Loving animals is natural, but what happens when that love overshadows our care for people? What does the Bible say about loving animals more than humans? The scriptures provide guidance on the value of both animals and people, helping us find a balanced perspective. Let’s explore what the Bible says about our love for animals and how it fits into our broader responsibilities.
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What Does The Bible Say About loving animals more than humans
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 emphasizes that humans have been given dominion over animals and are called to responsibly care for and steward them. It does not encourage us to prioritize animals over humans, but rather to fulfill our role as caretakers of God’s creation.
Proverbs 12:10
“The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.”
Here, the Bible acknowledges the importance of showing compassion and kindness towards animals. It encourages us to consider the welfare and well-being of the creatures under our care, reflecting the character of a righteous person.
Genesis 9:2
“The fear and dread of you will fall on all the beasts of the earth, and on all the birds in the sky, on every creature that moves along the ground, and on all the fish in the sea; they are given into your hands.”
This verse reminds us of the authority and responsibility humans have been given to oversee the animal kingdom. It highlights that this power should be exercised with reverence and respect, rather than placing animals above the needs and value of our fellow human beings.
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, in this verse, acknowledges God’s care and concern for even the smallest creatures, emphasizing the value God places on all of His creation. However, this does not suggest that we should prioritize animals over humans but rather to recognize God’s sovereignty over all living beings.
Proverbs 27:23
“Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of responsible stewardship over animals entrusted to our care. It encourages us to be attentive to their well-being, reflecting a conscientious and caring attitude towards all living creatures.
Genesis 2:20
“But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So, the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh.”
This verse highlights the unique relationship between humans and animals. Although animals were not created as equal companions to humans, they played a role in helping Adam recognize his need for a suitable helper, which ultimately led to the creation of Eve.
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.”
This passage reminds us to learn from nature and the animal kingdom, recognizing that they too display the handiwork of God. It showcases the intricacies of His creation and the interdependence of all living beings.
Psalms 50:10-11
“For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine.”
God claims ownership over all animals, displaying His authority and sovereignty over creation. This verse emphasizes that while animals are valuable to God, they are ultimately under His care and guidance.
Proverbs 31:8-9
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
This verse encourages advocacy for those who are unable to advocate for themselves. While it is important to care for and protect animals, it also highlights the greater duty and responsibility we have towards caring for the needs of our fellow human beings.
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, in this verse, reminds us of our inherent value compared to the birds of the air. While God provides for the needs of animals, His care and provision for humans are even greater, reinforcing our elevated status and importance.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
While we are called to treat animals with kindness and compassion, this verse emphasizes the importance of treating our fellow human beings with love and generosity. It reminds us that prioritizing the needs of others, especially those who may be in difficult circumstances, yields blessings.
Genesis 1:29-30
“And God said, ‘Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.’ And it was so.”
This verse highlights that God originally designed humans and animals to consume plant-based diets. However, it is crucial to note that after the fall of mankind, the allowance to eat meat was granted (Genesis 9:3). While the verse acknowledges the provision of plant-based sustenance for humans and animals, it does not imply that animals hold a higher value than humans.
Matthew 25:45
“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’”
This verse serves as a reminder that acts of compassion and kindness towards our fellow human beings are directly related to our relationship with God. While treating animals with care is important, it is equally important to extend the same kindness and compassion to the “least” among us.
Job 38:41
“Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God and wander about for lack of food?”
This verse showcases God’s provision and care for His creation, including animals. It emphasizes that God’s concern extends to all living beings, but it does not imply that we should prioritize animals over the well-being of other human beings.
Matthew 15:26-27
“He replied, ‘It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.’ ‘Yes it is, Lord,’ she said. ‘Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.’”
In this interaction between Jesus and the Canaanite woman, Jesus illustrates the priority of ministering to human needs above animals. While acknowledging that even animals benefit from the crumbs that fall from their master’s table, Jesus ultimately grants the woman’s request out of her great faith, accentuating the importance of human salvation.
Proverbs 12:27
“The lazy do not roast any game, but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.”
This verse highlights the importance of diligence and responsible use of resources. While hunting for food is not condemned, it reminds us to be industrious rather than wasteful, showcasing a balanced approach to the consumption and stewardship of animals.
Proverbs 12:9
“Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food.”
This verse highlights the need for practical priorities. While animals can be valuable companions, it reminds us not to neglect our own needs or prioritize them above the basic necessities required for human sustenance.
Psalm 8:6-8
“You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet: all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.”
These verses reiterate the authority and responsibility humans have been given as stewards of God’s creation. It emphasizes that while animals are under our care, they are subordinate to humans and emphasizes the unique role that humans play in God’s plan for the earth.
1 Timothy 4:4-5
“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.”
This verse affirms the goodness of God’s creation, acknowledging that all things He has made, including animals, are good. However, it does not suggest that animals should take precedence over human relationships or needs.
Deuteronomy 22:6
“If you come across a bird’s nest beside the road, either in a tree or on the ground, and the mother is sitting on the young or on the eggs, do not take the mother with the young.”
This verse promotes compassion and a consideration for the well-being of animals. It encourages us to be mindful and respectful of the natural order established by God, but it does not imply that we should prioritize the welfare of animals over humans.
1 Corinthians 9:9-10
“For it is written in the Law of Moses: ‘Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.’ Is it about oxen that God is concerned? Surely, he says this for us, doesn’t he? Yes, this was written for us, because whoever plows and threshes should be able to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest.”
These verses illustrate the principle that God cares about fairness and justice, even for animals. However, it ultimately suggests that the application extends to human labor and the importance of equitable treatment.
Leviticus 22:28
“Do not slaughter a cow or a sheep and its young on the same day.”
This verse, again, highlights the consideration and respect for animals in God’s instructions to His people. However, it does not promote loving animals more than humans, but rather advocates for a balanced approach to the utilization of animals according to God’s guidelines.
Proverbs 10:4
“Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”
This verse, although not directly about animals, emphasizes the importance of diligence and hard work. It reminds us to prioritize our responsibilities and needs above excessive devotion to animals, promoting a balanced and responsible approach to caring for both humans and animals.
Matthew 6:25
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?”
This verse encourages believers not to be consumed by anxiety over material or physical needs. While animals’ sustenance is important, this verse reminds us that our lives and the well-being of our bodies have greater significance, emphasizing the priority of human needs without neglecting the care of animals.
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.”
This well-known verse, known as the Golden Rule, emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness, respect, and love. While it encompasses our interactions with animals, it primarily directs our focus towards human relationships and responsibilities.
Psalms 36:6
“Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, LORD, preserve both people and animals.”
This verse acknowledges God’s preservation and concern for both humans and animals. However, it does not imply that animals hold a higher value or should be prioritized over human beings.