Malice—intentional harm or ill will toward others—is strongly condemned in the Bible. What does Scripture teach about the dangers of harboring malice and how we can replace it with love, kindness, and forgiveness? Let’s explore how the Bible calls us to live in peace with others.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Being Dirty
What Does The Bible Say About Malice
1 Peter 2:1
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of purging malice from our hearts and lives. Malice refers to the intention or desire to cause harm or pain to others. As Christians, we are called to let go of any ill will or desire for revenge and instead embrace love, forgiveness, and kindness.
By turning away from malice, we create space for God’s love and grace to flow through us and transform our relationships. We are reminded to treat others with honesty, sincerity, and compassion, reflecting Christ’s example in our attitudes and actions.
Ephesians 4:31
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”
This verse highlights the destructive nature of malice and its companions such as bitterness, rage, anger, and slander. It calls us to remove these negative emotions and behaviors from our lives. Instead of harboring malice, we are encouraged to cultivate a heart filled with love, peace, and reconciliation.
By letting go of malice, we not only free ourselves from the burden of negativity but also create an environment of harmony and unity among believers. We are reminded that as followers of Christ, our words and actions should promote healing, build up others, and point them towards the grace and forgiveness found in Jesus.
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 emphasizes the importance of actively seeking to remove malice from our lives. Malice, along with other harmful behaviors such as anger, rage, slander, and inappropriate speech, are not fitting for those who have been transformed by Christ.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be examples of His love and grace. By letting go of malice, we create space for the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, producing fruits of kindness, gentleness, and self-control. Our words and actions should reflect the character of Christ, drawing others towards Him.
1 Corinthians 5:8
“Therefore, let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”
In this verse, malice is contrasted with sincerity and truth. Malice represents the old way of living, characterized by wickedness and deceit. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to live with sincerity and truth, free from the leaven of malice.
By embracing sincerity, we choose to be genuine and authentic in our relationships. By embracing truth, we choose to walk in integrity and honesty. This verse encourages us to let go of malice and instead feast on the unleavened bread of righteous living, which brings joy and fulfillment in our walk with God.
James 1:21
“Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”
This verse urges us to cast off all forms of moral filth, including malice, and to humbly accept the Word of God, which has the power to save and transform us. By removing malice from our hearts, we create room for the seeds of God’s truth and love to take root and grow.
As we embrace the word planted in us, allowing it to guide our thoughts, words, and actions, we become more aligned with God’s will. This verse reminds us that true salvation involves not only faith but also active obedience, which includes letting go of malice and embracing God’s transformative work in our lives.
Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
This verse highlights the transformative power of love and its opposition to malice. Love, as the fulfillment of God’s law, seeks the well-being and welfare of others. In contrast, malice seeks to harm and cause pain.
As Christians, we are called to love not only our friends and family but also our neighbors, even those who may treat us poorly or hold different beliefs. By choosing love over malice, we reflect God’s nature and demonstrate the transformative love of Christ to a hurting world.
1 Timothy 6:4
“They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions.”
This verse highlights the destructive consequences of malice, including malicious talk and evil suspicions. It warns against engaging in arguments and controversies that breed strife and division. Instead, we are encouraged to pursue peace and unity.
By avoiding malicious talk and evil suspicions, we create an atmosphere of trust and respect in our relationships. Rather than seeking to tear others down, we should strive to build them up through our words and actions, promoting unity and reconciliation.
3 John 1:10
“So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.”
This verse exposes the harmful consequences of malice within the context of the early church. It condemns spreading malicious nonsense and reveals the divisive and exclusionary nature of malice. Instead of welcoming and supporting fellow believers, malice seeks to exclude and hinder their involvement.
As Christians, we are called to be inclusive, embracing and supporting one another in our faith journey. This verse serves as a reminder to guard our hearts against malice, working towards unity, and extending love and hospitality to all believers.
Proverbs 26:26
“Their malice may be concealed by deception, but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.”
This proverb highlights that although someone may try to conceal their malice through deception, their true nature will eventually be exposed. Malice may be hidden for a time, but eventually, it will surface, revealing the wickedness within.
As believers, we are called to guard our hearts against malice, understanding that although it may go unnoticed by humans, it is always seen by God. Instead of harboring malice, we should strive to cultivate a heart of love, forgiveness, and integrity, allowing God to transform us from within.
1 Samuel 24:9
“But David said to Saul, ‘Why do you listen when men say, ‘David is bent on harming you’?’
This verse portrays the response of David when confronted with malice. Despite false accusations and attempts to harm him, David chose not to retaliate or harbor malice in his heart. Instead, he responded with a question, seeking understanding and reconciliation.
As followers of Christ, we can learn from David’s example. When faced with malice or false accusations, we should seek wisdom and respond with grace and humility. By choosing love over malice, we demonstrate the power of forgiveness and invite the work of reconciliation.
Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
This proverb contrasts the destructive nature of malice and hatred with the transformative power of love. Malice and hatred fuel conflict and division, while love has the ability to bring healing and reconciliation.
As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers, seeking to address conflicts with love and understanding. When faced with malice, we have the opportunity to respond with kindness, forgiveness, and compassion, demonstrating the love of Christ and fostering unity among believers.
Psalm 7:14
“Whoever is pregnant with evil conceives trouble and gives birth to disillusionment.”
This verse portrays the negative consequences of harboring malice and evil intentions. Just as a pregnant person gives birth to what they carry, those who embrace malice and evil intentions give birth to trouble and disappointment.
