Hurting others, whether intentionally or not, is addressed in the Bible. Today we’ll explore the verses that discuss harm, forgiveness, and reconciliation, showing how these teachings can guide us in our relationships and interactions.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Making Tough Decisions
Bible Verses About Hurting Others
James 4:11
“Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of speaking in a way that builds others up rather than tearing them down. When we engage in hurtful speech or gossip about others, we not only harm them but also go against the law of love. It challenges us to examine our hearts and ensure that our words are uplifting and encouraging.
Psalm 34:14
“Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
This verse encourages us to actively choose peace and pursue good rather than engaging in actions that hurt others. It reminds us to follow the example of Christ, who sought to bring healing and reconciliation. By turning away from evil and pursuing peace, we can contribute to a more compassionate and loving society.
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 emphasizes the power of our words and encourages us to speak in a way that builds others up. It reminds us that our speech should be filled with grace and kindness, rather than tearing others down. When we choose to speak words that encourage and uplift, we can bring healing and restoration to those around us.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This verse highlights the importance of responding to others with gentleness and kindness, even in difficult situations. By choosing to respond in a gentle manner, we can help defuse conflicts and promote understanding. It reminds us that our words have the power to either bring peace or stir up anger, and it is our responsibility to choose wisely.
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.”
Often referred to as the Golden Rule, this verse teaches us to treat others with the same love and respect that we desire for ourselves. It challenges us to be mindful of how our actions may impact others and to always act in a way that is considerate and compassionate. By following this principle, we can avoid hurting others and instead contribute to a more harmonious and loving community.
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 it is a sin to look down on or mistreat our neighbors. Instead, we are called to show generosity and kindness, particularly to those in need. By being compassionate and helping others in their times of struggle, we can avoid causing harm and instead bring blessings to those we encounter.
Colossians 3:12
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.”
This verse encourages us to cultivate virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. When we embody these qualities, we are less likely to hurt others and more likely to be agents of healing and reconciliation. It serves as a reminder that as followers of Christ, we have a responsibility to treat others with love and respect.
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.”
This verse challenges us to respond with grace and love, even when we are faced with mistreatment or hurtful words. Rather than seeking revenge or engaging in a cycle of harm, we are called to bless others and extend kindness. By doing so, we can experience the blessings that come from living in alignment with God’s will.
Proverbs 16:28
“A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.”
This verse reminds us of the destructive power of gossip and deceit. When we engage in spreading rumors or speaking falsely about others, we not only harm their reputation but also sow discord among friends and in communities. It urges us to be people of integrity, focusing on building trust and promoting unity among one another.
Matthew 5:23-24
“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First, be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
This verse highlights the importance of seeking reconciliation and resolving conflicts with others. It teaches us that it is not enough to simply worship or offer prayers if we have unresolved issues causing division. We are called to prioritize reconciliation and seek forgiveness, understanding that hurtful actions can hinder our relationship with God and with others.
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.”
This verse encourages us to practice love by choosing to cover or forgive offenses rather than repeatedly bringing them up or gossiping about them. By extending grace and forgiveness to others, we can promote healing and preserve the bonds of friendship and community. It reminds us to let go of bitterness and instead embrace reconciliation.
James 1:19
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of active listening and tempering our words. By being attentive listeners and slow to speak, we can avoid saying hurtful things in the heat of the moment. It urges us to exercise self-control and respond with patience rather than reacting impulsively, ultimately preventing unnecessary harm to others.
Proverbs 15:18
“A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.”
This verse cautions against the destructive nature of anger and impulsive reactions. It encourages us to cultivate patience and self-control, recognizing that responding in anger often leads to conflict and hurt. By choosing to be slow to anger, we can diffuse contentious situations and promote peace in our relationships.
1 Corinthians 10:24
“Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.”
This verse reminds us to prioritize the well-being and interests of others above our own desires. When we act out of selflessness and genuine concern for our neighbors, we are less likely to engage in behaviors that hurt or harm them. It challenges us to go beyond mere self-interest and actively seek opportunities to bless and serve those around us.
