Words carry power, and the Bible speaks clearly against using them to harm others. Calling someone names is a form of verbal abuse that goes against the principle of speaking with love and kindness. Scripture encourages us to use our words to uplift, not tear down.
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What Does The Bible Say About Calling Someone Names
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 of the importance of using our words to encourage and uplift others. Calling someone names goes against this instruction, as it tears others down instead of building them up. Our words have the power to impact people’s lives, so it is essential to be mindful of the language we use and ensure that it reflects kindness and respect.
Matthew 5:22
“But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.”
This verse emphasizes the seriousness of verbally insulting or belittling others. Jesus teaches us that our words have consequences and that we should avoid expressing anger or contempt towards others. When we call someone names, we diminish their worth and devalue them as individuals. Instead, we are called to love and respect one another, recognizing the inherent dignity that each person possesses.
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Calling someone names falls under the category of reckless words that can deeply wound and hurt others. Our words have the power to cause lasting damage or bring restoration and healing. It is crucial to exercise wisdom in our speech and choose words that promote understanding, empathy, and reconciliation rather than name-calling, which only serves to further divide and harm relationships.
James 3:9-10
“With the tongue, we praise our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”
This verse highlights the inconsistency of praising God with the same mouth that we use to insult or curse others. We are called to recognize and honor the image of God in every person, refraining from using derogatory terms or demeaning language. Our words should be in alignment with our faith and should reflect the love, grace, and compassion that God has shown us.
Colossians 3:8
“But now, you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
This verse encourages us to let go of negative and harmful speech, including slander and foul language. Calling someone names is an expression of anger and malice, which is incompatible with the character of a Christian. Instead, we should strive to cultivate a heart of forgiveness, love, and grace, choosing words that reflect our commitment to building healthy relationships and promoting unity.
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.”
This verse urges us not to respond to insults or name-calling with more of the same. As believers, we are called to break the cycle of negativity and respond with kindness, even when faced with hostility. Our aim should be to bless and bring about reconciliation, rather than perpetuating a cycle of harm and conflict.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
Calling someone names stems from a position of disdain or contempt for our neighbors. This verse reminds us that such attitudes and actions are sinful, as they go against the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves. Instead, we are called to be generous and compassionate towards those in need, treating others with respect and kindness.
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.”
Calling someone names is contrary to the fruits of the Holy Spirit listed in this verse, particularly kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. As believers, we strive to exhibit these virtues in our interactions with others, reflecting the character of Christ. Our words should be a demonstration of the work of the Spirit within us, conveying love, patience, and understanding instead of resorting to hurtful language.
Luke 6:31
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
This verse commonly referred to as the “Golden Rule,” teaches us to treat others with the same respect and kindness that we desire for ourselves. Calling someone names goes against this principle, as it disregards their feelings and disregards the basic human dignity that we all possess. May we always strive to extend grace, empathy, and compassion to those around us, seeking to build up rather than tear down.
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
In our interactions with others, including moments of disagreement or conflict, we are called to approach conversations with grace and humility. Calling someone names is not reflective of a conversation seasoned with grace or one that seeks understanding and resolution. May our words be characterized by wisdom and gentleness, honoring the call to be ambassadors of Christ in all our interactions.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
When faced with a situation where name-calling or insults are being exchanged, responding with a gentle and calm demeanor can diffuse tension and promote reconciliation. Harsh words only serve to escalate conflicts and perpetuate anger. Let us choose our words wisely, seeking to build bridges rather than walls in our relationships.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
This verse reminds us of the power of encouragement and edification in our relationships. Calling someone names tears down rather than builds up. As followers of Christ, we have a responsibility to uplift and support one another, speaking words that inspire, motivate, and strengthen. Let our words be a source of encouragement and blessing to those around us.
Proverbs 21:23
“Whoever keeps their mouth and their tongue keeps themselves out of trouble.”
Keeping watch over our words is essential to avoiding unnecessary trouble and conflict. Calling someone names can quickly escalate a situation and lead to hurt feelings and damaged relationships. Let us be diligent in guarding our speech, ensuring that our words are characterized by love, respect, and wisdom.
Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
This verse highlights the significant impact our words can have on others. Calling someone names is a destructive use of this power, as it can cause emotional pain and damage self-esteem. Alternatively, when we use our words to affirm, encourage, and uplift, we bring life and nourishment to those around us. Let us choose life-giving words that build others up and reflect the love of God.
James 1:26
“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”
Our speech is a reflection of our heart and character. If we claim to follow Christ but fail to control our tongues and engage in name-calling, our faith becomes hypocritical and empty. True faith is demonstrated by self-control in our speech, choosing words that honor God and show love towards others.
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
This verse beautifully illustrates the power of kind and gracious words to bring healing and comfort to others. Calling someone names has the opposite effect, causing pain and emotional harm. As followers of Christ, we are called to speak words of grace and love, offering solace and restoration to those in need.
Colossians 3:12-13
“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.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of embodying Christ-like virtues in our interactions with others. Calling someone names contradicts the call to show compassion, kindness, and forgiveness. As recipients of God’s abundant grace, we are called to extend the same grace and mercy to others, treating them with love and respect, even in moments of disagreement.
Romans 12:14
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”
When faced with opposition or ill-treatment, our response should not be to retaliate or curse. Name-calling falls into the category of cursing, which goes against the teachings of Christ. Instead, we are called to bless those who mistreat us, responding with love and forgiveness, just as Christ demonstrated on the cross.
1 Corinthians 16:14
“Do everything in love.”
This verse encapsulates the guiding principle of the Christian life: love. Calling someone names contradicts the command to do everything in love, as it lacks kindness, empathy, and respect. May our every word and action be motivated by genuine love, as we seek to reflect the character of our Savior in all we do and say.
Proverbs 15:4
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
Our words have the power to either uplift and refresh others or crush their spirits. Calling someone names falls under the category of a perverse tongue that brings harm and discouragement. May we strive to cultivate a soothing tongue that brings life, healing, and encouragement to those around us.
Psalm 141:3
“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
This verse is a prayer for God’s help in controlling our speech, recognizing the need for His guidance in our words. Calling someone names demonstrates a lack of self-control and a failure to seek God’s guidance in our interactions. Let us continually surrender our speech to the Lord, inviting Him to guard our mouths and fill them with words of grace and love.
Proverbs 10:18
“Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.”
Calling someone names often stems from a heart filled with hatred or animosity. This verse warns against hiding hatred behind lying lips or spreading slanderous words. As believers, we are called to reject such behavior and instead pursue truth, honesty, and reconciliation. Let us be wise in our words, avoiding foolish and hurtful speech.
Matthew 12:36-37
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words, you will be condemned.”
This verse serves as a solemn reminder of the weight and significance of our words. Calling someone names is not a trivial matter, as it will be taken into account on the day of judgment. Let us be mindful of the words we speak, using them to bring life, encouragement, and honor to God.