The Bible speaks about caring for animals as part of God’s creation. It calls for kindness and stewardship. Today, we’ll look at what Scripture teaches about treating animals with respect and compassion.
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What Does The Bible Say About How We Should Treat Animals
Genesis 1:26
Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
This verse highlights the dominion God gave humans over animals. While humans have been entrusted with the responsibility of caring for and ruling over animals, it is important to remember that this authority should be exercised with love, respect, and compassion.
Proverbs 12:10
The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
Here, it is emphasized that the righteous show kindness and compassion towards their animals, taking care of their needs. In contrast, those who are wicked and cruel do not extend the same level of care and compassion, highlighting the importance of treating animals with kindness and compassion.
Psalm 36:6
Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.
God’s righteousness and justice extend not only to humans but also to animals. This verse reminds us of God’s love and preservation for all creatures, emphasizing the need for us to treat animals with care, respect, and love just as He does.
Matthew 10:29
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.
Jesus assures us that even the smallest and seemingly insignificant creatures like sparrows receive God’s attention and care. This verse conveys the message that all animals are valuable in God’s eyes and deserve our consideration and compassion.
Proverbs 27:23
Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.
In this verse, the importance of tending to the well-being of livestock is highlighted. It emphasizes the responsibility of those who care for animals to be aware of their condition, providing the necessary attention and care for their welfare.
Genesis 2:19
Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.
This verse displays the initial connection between humans and animals, where God brought animals to Adam for him to name them. It demonstrates the importance of recognizing animals as living creatures and treating them with respect and dignity.
Job 12:7-10
But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.
These verses exhort us to observe and learn from animals and the natural world. They point out the wisdom and knowledge that animals possess and the realization that God’s hand is involved in their existence. It encourages us to appreciate the intricate interconnectedness of all living beings.
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 how we treat our fellow human beings reflects our character. When applied to animals, it suggests that showing kindness, generosity, and compassion towards them is commendable and aligns with God’s will.
Job 38:41
Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God and wander about for lack of food?
In this verse, God emphasizes His role in providing sustenance for animals, specifically mentioning the raven. It reminds us of our responsibility to care for animals’ basic needs, ensuring they have access to food, water, and shelter.
Proverbs 12:10
The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
This verse reiterates the importance of righteous individuals showing care and consideration for their animals, emphasizing that the wicked lack such compassion and kindness.
Leviticus 22:8
You are to keep my decrees and follow them. I am the Lord who makes you holy.
God calls His people to follow His decrees and live in holiness. This commandment includes treating animals with respect and compassion, reflecting our commitment to God’s instructions in how we interact with His creation.
Psalm 145:9
The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.
This verse affirms that God’s goodness and compassion extend to all His creations. It reminds us of our responsibility to emulate His character and extend kindness and compassion to all beings, including animals.
Proverbs 27:23
Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.
This verse emphasizes the importance of caring for and being attentive to the well-being of the animals under our care. It urges us to take responsibility for their physical and emotional needs.
Isaiah 11:6
The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.
This verse presents a vision of peace and harmony among different animal species, signaling that the world was originally created to be in a state of harmony. It serves as a reminder of our role in promoting peaceful coexistence and respecting the natural order.
Deuteronomy 25:4
Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.
This commandment teaches us to be fair and considerate even to working animals. It encourages allowing animals to enjoy the fruits of their labor and not deprive them of basic needs or inflict unnecessary suffering.
Matthew 6:26
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Jesus uses birds as an example to illustrate God’s provision and care for all living creatures. This verse prompts us to recognize the value of animals and the responsibility we have to ensure their well-being.
Proverbs 19:17
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.
This verse emphasizes the importance of kindness and generosity, indicating that extending compassion to those in need, including animals, is an act of service to the Lord, which is repaid with blessings and rewards.
Psalm 104:14
He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate—bringing forth food from the earth.
This verse highlights that God provides not only for humans but also for animals, ensuring that they have food and sustenance. It reveals His care and provision, reinforcing our responsibility to care for and provide for animals as well.
Matthew 10:31
So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Jesus reassures us of our value in God’s eyes, using sparrows as a comparison. This verse reminds us that if God cares for and values even the smallest creatures, we should likewise treat animals with respect, kindness, and love.
Proverbs 28:19
Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.
In the context of animal treatment, this verse suggests that seeking wisdom and understanding leads to responsible behavior. It encourages us to gain knowledge about our moral responsibility towards animals and to act accordingly.
Isaiah 65:25
The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, and dust will be the serpent’s food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain,” says the Lord.
This verse paints a picture of the future restoration of creation, where harmony will be restored among animals. It serves as a reminder of our responsibility to promote kindness, respect, and non-violence towards animals until that day comes.
Matthew 12:11
He said to them, “If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out?”
Jesus uses this example to challenge the religious legalism that disregards the well-being of animals. It conveys the message that acts of compassion and kindness towards animals are praiseworthy and can outweigh rigid adherence to rules.
Psalm 50:10-11
For every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine.
God declares His ownership over all creatures, highlighting His comprehensive knowledge and care for every animal. This verse affirms that animals are valued and loved by God, reinforcing our responsibility to treat them with compassion and respect.
Hebrews 11:7
By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith, he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.
Noah’s obedience to God’s command to gather animals and preserve them in the ark demonstrates God’s concern for animal preservation. It also serves as a reminder of our role in protecting and caring for animals, following the example of Noah’s faithfulness.