Humility is a virtue, but humiliation is something entirely different. The Bible warns against humiliating others and instead calls us to treat everyone with respect and kindness. Let’s explore what the Bible says about avoiding harmful words and actions that degrade or shame others.
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What Does The Bible Say About Humiliating Others
Proverbs 11:2
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
This verse highlights the negative consequences of pride and the importance of humility. Humiliating others stems from a place of pride and self-centeredness, leading to disgrace. In contrast, humility allows us to gain wisdom and maintain healthy relationships with others.
Humiliating others goes against the teachings of Christ, who exemplified humility in all areas of His life. Instead, we are called to treat others with kindness, compassion, and respect, recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
James 3:14
“But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.”
This verse warns against the dangers of harboring envy and selfish ambition. When we humiliate others, it often stems from these negative emotions within us. Rather than boasting or denying the truth, we are called to examine our hearts and strive for genuine humility.
Humbling ourselves before God and others requires surrendering our own desires and motives, seeking the well-being and dignity of others instead. It is in this humility that we find true peace and fulfillment.
Proverbs 15:33
“Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of humility in receiving honor and wisdom from the Lord. When we humiliate others, we are disregarding the wisdom that comes from fearing God and submitting to His will.
True honor is bestowed upon those who choose humility, recognizing their limitations and valuing the dignity of others. It is through humility that we align ourselves with God’s purposes and receive His blessings and guidance.
Matthew 23:12
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
This verse speaks directly to the consequences of pride and humility. By humiliating others, we are exalting ourselves above them, seeking to elevate our own status at their expense. However, Jesus teaches that true exaltation comes from choosing humility.
When we humble ourselves before God and others, we demonstrate a Christ-like attitude that leads to true honor and respect. By exalting others and valuing their worth, we reflect the character of God and experience the blessings that come from walking in humility.
Proverbs 18:12
“Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.”
This verse highlights the correlation between a haughty heart and downfall, contrasting it with the virtue of humility that precedes honor. Humiliating others reveals a heart that is steeped in arrogance and pride, which ultimately leads to destruction.
In contrast, choosing humility allows us to build healthy and meaningful relationships, as we recognize the value and worth of others. This leads to a life filled with honor, joy, and fulfillment in the sight of God and others.
Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
This verse calls believers to cultivate a heart of humility and embody it in their actions towards others. Humiliating others goes against the very nature of being God’s chosen people, characterized by compassion, kindness, gentleness, and patience.
As followers of Christ, we are called to treat others with humility, recognizing the immeasurable love and grace that God has bestowed upon us. By doing so, we reflect the essence of Christ and invite others to experience the transformative power of His love.
1 Peter 5:6
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”
This verse underscores the importance of humbling ourselves under God’s authority and trusting in His timing for our elevation. Humiliating others disregards this principle, as it seeks personal gain and gratification at the expense of others.
By choosing humility, we acknowledge that our lives are subject to God’s sovereign guidance, and we put our trust in Him. In due time, God will exalt us according to His purpose and plan, far surpassing any temporary satisfaction we may gain from humiliating others.
Ephesians 4:2
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of humility, gentleness, patience, and love in our interactions with others. Humiliating others directly contradicts these virtues, as it causes harm, division, and pain.
Instead, we are called to bear with one another in love, treating each other with humility and gentleness. This enables us to build bridges of understanding and reconciliation, fostering an atmosphere of unity and peace in our relationships.
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
This verse challenges us to examine our motives and encourages us to prioritize the well-being and worth of others over our own selfish desires. Humiliating others stems from selfish ambition and vain conceit, but humility calls us to value others as Christ values us.
Choosing humility allows us to see the inherent worth and dignity in every person, treating them with honor, respect, and love. It is in this selfless attitude that we reflect the heart of Christ and bring transformation to our relationships and communities.
Romans 12:16
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”
This verse reminds us of our call to live in harmony with others, regardless of their position or status. Humiliating others demonstrates pride and conceit, whereas humility invites us to embrace and associate with everyone, regardless of their social standing.
Living in harmony means we acknowledge the value and worth of every individual, treating them with respect and dignity. By doing so, we reflect the grace and love of God and promote unity within the body of Christ.
Luke 14:11
“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
In this verse, Jesus reiterates the principle that those who seek self-exaltation will be humbled, while those who choose humility will be exalted. Humiliating others arises from a desire to elevate ourselves, but it ultimately leads to our own downfall.
True exaltation comes from embracing humility, recognizing our dependence on God and treating others with kindness, compassion, and respect. God honors those who humble themselves, lifting them up in His perfect timing and according to His divine plan.
