Bullying is a serious issue that affects people of all ages. While it might not be labeled as bullying, the Bible offers clear guidance on how we should treat others—with kindness, respect, and love. Scripture repeatedly speaks against oppression, cruelty, and harming others. Let’s see what God’s word teaches us about standing up against bullying.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Foreplay
What Does The Bible Say About Bullying
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 stir up conflict and engage in wicked schemes. It serves as a reminder that bullying, with its emphasis on causing harm and strife, goes against God’s will.
Proverbs 14:21
Whoever despises a neighbor sins, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.
By showing kindness to others, especially those who may be in need, we can counteract the sinful act of despising and harming our neighbors. This verse reminds us that bullying is not aligned with the way God wants us to treat one another.
Matthew 5:43-44
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Jesus challenges us to love even our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. By following this teaching, we can combat the negativity and harm that bullying perpetuates.
Proverbs 29:25
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.
Bullying often stems from a desire to please others or gain their approval. However, this verse reminds us that fearing others can lead to harmful behavior. Trusting in the Lord, on the other hand, provides protection and guidance against such actions.
Proverbs 22:24-25
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.
Bullying can be perpetuated by those with hot tempers and anger issues. This verse emphasizes the importance of choosing our friends wisely and avoiding associations with people who may influence us negatively.
Luke 6:31
Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Known as the Golden Rule, this verse urges us to treat others with kindness and respect. By adhering to this principle, we can prevent and combat bullying by fostering a culture of empathy and understanding.
Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Responding to bullying with gentleness and kindness can defuse conflicts and prevent further harm. This verse emphasizes the power of our words and encourages us to choose them wisely when confronted with such situations.
Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
This verse reminds us to use our words for edification rather than tearing others down. It encourages us to speak in ways that promote healing and encouragement, countering the destructive nature of bullying.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.
These verses highlight the qualities that should characterize the lives of believers. By exemplifying love, kindness, and self-control, we can counteract the negative effects of bullying and promote a culture of respect and understanding.
1 Timothy 4:12
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.
A reminder to the younger generation, this verse encourages young individuals to set an example in how they live, particularly in their treatment of others. By refusing to engage in bullying and demonstrating love and respect, they can be powerful agents of change.
James 2:8
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.
This verse reaffirms the importance of loving our neighbors. By treating others with the same love and respect that we desire for ourselves, we can actively combat bullying and promote harmonious relationships.
Proverbs 20:22
Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.
When faced with bullying or mistreatment, this verse reminds us to trust in the Lord for justice rather than seeking revenge ourselves. It emphasizes the power of forgiveness and leaves room for redemption and reconciliation.
Proverbs 12:18
The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
This verse highlights the impact of our words. Reckless and hurtful words can wound deeply, while wise and uplifting words hold the power to heal. By choosing our words carefully, we can combat the destructive nature of bullying.
1 John 3:18
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
Love should not be merely expressed through empty words, but rather through tangible actions and genuine sincerity. By actively demonstrating love and compassion in our interactions, we can counteract the harmful effects of bullying.
1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
Instead of retaliating or responding to insult with insult, this verse encourages us to bless those who wrong us. By choosing forgiveness over vengeance, we can break the cycle of bullying and foster a culture of reconciliation.
Romans 12:17-18
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Rather than seeking revenge, we are called to do what is right and live at peace with others. This verse reminds us to respond to bullying with integrity and to actively work towards reconciliation instead of perpetuating harm.
Matthew 7:12
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Often referred to as the Golden Rule, this verse encapsulates the essence of treating others with kindness and respect. By adhering to this principle, we can combat the negative effects of bullying, fostering an environment of empathy and understanding.
Psalm 34:14
Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
Bullying is an act of evil, and this verse urges us to turn away from such behavior. Instead, we are called to do good, actively seeking peace and pursuing harmonious relationships with others.
Colossians 3:12-14
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
These verses encourage believers to exhibit qualities such as compassion, kindness, and forgiveness. By embodying these virtues, we can combat bullying and promote unity and understanding among individuals.
Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.
Love has the power to cover and overcome wrongdoing. By choosing love over hatred, we can counteract the divisive effects of bullying and work towards reconciliation and healing.
Romans 13:10
Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
This verse emphasizes that love should never cause harm to others. By aligning our actions with love, we actively oppose bullying, recognizing that it goes against God’s commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Matthew 18:6
If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.
Jesus warns against causing harm to those who believe in Him, particularly vulnerable individuals. This verse serves as a stern reminder of the gravity of bullying and the responsibility we have to protect and care for others.
Psalm 27:10
Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.
This verse assures us that even in the face of abandonment or mistreatment, the Lord is always with us and ready to receive us. It serves as a reminder to those who have experienced bullying that they are not alone, and they can find comfort and strength in God’s presence.
Galatians 6:2
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
By bearing one another’s burdens, we demonstrate love and compassion towards those who are experiencing the effects of bullying. This verse encourages us to support and uplift one another, promoting healing and unity in the face of adversity.