Wishing harm, or even death, on others is a serious matter, and the Bible strongly condemns such attitudes. Scripture calls believers to love and pray for their enemies, even when it’s difficult. By exploring what the Bible says about revenge and forgiveness, we can learn how to align our hearts with God’s compassion rather than harboring hatred.
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What Does The Bible Say About Wishing Death On Someone
Psalm 35:4-6
“May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay. May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away; may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the Lord pursuing them.”
This verse expresses a strong desire for justice and protection against those who seek harm. It does not encourage or condone wishing death upon anyone, but rather asks for deliverance from those who plot evil.
The psalmist seeks justice and prays for God’s intervention in dealing with those who seek their destruction. It reminds us that God is aware of our struggles and can bring about justice according to His wisdom and righteousness.
Psalm 109:8
“May his days be few; may another take his place of leadership.”
This verse expresses a desire for the downfall or replacement of a specific individual in a position of leadership. It does not directly wish death upon them but rather implies a hope for their removal from power or influence.
While it may be understandable to desire justice or change in certain circumstances, it is important to approach such desires with a heart of forgiveness and love, seeking the welfare and transformation of individuals rather than their harm.
Proverbs 24:17-18
“Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn His wrath away from them.”
This verse cautions against taking pleasure in the misfortune of our enemies. It reminds us that God desires compassion, forgiveness, and reconciliation, even toward those who have wronged us.
While it may be human nature to harbor ill-will or wish harm upon those who have caused us pain, as Christians, we are called to rise above those impulses and extend grace as we ourselves have received from God.
Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
This verse challenges believers to respond with love and prayer towards those who act as enemies or persecutors. Instead of wishing harm or death, we are called to actively seek their well-being and reconciliation with God.
By loving our enemies, we emulate Christ’s example of sacrificial love and demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel. Praying for those who persecute us opens the door for God’s work in their lives and promotes healing and reconciliation.
Romans 12:19-20
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’”
This passage emphasizes the importance of leaving justice in God’s hands and engaging in acts of kindness towards our enemies. Rather than wishing harm, we are encouraged to show love and generosity, allowing God to take care of the consequences.
By responding with acts of kindness, we display the grace and love of God, potentially leading to repentance and transformation in our enemies. This approach promotes peace and healing, ultimately reflecting the character of Christ.
Proverbs 25:21-22
“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.”
This verse emphasizes the transformative power of kindness towards enemies. Instead of wishing harm or death, we are instructed to respond with compassion and generosity, not only for their benefit but also for our own spiritual growth.
By choosing to show kindness, we demonstrate the selfless nature of Christ, and in doing so, we may influence our enemies positively. Ultimately, God promises to reward those who choose the path of love over vengeance.
Luke 6:27-28
“But to you who are listening, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
Jesus’ words challenge us to respond to our enemies in a radically different way. Instead of harboring hatred or wishing harm, we are called to love, do good, bless, and pray for those who mistreat us.
This counterintuitive approach highlights the transformative power of love and prayer and positions us as agents of reconciliation in a broken world. It offers an alternative to the cycle of anger and revenge, displaying the redemptive nature of God’s love.
1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
This verse presents a clear instruction not to respond to evil or insult with the same, but rather to bless instead. It echoes Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the importance of choosing forgiveness and love over retaliation.
By intentionally responding with blessings, we demonstrate the transformative power of God’s grace in our lives and open the door for reconciliation and healing. It is through this posture that we can inherit the fullness of God’s blessings.
Proverbs 20:22
“Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the LORD, and He will avenge you.”
This verse advises against seeking revenge but encourages us to trust in God’s justice. Instead of harboring thoughts of harm or death, we are called to patiently wait for God to enact justice on our behalf.
By recognizing our role as faithful followers and leaving the consequences to God, we demonstrate our trust in His righteousness and sovereignty. This perspective frees us from the burden of seeking revenge and allows us to focus on living a life of love and forgiveness.
Matthew 5:39
“But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”
Jesus instructs His followers not to retaliate against evil, but rather to respond with non-resistance and non-violence. This radical response challenges our natural inclinations and calls us to a higher standard of love and forgiveness.
By turning the other cheek, we establish a pattern of humility and demonstrate that our identity is rooted in Christ rather than worldly power or self-preservation. It is through this response that we have the opportunity to break cycles of violence and hatred.
Luke 23:34
“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’”
Even amidst His crucifixion, Jesus demonstrated forgiveness towards His executioners. This verse shows the ultimate example of not wishing harm or death upon others, but instead choosing forgiveness and intercession.
