Bullying goes against the love and respect God calls us to show others. The Bible gives guidance on how to respond to mistreatment and treat others with kindness. Today, we’ll see how scripture addresses bullying.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Encouragment
What Does The Bible Say About Bully
Proverbs 6:16-19
“There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
This verse highlights the detestable nature of those who engage in bullying behavior. The Lord despises the actions and attitudes of individuals who display haughtiness, deceit, violence, wickedness, and a penchant for causing strife. It serves as a reminder to strive for kindness and peace instead.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This verse emphasizes the sinfulness of despising or mistreating others, including engaging in bullying behavior. Instead, it promotes a spirit of generosity and compassion towards those who are in need. Treating others with kindness and love is the path to receiving blessings from the Lord.
Proverbs 14:29
“Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.”
This verse encourages individuals to exercise self-control and patience rather than responding to conflicts with anger and aggression. Choosing to respond calmly and understandingly can diffuse potentially hurtful situations, preventing bullying behaviors from escalating.
Proverbs 15:1
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
By responding with gentle and kind words, one can help defuse tense situations and avoid provoking others. This verse reminds us that our choice of words can either diffuse or escalate conflicts, suggesting the importance of speaking with wisdom and empathy to prevent bullying.
Proverbs 16:32
“Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.”
This verse stresses the importance of self-control and emotional regulation. By demonstrating restraint and managing one’s emotions, individuals can exhibit strength and maturity, showing that they are more powerful than those who engage in acts of bullying.
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
This verse highlights the value of actively seeking peace and resolving conflicts. Being a peacemaker involves promoting harmony, understanding, and empathy, all of which are crucial in preventing and addressing bullying. Peacemakers are characterized as children of God, reflecting His love for unity and compassion.
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.”
Commonly known as the “Golden Rule,” this verse instructs individuals to treat others with kindness, respect, and empathy. By embodying this principle, we can foster an environment where bullying is less likely to occur. This verse serves as a foundation for promoting empathy and emphasizing the equal value of all individuals.
Matthew 18:6
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.”
This verse emphasizes the severity of causing harm or leading others astray, particularly children. It serves as a warning against engaging in bullying behavior, highlighting the grave consequences that await those who harm the vulnerable members of society.
Matthew 22:39
“And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
This verse conveys the importance of loving one’s neighbor as oneself. By extending love and care to others, we can create an environment that discourages bullying, promoting a culture of inclusivity, kindness, and respect.
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 stresses the significance of using our words to encourage and uplift others. It serves as a reminder to steer clear of hurtful speech that can contribute to bullying behavior. Instead, words should be chosen carefully to build others up and offer grace.
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 encourages believers to let go of negative emotions and adopt a spirit of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. By choosing to treat others with tenderness and understanding, we can counteract bullying behavior and foster a community characterized by love and grace.
Colossians 3:12-13
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
This verse implores believers to emulate godly character traits, such as compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. In the face of conflicts or grievances, forgiveness is emphasized as a crucial component in preventing and overcoming bullying, mirroring the forgiveness bestowed upon us by the Lord.
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.”
This verse describes the nature of genuine love, illustrating its humble, selfless, and patient qualities. By embodying love in our interactions with others, we can counteract bullying behavior and promote understanding, respect, and empathy.
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 outlines the fruit of the Holy Spirit, which encompasses qualities such as love, kindness, and self-control. By allowing these qualities to flow through us, we can exhibit behavior that opposes bullying and contributes to the well-being of those around us.
Ephesians 4:15
“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of speaking truthfully, but also with love and compassion. By communicating honestly, but with consideration for others’ feelings, we can foster understanding and minimize the likelihood of misunderstandings and conflicts that may lead to bullying.
Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
This verse encourages believers to adopt a selfless and humble attitude, considering the needs and interests of others as more important than their own. By prioritizing empathy and demonstrating a genuine concern for others, we can create an environment that actively opposes bullying behavior.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
This verse highlights the importance of encouraging and supporting one another. By uplifting and building up those around us, we can create a positive atmosphere that discourages bullying and fosters unity and camaraderie.
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 encourages believers to respond to negativity and harm with kindness and blessings. Rather than seeking revenge or engaging in further harm, choosing to bless others, even in the face of bullying, aligns with God’s calling and promises blessings in return.
1 John 4:20-21
“If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.”
This verse underscores the inseparable connection between loving God and loving others. Bullying, born out of hatred and mistreatment, contradicts the commandment to love fellow human beings. Loving others, regardless of differences or backgrounds, reflects the genuine love we have for God.
John 13:34-35
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Jesus commands His followers to love one another as He has loved them. The love displayed in our relationships is a testament to our discipleship. By actively demonstrating love, we can create an environment that counteracts bullying, instead promoting unity and the love of Christ.
Luke 6:31
“And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.”
This verse reiterates the Golden Rule that emphasizes treating others with fairness, kindness, and respect. By considering how we would like to be treated and extending the same treatment to others, we create an environment that actively opposes bullying and fosters empathy and compassion.
Romans 12:18
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
This verse encourages believers to pursue peace and harmony in their relationships with others. While it may not always be possible to control the actions of others, individuals must strive to promote peaceful interactions and actively work against bullying behavior.
Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
This verse teaches believers to respond to evil with good, by refusing to be consumed by negative influences and instead countering them with positive actions. It is an empowering reminder that goodness and love can overcome and defeat the harmful effects of bullying.
Galatians 6:10
“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
This verse encourages believers to actively seek opportunities to do good, extend kindness, and show compassion to everyone, particularly those within the Christian community. By demonstrating care and support, we can create an atmosphere that is intolerant of bullying and embraces love and unity.