Psalm 147:6
“The LORD sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground.”
This verse assures us that the Lord upholds and supports those who walk in humility. On the contrary, those who engage in wickedness, such as humiliating others, will face consequences and be brought low.
Choosing humility aligns us with God’s purposes and invites His sustaining power into our lives. He is faithful to lift up the humble and bring justice to those who resort to wicked tactics. Let us, therefore, strive to walk humbly before God and others.
Proverbs 29:23
“Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.”
This verse highlights the contrast between pride and a lowly, humble spirit. The act of humiliating others is rooted in pride, leading to personal destruction and a diminishing of one’s character.
In contrast, choosing humility leads to honor and exaltation. When we have a lowly spirit, recognizing our need for God’s grace and valuing others above ourselves, we experience the true blessings and favor that come from walking in humility.
Matthew 18:4
“Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus teaches that a childlike humility, characterized by innocence and trust, is the pathway to greatness in the Kingdom of God. Humiliating others opposes this humble disposition, as it seeks to assert dominance and diminish the value of others.
By embracing childlike humility, we position ourselves to receive the abundant blessings and rewards that God has for His children. It is in this humility that we find true greatness, not in belittling others but in exalting their worth and embracing the love of the Heavenly Father.
Proverbs 22:4
“Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life.”
This verse highlights the rich rewards that come from choosing humility. Humiliating others goes against the fear of the Lord, disregarding His authority and the reverence we owe Him.
Humility, as an expression of the fear of the Lord, leads to a life filled with spiritual and eternal riches, honor, and abundant life. By humbling ourselves before God and others, we position ourselves to receive the fullness of His blessings and experience the joy of a God-centered life.
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.”
This verse highlights humility as one of the essential requirements the Lord has for us. Humiliating others directly opposes this requirement, as it belittles and shows a lack of love and mercy towards our fellow human beings.
In walking humbly with God, we align ourselves with His heart and character. This involves treating others with justice, love, and mercy, valuing their worth and seeking their well-being. May we choose humility as we journey with our loving and compassionate God.
Isaiah 66:2
“Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being? declares the LORD. These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.”
In this verse, God reveals that those who are humble and contrite in spirit are the ones He favors. Humiliating others contradicts this humble disposition, as it disregards the worth and dignity of those we humiliate.
As we recognize God as the Creator and sustainer of everything, we approach Him with humility and reverence. He delights in those who tremble at His word and embrace a contrite spirit. Let us, therefore, choose humility as we seek to please and honor our Heavenly Father.
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
In this verse, Paul reminds believers of their calling to freedom in Christ. However, this freedom is not a license to act selfishly or to humiliate others, but rather an opportunity to serve one another humbly in love.
By choosing humility, we reflect the selfless love of Christ and build a community of believers characterized by unity and harmony. Let us use our freedom to uplift and honor others, celebrating the diversity and unique contributions of each individual.
Isaiah 57:15
“For this is what the high and exalted One says– he who lives forever, whose name is holy: ‘I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.'”
God declares that He dwells with those who have a contrite and lowly spirit. Humiliating others opposes this humble disposition, whereas choosing humility opens the way for God’s presence and revival in our lives.
When we humble ourselves before God, recognizing our need for His grace and guidance, He revives our spirits and renews our hearts. Let us cultivate a heart of humility, inviting the living God to dwell within us and transform us into vessels of His love and grace.
Proverbs 3:34
“He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.”
This verse reveals that God opposes the proud and mocks their insolence. However, He extends His favor and grace to those who choose humility, especially to those who are oppressed and humble in spirit.
Humiliating others aligns us with the spirit of pride, but humility opens the way for God’s favor and intervention in our lives. By treating others with humility and compassion, we become recipients of the boundless blessings and grace that flow from the hand of our loving Father.
Psalm 138:6
“Though the LORD is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, he sees them from afar.”
This verse reminds us of God’s character and His loving attention towards the lowly and humble. Humiliating others disregards this truth, as it fails to recognize the worth and dignity of those we humiliate.
Even in His exalted position, God looks kindly on the lowly and extends His compassionate gaze towards them. As we choose humility, we align ourselves with His heart and become recipients of His mercy, love, and care.
James 4:6
“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'”
James reminds us of the abundant grace that God bestows upon those who choose humility. Humiliating others reflects a proud heart, positioning us in opposition to the grace that God freely offers.
By humbling ourselves before God and others, we position ourselves to receive His boundless grace, favor, and blessings. Let us cast aside pride and embrace a life marked by humility, gratitude, and dependence on the gracious provision of our Heavenly Father.