In Scripture, a stumbling block is anything that might cause someone to falter in their faith. It’s a concept that warns us to be cautious of our actions and how they affect others. Whether it’s through words or behaviors, the Bible encourages us to live in a way that helps, not hinders, those around us. Let’s explore how we can avoid being a stumbling block.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Listening To Your Parents
What Does The Bible Say About Stumbling Blocks
Matthew 18:7
“Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!”
This verse serves as a warning against being the cause of stumbling for others. Recognizing the potential harm our actions may have on others is important, and we are called to be cautious of the stumbling blocks we may unintentionally create.
1 Corinthians 1:23
“But we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.”
The message of the cross may be perceived as a stumbling block to some. The idea of a crucified Messiah was difficult for the Jews to accept, and the concept of salvation through Jesus may be viewed as foolishness by those who do not believe. Despite this, as Christians, we are called to boldly proclaim Christ crucified.
1 Peter 2:8
“They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.”
Those who stumble in their faith do so because they have chosen to disobey the message of the Gospel. This verse reminds us that the consequences of disobedience result in spiritual stumbling. It emphasizes the importance of obedience to the Word of God.
Proverbs 4:19
“But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.”
The path of the wicked is characterized by darkness, confusion, and ignorance. They are unaware of the factors that lead to their stumbling and downfall. This verse highlights the importance of choosing the path of righteousness and seeking wisdom from God.
Psalm 119:165
“Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”
Those who love and embrace God’s law find great peace and stability. When we walk in obedience to His commands, there is an assurance and protection that prevents us from stumbling. This verse encourages us to find security in God’s Word.
Isaiah 8:14
“He will be a holy place; for both Israel and Judah he will be a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall. And for the people of Jerusalem he will be a trap and a snare.”
Jesus is described as a stone that causes people to stumble and fall. This verse foreshadows the rejection and stumbling over Christ that would occur. It highlights the divisive nature of His message and the response it provokes in people.
Proverbs 3:23
“Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.”
When we trust in the Lord and seek His guidance, He promises to lead us safely and prevent stumbling on our journey. This verse reassures us that God’s presence and wisdom will guide and protect us from stumbling in our walk with Him.
Psalm 37:24
“Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the Lord upholds them with his hand.”
Even in moments of stumbling, believers are upheld by the Lord’s hand. This verse reminds us of God’s faithfulness and His ability to sustain us, preventing us from falling into despair or destruction.
Proverbs 24:16
“For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.”
In times of stumbling or failure, a righteous person can rise again through God’s grace and forgiveness. This verse contrasts the fate of the righteous, who can find restoration and redemption, with the wicked, who are ultimately brought down by their own destructive choices.
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.”
When we love and care for others, living in the light of Christ’s love, we are less likely to stumble. This verse emphasizes the importance of cultivating love and compassion towards one another as a means to navigate through life without falling into sin.
Psalm 73:2
“But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.”
At times, even the righteous can be tempted to stumble in their faith. This verse reflects the honest struggle of the psalmist, who almost lost their footing. It serves as a reminder that our faith journey may have moments of doubt or uncertainty.
Psalms 119:11
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
An effective way to avoid stumbling into sin is by internalizing and meditating on God’s Word. By filling our hearts and minds with Scripture, we gain strength and wisdom to resist temptation and remain steadfast in our walk with God.
Isaiah 57:14
“And it will be said: Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.”
God desires for His people to have a clear and unhindered path before them. This verse highlights His call to remove any barriers or stumbling blocks that may hinder our spiritual progress. It reminds us of the need to align ourselves with God’s purposes and clear the way for His work in our lives.
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 admonishes believers to refrain from judgment and to avoid actions that could cause others to stumble. It encourages unity and mutual support within the body of Christ, emphasizing the importance of putting others’ spiritual well-being above personal preferences.
Genesis 49:17
“Dan will be a snake by the roadside, a viper along the path, that bites the horse’s heels so that its rider tumbles backward.”
This verse portrays Dan as a tribe that would become a stumbling block for others. It serves as a reminder of the potential danger of being ensnared by those who seek to lead others astray or cause them to stumble in their faith.
Proverbs 28:10
“Whoever leads the upright along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.”
This verse warns against leading the upright astray or causing them to stumble. It highlights the principle that those who seek to harm others will eventually fall into their own traps, while the blameless will be rewarded with God’s blessings.
Luke 17:1-2
“Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.”
This passage emphasizes the seriousness of causing others to stumble, particularly those who are new in their faith or young in age. It serves as a strong warning against leading others astray and emphasizes the responsibility we have to protect and nurture the spiritual growth of others.
Romans 9:32-33
“Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone. As it is written: ‘See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame.'”
This passage refers to Jesus as the stumbling stone that some would reject due to their reliance on their own works. It highlights the necessity of faith in Christ and the assurance that those who believe in Him will not be disappointed or put to shame.
Matthew 13:21
“But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.”
Some people may stumble and fall away from the faith when faced with trials or persecution. This verse serves as a reminder of the need for a deep-rooted faith in Christ to withstand challenges and remain faithful even in difficult circumstances.
Acts 10:39-40
“We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen.”
This verse speaks of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, which was a stumbling block to the Jewish people. It highlights the central truth of Christianity and the pivotal event that distinguishes it from other religions. The resurrection of Jesus is both a stumbling block and the foundation of our faith.
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.”
By diligently pursuing a godly life and confirming our calling, we can avoid stumbling and falling away from our faith. This verse encourages believers to actively and intentionally grow spiritually, ensuring a firm and steadfast walk with God.
1 Peter 5:8
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Our spiritual enemy, Satan, seeks to undermine our faith and cause us to stumble. This verse reminds us of the need to be watchful and vigilant, guarding against the schemes and temptations that might lead us astray.
Romans 14:21
“It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.”
We are called to consider the impact of our actions on others, especially if they may cause them to stumble. This verse encourages us to prioritize the well-being and spiritual growth of our fellow believers, even if it means abstaining from certain freedoms or preferences.
Proverbs 4:12
“When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.”
Those who walk in the ways of wisdom and righteousness will find stability and security. This verse assures us that God’s guidance and wisdom will enable us to navigate through life without stumbling or being hindered in our journey of faith.