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 verse highlights the attributes that should characterize our lives as believers, known as the fruit of the Spirit. When we cultivate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, we are less likely to hurt others. By allowing the Spirit to work in us, we become vessels of God’s love and instruments of healing to those around us.
Proverbs 21:23
“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of guarding our words and being mindful of what we say. When we exercise restraint and speak with wisdom, we can avoid causing unnecessary trouble or harm to others. It reminds us that our words have consequences and encourages us to think before we speak.
Matthew 18:21-22
“Then Peter came up and said to him, ‘Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
This verse challenges us to extend forgiveness to others, even when they continually hurt or offend us. It teaches us that forgiveness is not about keeping count but is a continuous act that reflects the abundant forgiveness we have received from God. By choosing to forgive, we break the cycle of hurt and create space for reconciliation and restoration.
Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.”
This verse contrasts the destructive nature of hatred with the unifying power of love. When we choose to love others, we are more inclined to forgive and cover their offenses rather than holding onto grudges or seeking revenge. It prompts us to let go of bitterness and choose love as the guiding principle in our relationships.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of love in our relationships. When we choose to love one another deeply and sincerely, we create an environment where forgiveness and reconciliation can thrive. Love has the power to overlook and forgive a multitude of sins, fostering healing and restoration.
Proverbs 26:20
“For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.”
This verse highlights the role of gossip and slander in perpetuating quarrels and conflicts. It reminds us of the importance of refraining from spreading rumors or speaking ill of others. By choosing not to engage in harmful speech, we can contribute to the resolution of conflicts and promote peace in our relationships.
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”
This verse underscores the power of our words to bring healing and encouragement. When we choose to speak graciously and kindly to others, our words can have a profound impact on their well-being. It reminds us of the importance of choosing words that uplift and bring life to those around us.
Proverbs 26:17
“Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.”
This verse cautions against involving ourselves in conflicts that do not concern us. It warns of the dangers of meddling in disputes, as it can lead to unnecessary trouble and harm. It encourages us to practice discernment and humility, recognizing when it is appropriate to offer help and when it is best to step back and allow others to resolve their own conflicts.
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.”
This verse challenges us to respond with kindness and generosity, even to those who may have hurt us. By choosing to help and bless our enemies, we disarm them and open the door to reconciliation. It reminds us that vengeance is not our place, but rather, we are called to love and extend forgiveness to all.
Ephesians 4:31-32
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
This verse urges us to let go of negative emotions and instead choose kindness, forgiveness, and tender-heartedness. It reminds us of the forgiveness we have received from God through Christ and challenges us to extend that same forgiveness to others. By embracing a spirit of compassion and forgiveness, we can break the cycle of hurt and promote healing in our relationships.
What Does the Bible Say About Hurting Others?
As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31). This means that we are to treat others with kindness, compassion, and respect. The Bible teaches us to do unto others as we would have them do unto us (Matthew 7:12) and to put others’ needs above our own (Philippians 2:3-4).
When it comes to hurting others, the Bible is clear that we should not seek revenge or repay evil with evil (Romans 12:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:15). Instead, we are called to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21) and to seek peace and reconciliation with those who have wronged us (Matthew 5:23-24).
Furthermore, the Bible warns us about the power of our words and the impact they can have. We are encouraged to be slow to speak and quick to listen (James 1:19) and to use our words to build others up, not tear them down (Ephesians 4:29).
Ultimately, the Bible teaches us that hurting others is not aligned with the loving and compassionate nature of God. Instead, we are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) and to live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16). When we do inevitably hurt others, we are called to seek forgiveness and reconciliation, both with the person we’ve hurt and with God (Matthew 5:23-24, 1 John 1:9).
In summary, the Bible teaches us to treat others with love, compassion, and respect, and to seek peace and reconciliation instead of causing harm.