At some point, we’ve all encountered someone who’s mean-spirited, or maybe we’ve even acted that way ourselves. But what does the Bible have to say about this kind of behavior? Scripture calls us to live in love and kindness, offering clear instructions on how we should treat others, even when it’s hard. Let’s look at what the Bible teaches about being mean-spirited and how we can align our actions with God’s heart.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Holding Someone’S Past Against Them
What Does The Bible Say About Being Mean-Spirited
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of kindness and generosity towards others. It highlights that to despise or mistreat our neighbors is a sinful act, while being generous to the poor brings blessings.
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.”
Known as the Golden Rule, this verse emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and respect. It calls for us to consider how we would like to be treated and extend the same treatment to others.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This verse highlights the power of our words. By responding with gentleness and kindness, we can diffuse conflicts and prevent anger from escalating.
James 3:9-10
“With the tongue, we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.”
James reminds us of the contradiction when we use our words to bless God but curse those who are made in His image. It calls us to be mindful of our words and treat others with respect and love.
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.”
Paul encourages believers to speak words that uplift and encourage others. Our words should build others up and be filled with grace instead of tearing them down with corrupting talk.
Proverbs 11:12
“Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.”
This verse reminds us that it lacks wisdom to belittle or demean our neighbors. Instead, it encourages us to exercise understanding and choose silence when appropriate.
Colossians 3:8
“But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.”
Colossians admonishes us to rid ourselves of negative and hurtful language such as anger, malice, and slander. It calls for a transformation in our speech, replacing it with words that are edifying and honorable.
Proverbs 6:16-19
“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.”
This passage reminds us of the things that the Lord detests, including a lying tongue and sowing discord among brothers. It serves as a warning against engaging in mean-spirited behaviors that cause harm to others.
Proverbs 21:23
“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of self-control when it comes to our speech. By guarding our words and being mindful of what we say, we can avoid unnecessary trouble and the potential harm caused by mean-spirited remarks.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law.”
This passage reminds us that as followers of Christ, we should embody the fruit of the Spirit, which includes kindness and gentleness. It calls for us to exhibit these qualities rather than being mean-spirited towards others.
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”
This verse emphasizes the power of gracious words. Just as honey brings sweetness and nourishment, speaking with grace and kindness can uplift and bring healing to others.
Colossians 4:6
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
Colossians instructs believers to always speak with grace, seasoning their words with salt. This means our speech should be thoughtful, seasoned, and considerate, enabling us to respond appropriately to each individual.
Matthew 5:44
“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
This powerful verse challenges us to show love even to our enemies. It encourages prayer for those who mistreat us rather than responding with a mean-spirited attitude.
Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.”
This verse contrasts hatred that leads to strife with the power of love, which can cover and overcome offenses. It reminds us of the transformative impact that love can have in avoiding a mean-spirited approach.
1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.”
1 Peter encourages believers not to respond to evil or insults with the same mean-spirited behavior. Instead, we are called to bless others, knowing that this posture invites blessings into our own lives.
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.”
This verse highlights the importance of covering offenses and seeking love rather than repeating and magnifying them. It teaches us to choose reconciliation over discord, fostering healthy relationships with those around us.
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Jesus blesses those who actively work towards peace. He identifies peacemakers as His children, implying that a mean-spirited approach is contrary to the nature of God and His desire for reconciliation.
Proverbs 12:18
“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
This verse portrays the power of our words. Rash and mean-spirited words can wound and harm others like a sword, whereas wise and kind words have the ability to bring healing and restoration.
Luke 6:31
“And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.”
In this verse, Jesus reiterates the Golden Rule, highlighting the importance of treating others as we would like to be treated. This principle encourages us to be mindful of our words and actions, avoiding a mean-spirited approach.
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.”
Galatians instructs us to approach others with gentleness when they stumble, recognizing our own vulnerability to temptation. This reminds us to avoid a mean-spirited response but instead seek restoration with a compassionate heart.
Proverbs 25:21-22
“If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.”
Proverbs instructs us to respond to our enemies with kindness and generosity, which can lead to conviction and change. By doing so, we demonstrate a Christ-like attitude and open the possibility of reconciliation.
Matthew 12:34-35
“For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.”
This passage from Matthew highlights the connection between our hearts and our speech. A mean-spirited approach towards others reveals the condition of our hearts, while a heart filled with goodness brings forth kindness and love.
Titus 3:2
“To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.”
Titus encourages believers to abstain from speaking evil, engaging in quarrels, and instead, emphasizes gentleness and showing courtesy to all individuals. This verse strongly discourages a mean-spirited approach.
Proverbs 29:11
“A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.”
This verse highlights the wisdom of restraining one’s spirit and not giving full vent to mean-spirited words or actions. It teaches us to exercise self-control and exhibit the wisdom of a gentle response.
Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Paul encourages believers not to be conquered by evil, including a mean-spirited attitude, but instead to overcome it by responding with goodness. This verse emphasizes the transformative power of love and kindness.