness counters the divisive nature of bullying.
1 John 4:7
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”
Loving one another as God loves us naturally eliminates bullying behavior.
Bible Verses About Bullying
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
Valuing others with humility prevents the pride and selfishness often behind bullying.
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.’”
Justice, mercy, and compassion are key in addressing and preventing bullying.
Galatians 5:14-15
“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”
Loving our neighbors and avoiding destructive behavior counteracts the harm of bullying.
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 are antidotes to bullying behavior.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Encouragement and building each other up create a supportive environment that opposes bullying.
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