The Bible urges us to live in a way that doesn’t lead others into sin. Today, we’ll examine how Scripture teaches us to encourage and build each other up in faith.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Casting The First Stone
What Does The Bible Say About Causing Another To Stumble
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.”
This verse highlights the seriousness of causing others, especially those who are young in their faith, to stumble. It emphasizes the importance of being a positive influence and setting a good example for others, particularly those who are vulnerable.
Causing others to stumble can lead them away from the truth and hinder their spiritual growth. This verse reminds us to be mindful of our words, actions, and influence, as the consequence for leading others astray is severe.
1 Corinthians 8:9
“But be careful that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”
This verse reminds us to consider the impact of our actions on those who may have weaker faith. It urges us to prioritize love and unity over our personal rights and privileges.
While we have freedom in Christ, we are called to use it responsibly and considerately towards others. We should avoid engaging in behaviors or participating in activities that could potentially cause others to stumble or lead them into sin.
Romans 14:13
“Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of unity and acceptance within the body of believers. It encourages us to refrain from judging others and instead focus on building each other up.
Putting stumbling blocks or obstacles in the way of fellow believers can hinder their faith and create division within the church. Instead, we are called to promote love, understanding, and genuine fellowship.
Proverbs 24:16
“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.”
This verse reminds us that even the righteous may stumble and fall at times, but the difference lies in their ability to rise again. It highlights the resilience and strength that comes from a relationship with God.
On the other hand, the wicked are prone to stumbling and facing destruction when faced with adversity. This verse encourages us to persevere through our mistakes and challenges, relying on God’s grace and guidance to help us rise again.
Psalm 119:165
“Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”
This verse highlights the benefits of loving and obeying God’s commands. It emphasizes that those who have a deep love for God’s Word and seek to live according to its teachings will experience a sense of peace that cannot be easily shaken.
When we align our lives with God’s will, we are less likely to stumble because His wisdom and guidance become our foundation. This verse encourages us to prioritize our relationship with God and His Word, knowing that it brings lasting peace and stability.
Proverbs 3:23
“Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.”
This verse highlights the benefits of following God’s wisdom and guidance. It assures believers that when we trust in the Lord and walk in His ways, He will protect us from stumbling and guide us on a safe path.
God’s presence and guidance bring security and assurance to our lives. As we acknowledge Him and seek His direction, He promises to make our path straight and prevent us from falling into traps and temptations that could cause us to stumble.
James 3:2
“We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.”
This verse acknowledges the reality that we all stumble and make mistakes in different areas of our lives. It highlights the importance of controlling our speech and recognizing the power of our words to either build up or tear down.
The ability to bridle our tongue and speak with wisdom requires maturity and self-control. This verse encourages us to strive for perfection in our speech, knowing that it reflects the condition of our hearts and has a significant impact on our relationships and the lives of others.
1 Peter 2:8
“They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.”
This verse describes the reason behind the stumbling of those who reject and disobey the message of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes that their actions align with their destiny, which ultimately leads them towards destruction.
Disobedience to the message of salvation and the rejection of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior inevitably leads to spiritual stumbling and separation from God. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of rejecting God’s truth and the importance of embracing His message of redemption.
Psalm 37:23-24
“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”
This verse provides comfort and reassurance to those who delight in the Lord and seek to walk in His ways. It acknowledges the possibility of stumbling but emphasizes that God is faithful to support and uphold those who trust in Him.
As we place our trust in God, He strengthens us and guides our steps. Even if we stumble along the way, His loving hand is there to lift us up and prevent us from falling. This verse reminds us of God’s unfailing love and care for His children.
Proverbs 4:12
“When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.”
This verse speaks of the protection and guidance that come from embracing wisdom. It assures us that when we walk in the ways of wisdom and righteousness, our steps will be unhindered, and we will not stumble.
God’s wisdom acts as a guiding light, illuminating our path and enabling us to make choices that lead to success and blessings. When we align our steps with His wisdom, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that He will keep us from stumbling and falling.
Hosea 14:9
“Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.”
This verse contrasts the paths of the wise and discerning with those of the rebellious. It highlights the importance of understanding and embracing the ways of the Lord, for they are right and lead to righteousness.