As Christians, we are called to guard our hearts against malice and evil desires, understanding that they lead to harmful outcomes. By choosing to surrender our negative emotions to God and embracing His love and grace, we can experience peace and freedom from the destructive cycle of malice.
Proverbs 14:22
“Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.”
This proverb highlights the contrast between those who engage in malice and those who strive for goodness. Those who plot evil go astray, leading themselves and others away from righteousness. However, those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be intentional in our pursuit of goodness, seeking to align our thoughts, words, and actions with God’s will. By rejecting malice and embracing love and faithfulness, we not only experience God’s blessings but also become instruments of His love and grace to the world.
Proverbs 26:24
“Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts, they harbor deceit.”
This verse exposes the deceptive nature of malice, highlighting how enemies may use flattering words to conceal their true intentions. Behind their deceptive lips, they harbor deceit in their hearts.
As Christians, we are called to discern the motives and intentions of others, recognizing that not everyone who speaks kindly or flatteringly has pure intentions. By cultivating a discerning spirit and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can navigate relationships with wisdom and guard our hearts against the influence of malice.
Psalm 109:3
“With words of hatred, they surround me; they attack me without cause.”
This psalm reflects the experience of being targeted by malicious individuals who attack without cause. It acknowledges the pain and distress caused by their words of hatred.
In times of persecution and adversity, it is essential to remember that God sees and understands our suffering. As followers of Christ, we should respond to malice and persecution with grace, trusting in God’s faithfulness and allowing Him to vindicate us.
Proverbs 10:32
“The lips of the righteous know what finds favor, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.”
This proverb draws a distinction between the words of the righteous and the words of the wicked. The lips of the righteous speak words that find favor, demonstrating wisdom and discernment. In contrast, the mouth of the wicked speaks words that are perverse and twisted.
As Christians, we are called to guard our mouths against twisted speech and malicious words. Instead, we should strive to use our words to encourage, uplift, and speak truth. May our speech reflect the righteousness and love of Christ in every interaction.
Proverbs 12:6
“The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.”
This proverb contrasts the intentions and outcomes of the words spoken by the wicked and the upright. The words of the wicked are aimed at causing harm and destruction, resembling lying in wait for bloodshed. On the other hand, the speech of the upright has the power to rescue and bring about a positive change.
As Christians, we are called to use our words wisely and intentionally. By avoiding malicious speech and instead speaking truth and love, we can have a profound impact on those around us, bringing hope, healing, and restoration.
Proverbs 17:20
“A person of perverse heart does not prosper; the one who speaks deceitfully falls into trouble.”
This verse emphasizes the negative consequences of harboring malice and deceit in one’s heart. Those who engage in perverse and deceitful behavior do not ultimately prosper but instead find themselves in trouble.
As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace integrity, honesty, and love in our hearts and actions. By surrendering our desires for malice and embracing God’s truth and righteousness, we can experience the blessings and favor that come from walking in His ways.
Proverbs 26:25
“Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts.”
This verse cautions against being deceived by charming speech and exposes the reality of a heart filled with malice. It warns not to trust those who speak kindly but harbor wickedness within.
As Christians, we are called to exercise discernment and wisdom in our interactions. By relying on the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can discern the true intentions of individuals and guard our hearts against the influence of malicious individuals who may seek to deceive and harm.
Proverbs 16:28
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
This proverb highlights the destructive nature of malice and gossip. A perverse person, driven by malice, stirs up conflict, leading to division and chaos. Gossip, fueled by malice and wickedness, can sever close friendships.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers and guards of unity. By avoiding malicious speech, gossip, and engaging in conflicts with a spirit of gentleness and love, we can protect and cultivate harmonious relationships, reflecting the very heart of God.
Proverbs 14:17
“A quick-tempered person does foolish things, and the one who devises evil schemes is hated.”
This verse exposes the negative consequences of harboring malice and wicked intentions. A quick-tempered person is prone to acting foolishly, while the one who devises evil schemes is despised by others.
As Christians, we are called to temper our emotions and align our thoughts and actions with the teachings of Christ. By choosing love, wisdom, and righteousness over anger, malice, and evil intentions, we can exemplify God’s character and bring about positive change in our relationships and communities.
Proverbs 26:21
“As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.”
This verse vividly illustrates the impact of a quarrelsome person, comparing it to adding fuel to a fire. A quarrelsome person is quick to incite conflict and discord, sparking and kindling strife.
As followers of Christ, we should strive to promote peace, unity, and reconciliation. By identifying and avoiding quarrelsome attitudes and actions, we can create an atmosphere of harmony and understanding, fostering healthy relationships within our families, churches, and communities.
Proverbs 10:18
“Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.”
This proverb exposes the foolishness of hiding malice and hatred behind lies and spreading slander. Those who engage in such deceitful actions will ultimately face negative consequences.
As Christians, we are called to be people of integrity and truth, guided by the light of Christ. By avoiding deceitful speech and instead speaking truth with love, we honor God and reflect His character. Let us choose honesty and transparency, rejecting malice and falsehood.
Proverbs 26:22
“The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.”
This verse highlights the allure of gossip and its destructive nature. Gossip spreads harm and affects us deeply, penetrating our inmost being.
As followers of Christ, we are called to guard our tongues and avoid participating in gossip. Instead, let us use our words to build up, encourage, and speak truth. May our speech be filled with grace, love, and edification.