The Bible teaches us to love, uplift, and encourage one another, emphasizing the importance of building others up rather than tearing them down. Putting others down, whether through words or actions, goes against the principles of love, kindness, and humility that Christ modeled. These verses serve as a reminder of the power of our words and actions, encouraging us to reflect on how we treat others and to strive to live in a way that honors God by promoting unity, respect, and compassion. Here are 30 Bible verses about putting others down, each with a brief commentary.
1. 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.”
Paul encourages believers to speak words that build others up. It teaches that our speech should be constructive and beneficial, avoiding any language that tears others down or causes harm, reflecting the love of Christ in our interactions.
2. Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
This proverb contrasts harmful and healing words. It teaches that reckless words can deeply wound others, while wise and thoughtful words have the power to bring healing and restoration, emphasizing the importance of being mindful of our speech.
3. Matthew 7:1-2
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Jesus warns against harsh judgment of others. It teaches that putting others down through judgmental attitudes will result in the same treatment from God, encouraging us to approach others with humility and compassion rather than condemnation.
4. 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. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.”
James advises against slandering others. It teaches that speaking ill of others, especially within the Christian community, is a serious offense that goes against the law of love, calling us to respect and protect one another’s reputation.
5. Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This proverb highlights the power of gentle words. It teaches that responding with gentleness, rather than harshness, can diffuse tension and prevent conflict, while harsh words can escalate situations and cause unnecessary pain.
6. Colossians 3:8
“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
Paul instructs believers to abandon harmful speech. It teaches that as Christians, we are called to put away any form of speech that is rooted in anger or malice, including slander and harsh language, and instead speak with kindness and respect.
7. Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
This proverb extols the virtue of gracious speech. It teaches that our words should be like honey, sweet and healing, bringing encouragement and comfort to others rather than causing harm or discouragement.
8. Matthew 12:36-37
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Jesus emphasizes the accountability of our words. It teaches that our words have weight and significance, and we will be held accountable for how we use them, reminding us to speak thoughtfully and avoid putting others down.
9. Romans 14:13
“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.”
Paul calls for an end to judgmental attitudes. It teaches that we should avoid placing obstacles or causing harm to others through judgmental or negative words, promoting unity and mutual respect within the Christian community.
10. Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
This proverb speaks to the power of the tongue. It teaches that our words have the potential to bring life or death, meaning they can uplift or destroy, and we must choose to speak words that bring life and encouragement to others.
11. Galatians 5:15
“If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”
Paul warns against destructive behavior among believers. It teaches that if we engage in tearing each other down, it will lead to mutual destruction, urging us to foster love and unity instead.
12. Proverbs 11:9
“With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape.”
This proverb contrasts the speech of the godless and the righteous. It teaches that those who lack respect for others can cause great harm with their words, while the righteous, who speak wisely, avoid such destruction.
13. James 1:26
“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”
James highlights the importance of controlling our speech. It teaches that true faith is reflected in how we speak to and about others, and failing to control our tongues can render our faith and religious practices meaningless.
14. Ephesians 4:31
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”
Paul instructs believers to remove all forms of harmful attitudes and speech. It teaches that a Christian’s life should be free from negative and destructive behaviors, including slander and malice, replacing them with kindness and love.
15. Proverbs 21:23
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
This proverb highlights the wisdom of controlling our speech. It teaches that by carefully considering our words and avoiding harmful speech, we can protect ourselves and others from unnecessary trouble and conflict.
16. Titus 3:2
“To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”
Paul encourages believers to be gentle and avoid slander. It teaches that we should strive to be peaceful, considerate, and gentle in all our interactions, avoiding the temptation to speak ill of others or put them down.
17. Proverbs 10:19
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
This proverb advises caution in speech. It teaches that excessive talking often leads to sin, while those who are prudent and careful with their words avoid causing harm and maintain integrity in their interactions.
18. Luke 6:31
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Jesus teaches the Golden Rule. It teaches that if we want to be treated with respect and kindness, we must first extend that same respect and kindness to others, avoiding any behavior that would put them down or cause harm.
19. James 3:6
“The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.”
James warns of the destructive potential of the tongue. It teaches that our words can cause immense damage if not controlled, leading to widespread harm and chaos, urging us to tame our tongues and speak with care.
20. 1 Peter 3:10
“For, ‘Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.'”
Peter echoes the importance of controlling speech. It teaches that a good and fulfilling life is connected to how we speak, emphasizing the need to avoid evil and deceitful words, which can harm both ourselves and others.
21. Proverbs 15:4
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
This proverb contrasts the effects of kind and harsh words. It teaches that words spoken with kindness and care can bring life and encouragement, while harsh or perverse speech can crush and demoralize others.
22. Matthew 5:22
“But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.”
Jesus warns against insulting others. It teaches that calling others derogatory names or speaking to them in anger puts us at risk of divine judgment, highlighting the seriousness of how we treat and speak to others.
23. Proverbs 29:11
“Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”
This proverb praises the wisdom of restraint. It teaches that wise individuals control their emotions and words, bringing peace to situations rather than fueling conflict, while fools allow their anger to cause harm and disruption.
24. Romans 12:14
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”
Paul calls for blessing instead of cursing. It teaches that even when we are mistreated, we are called to respond with kindness and blessings, refusing to put others down even in challenging situations, reflecting the grace of Christ.
25. Ecclesiastes 7:9
“Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.”
This verse warns against quick anger. It teaches that allowing ourselves to be easily provoked into anger leads to foolish actions and words, which can harm others and damage relationships, encouraging patience and self-control instead.
26. Galatians 6:1
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”
Paul advises gentleness in correction. It teaches that when addressing the faults or sins of others, we should do so with gentleness and care, avoiding harshness or judgmental attitudes that could put them down or discourage them.
27. Proverbs 26:20
“Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.”
This proverb speaks to the destructive nature of gossip. It teaches that gossip fuels conflict and strife, and by refraining from spreading harmful words, we can prevent or extinguish disputes and promote peace.
28. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“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.”
Paul describes the qualities of love. It teaches that true love does not dishonor others or seek to put them down. Instead, it is characterized by patience, kindness, and humility, always seeking the best for others.
29. James 3:9-10
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”
James highlights the inconsistency of our speech. It teaches that cursing or putting down others, who are made in God’s image, is incompatible with the praise we offer to God, calling us to use our tongues consistently for good.
30. Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
Paul calls for humility and valuing others. It teaches that we should not seek to elevate ourselves by putting others down, but rather, we should practice humility, considering others as more important and worthy of respect and honor.
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