When we choose to walk in alignment with God’s ways, we experience His guidance and blessing. However, those who rebel against God’s truth and reject His ways will stumble and face the consequences of their choices. This verse encourages us to seek wisdom and discernment as we navigate life’s journey.
Psalm 145:14
“The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.”
This verse expresses God’s compassion and faithfulness towards His people. It assures us that when we fall or face difficulties, God is there to lift us up and provide the strength we need.
As believers, we can take comfort in the fact that we serve a God who is always near and ready to help us when we stumble or feel burdened. His loving arms are always ready to lift us up, giving us hope and renewed strength to continue our journey of faith.
Isaiah 42:16
“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.”
This verse depicts the compassionate nature of God and His commitment to guiding and supporting His people. It assures us that God will lead us through unfamiliar and challenging circumstances, illuminating our path and making a way for us.
Even when we feel lost or stumble along the way, God is faithful to provide direction and smooth out the rough patches. We can trust in His unwavering presence and unfailing love, knowing that He will never abandon us.
2 Peter 1:10
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.”
This verse encourages believers to actively pursue a strong and steadfast faith. It urges us to make every effort to grow in our relationship with God, confirming our calling and election as His chosen people.
When we intentionally seek to align our lives with God’s will and nurture our faith through prayer, study, and obedience, we can be confident in our journey of faith. The more we invest in our relationship with God, the less likely we are to stumble and falter along the way.
Psalm 19:13
“Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression.”
This verse expresses a humble plea for God’s guidance and protection against intentional sins that could lead to stumbling. It acknowledges the human inclination towards straying from God’s ways and seeks His help in remaining blameless.
As we recognize our own weaknesses and sinful tendencies, we can turn to God for strength and deliverance. By relying on His grace and seeking His guidance, we can overcome temptation and stay on the path of righteousness.
1 John 2:10
“Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble.”
This verse emphasizes the connection between love and living in God’s light. It highlights that those who genuinely love their fellow believers and practice love in their relationships will not be led astray.
Love serves as a guiding principle, leading us away from actions or attitudes that could cause others to stumble. When we prioritize love, we align ourselves with God’s will and reflect His character, ensuring that our actions are in accordance with His truth and grace.
Psalm 73:2
“But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.”
This verse describes a moment of vulnerability and near stumbling in the psalmist’s life. It reflects the human experience of facing doubt, temptation, or trials that can shake our faith and cause us to stumble.
Despite the challenges we may encounter, this verse serves as a reminder that God is faithful to rescue us and restore our footing. Even in our moments of weakness, He offers His grace and strength, enabling us to overcome and regain our stability.
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
This verse magnifies the significance of God’s Word as a source of guidance and illumination. It symbolizes God’s truth and wisdom as a light that clears the way and prevents us from stumbling.
When we immerse ourselves in the Scriptures, seeking to understand and live by its teachings, we gain clarity and insight for navigating life’s challenges. God’s Word becomes our guiding light, ensuring our steps are sure and keeping us from stumbling into darkness.
Psalm 119:11
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
This verse highlights the importance of internalizing God’s Word and making it a part of our being. It emphasizes the power of Scripture to protect us from sin and stumbling.
When we store God’s Word in our hearts, memorizing and meditating on its truths, we equip ourselves with the necessary tools to resist temptation and make wise choices. The Word becomes a shield, guiding us away from sin and preventing us from stumbling into disobedience.
Psalm 116:8
“For you, Lord, have delivered me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.”
This verse expresses gratitude to the Lord for His deliverance and protection. It highlights God’s faithfulness in guarding our steps and keeping us from stumbling.
God’s presence and intervention in our lives bring healing and restoration. When we face challenges or difficult circumstances, we can trust that He will uphold us and prevent us from falling. This verse reminds us of the Lord’s unfailing care and the stability we find in Him.
Psalm 145:14
“The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.”
This verse expresses God’s compassion and faithfulness towards His people. It assures us that when we fall or face difficulties, God is there to lift us up and provide the strength we need.
As believers, we can take comfort in the fact that we serve a God who is always near and ready to help us when we stumble or feel burdened. His loving arms are always ready to lift us up, giving us hope and renewed strength to continue our journey of faith.