Negative words and actions can harm both the giver and receiver. The Bible teaches us the importance of building up rather than tearing down. Today, we’ll explore verses that address the harmful effects of putting others down and guide us toward kindness and encouragement.
Bible Verses About Putting Others Down
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This verse reminds us that we are called to be generous towards others, especially those who may be less fortunate than us. It emphasizes the importance of treating our neighbors with kindness and respect, rather than despising or putting them down.
James 2:8
“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well.”
Here, we are instructed to love our neighbors as ourselves. When we love and respect others, we naturally refrain from putting them down or engaging in harmful behavior. This verse challenges us to evaluate our actions and examine whether we are truly living out the commandment to love our neighbors.
Matthew 7:12
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
The golden rule, as stated in this verse, encourages us to treat others in the same way we would like to be treated. When we put others down, we are going against this principle of fairness and kindness. Instead, we should strive to uplift and encourage those around us.
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.”
This verse reminds us to be mindful of our words and to use them for edifying others. Putting others down with our words is seen as corrupting talk and goes against the instruction given here. Instead, we should choose to speak in a way that builds up and encourages those around us.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
Paul’s exhortation in this verse emphasizes the importance of encouragement and building each other up in the faith. When we put others down, we are doing the opposite of what God calls us to do. We should seek to motivate and uplift others, helping them to grow and thrive.
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”
This Proverb highlights the power of our words to bring forth life and healing. When we speak graciously to others, we are not only refraining from putting them down but actually promoting their well-being and nourishment.
Colossians 3:12
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.”
In this verse, we are reminded to put on Christ-like virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. These qualities are the opposite of putting others down and instead encourage us to lift others up and treat them with dignity and respect.
1 Peter 5:10
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
This verse reminds us of God’s faithfulness and His ability to restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish us. It encourages us to have a hopeful perspective, knowing that God can work through our sufferings and challenges to bring about growth and restoration in our lives and relationships.
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
This verse encourages us to let our actions and behavior be a reflection of the light of Christ in us. When we put others down, we are not shining the light of Christ, but rather dimming it. We should always strive to be a positive influence, exemplifying the love and grace of God in all our interactions.
Galatians 6:1
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”
This verse calls us to restore others with gentleness when they stumble and fall into sin. It reminds us that rather than putting others down for their mistakes, we should approach them with compassion, understanding, and a desire for their restoration.
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
Paul’s instruction here challenges us to have a selfless and humble attitude towards others. When we put others down, we are acting out of selfish ambition and pride. Instead, we should seek to lift others up and consider them as more significant than ourselves.
Romans 12:10
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
This verse encourages us to show deep love and affection for one another. Putting others down shows a lack of honor and respect, whereas this verse instructs us to go above and beyond in demonstrating honor towards our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Luke 6:31
“And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.”
This verse, often referred to as the “Golden Rule,” challenges us to treat others in the same way we desire to be treated. Putting others down goes against this principle of fairness and kindness. We should always strive to show love, respect, and mercy, just as we would want others to show us.
Proverbs 15:4
“A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”
This Proverb emphasizes the power of our words to either bring life or destruction. When we put others down, we are using our words in a way that breaks their spirit. Instead, we should use gentle and kind words that bring life and refreshment.
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.”
These verses describe the qualities of genuine love. Putting others down demonstrates impatience, envy, arrogance, and rudeness, which are contrary to the love described here. As believers, we should strive to love others in a way that reflects the patience, kindness, and humility of Christ.
Proverbs 18:21
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
This Proverb highlights the immense influence our words have. When we put others down, we are using our tongues to bring death and destruction. Conversely, when we use our words to build others up and speak life, we reap the positive fruits of love, kindness, and respect.
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.”
This verse reminds us to refrain from passing judgment on others and putting them down. Instead, we are called to support and encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ, ensuring that our actions do not create stumbling blocks or hinder their spiritual growth.
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.”
This Proverb teaches us the value of forgiveness and the importance of not spreading gossip or repeating offenses. Putting others down often involves bringing up past mistakes or faults, which can cause division and damage relationships. Instead, we should seek to cover offenses in love, promoting unity and reconciliation.
Titus 3:2
“to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.”
Paul’s instruction to Titus encompasses our relationships with all people. Putting others down involves speaking evil and quarreling, which is contrary to the gentle and courteous conduct that we are called to exhibit. We should strive to treat everyone with respect and kindness.
Proverbs 12:18
“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
This Proverb draws a comparison between reckless and hurtful words and the soothing and healing words of the wise. When we put others down, we are employing our words as sword thrusts, causing pain and harm. Instead, we should use our words wisely, seeking to bring healing and restoration.
Matthew 18:15
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.”
This verse provides guidance on how to address conflicts or offenses between brothers or sisters in Christ. It encourages us to approach the person privately and with love rather than putting them down in front of others. The goal is always restoration and reconciliation.
Psalm 34:13
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.”
This verse urges us to guard our tongues and to refrain from speaking evil or deceitful words. Putting others down involves speaking negatively and dishonestly about them, which is contrary to the instruction given here. Instead, we should speak words of truth, love, and honor.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of loving one another deeply and earnestly. When we put others down, we are failing to demonstrate this love that covers a multitude of sins. We should remember to extend grace and forgiveness to others, just as we have received it from God.
Colossians 4:6
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
This verse encourages us to cultivate gracious speech that is seasoned with salt. When we put others down, we are not speaking with grace or wisdom. Instead, we should strive to speak in a way that honors and uplifts others, considering the unique needs and circumstances of each person.
1 Timothy 5:1-2
“Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.”
These verses provide guidance on how to interact with different age groups. Putting others down, especially those older or younger than us, goes against the exhortation to encourage and treat them as family members. We should demonstrate respect, love, and purity in our relationships with others.
Matthew 12:36-37
“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
This sobering statement by Jesus reminds us of the weight and significance of our words. When we put others down, we will be held accountable for our careless and harmful words. We should always strive to speak life, love, and encouragement, knowing that our words carry eternal consequences.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Bees
What Does the Bible Say About Putting Others Down?
In the Bible, we are repeatedly reminded to treat others with love, respect, and kindness. Putting others down, whether through our words or actions, goes against these principles. The book of Ephesians tells us to speak only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs (Ephesians 4:29). We are also instructed to encourage and build one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
When we put others down, we are not showing the love and compassion that God commands us to demonstrate. Instead, we are causing harm and division. The Bible emphasizes the importance of loving our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31) and treating others as we would want to be treated (Matthew 7:12).
Furthermore, when we put others down, we are disregarding the fact that every person is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This means that we should honor and respect one another, regardless of our differences. Our words and actions should reflect the value and worth that God has placed on each individual.
In our interactions with others, we should strive to uplift and encourage them, showing them the same grace and mercy that we have received from God. Let us remember to align our words and behavior with the biblical command to love and honor others, refusing to participate in actions that tear down or belittle our fellow human beings.