Jesus’ words remind us that extending forgiveness does not depend on an understanding or acknowledgment of the wrong done but is rather an act of grace and compassion. It challenges us to follow His example and forgive those who have wronged us, even when it seems impossible.
Matthew 5:43-44
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Jesus contrasts the common belief of loving only neighbors and hating enemies with His commandment to love and pray for our enemies. This challenges our natural instincts and invites us to extend love even to those who wish us harm.
By loving and praying for our enemies, we reflect the character and love of God, who desires the redemption and transformation of all people. It is through this counter-cultural approach that we can break down walls and bring healing in relationships.
Proverbs 24:29
“Do not say, ‘I will do to them as they have done to me; I will pay them back for what they have done.’”
This verse cautions against seeking revenge by mirroring the actions of those who have wronged us. It warns against a desire for harm or death and encourages us to respond with grace and forgiveness.
Instead of perpetuating a cycle of violence and retaliation, we are called to rise above our natural inclinations and embody the transformative power of God’s love. It is through these actions that we can break the chains of hatred and foster reconciliation.
Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of responding to evil with goodness rather than being consumed by it. It speaks against harboring ill wishes or seeking death on others but calls us to overcome evil through acts of love, kindness, and forgiveness.
By actively choosing good over evil, we participate in God’s redemptive work in the world. Through our Christ-like actions, we have the power to bring healing and restoration, demonstrating the triumph of love over hatred.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
This verse encourages believers to exhibit kindness, compassion, and forgiveness towards one another. It urges us to extend the same grace that God has shown us through Christ’s sacrifice.
By offering forgiveness, we reflect the unconditional love and mercy of God. It enables us to break free from the desire for harm or death, fostering reconciliation and healing in relationships.
Matthew 18:21-22
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’”
Jesus’ response to Peter’s question emphasizes that forgiveness should be extended limitlessly. It challenges any inclination to wish harm or death upon those who have wronged us.
By choosing forgiveness, we imitate Christ’s sacrificial love, which knows no bounds. This approach offers the opportunity for restoration, growth, and the breaking of destructive cycles in relationships.
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
This verse calls believers to bear with one another and extend forgiveness, just as God has forgiven us. It underscores the importance of treating others with grace rather than harboring ill wishes or desiring harm.
By forgiving, we acknowledge our own need for forgiveness and reflect the character of Christ to those around us. It is through this act that we promote reconciliation and demonstrate God’s transformative work within us.
Luke 6:35
“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”
This verse instructs believers to love their enemies, perform acts of goodness towards them, and lend without expecting anything in return. It dissuades any desire for harm or death, challenging us to demonstrate the kindness and generosity of God.
By responding with love and kindness, we emulate the character of our Heavenly Father. This approach opens doors for reconciliation, transformation, and ultimately leads to our own blessings and rewards from God.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”
This verse highlights the qualities that should be evident in the lives of believers through the work of the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes the importance of love, kindness, and self-control, which counteract any desire for harm or death towards others.
As Christians, we are called to manifest the fruit of the Spirit, displaying Christ’s character to the world. By cultivating these qualities, we become agents of love, peace, and reconciliation in every situation.
Proverbs 25:26
“Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked.”
This verse draws attention to the negative consequences when the righteous succumb to wickedness. It serves as a caution against allowing ill wishes and desires of harm or death to take root in our hearts.
Instead of giving way to wickedness, we are called to rise above and respond with righteousness, love, and forgiveness. By doing so, we maintain our integrity and reflect the transformative power of God’s grace in our lives.
2 Timothy 2:24-25
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.”
This passage guides believers in how to approach adversaries, promoting kindness, patience, and the desire for their repentance and salvation. It discourages any wish for harm or death and encourages us to engage with others in a gentle and instructive manner.
By embodying these qualities, we create an atmosphere conducive to reconciliation and spiritual growth. It is through loving and teaching our opponents that we can break down walls and lead them to truth and transformation.
James 1:19-20
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
This verse reminds us to exercise self-control and avoid allowing anger to drive our actions or desires. It discourages any wishes of harm or death, promoting a measured and compassionate approach instead.
By practicing active listening, withholding hasty words, and managing our anger, we demonstrate God’s character of patience and love. This approach fosters understanding, reconciliation, and the possibility of transformation in relationships.
1 Corinthians 16:14
“Do everything in love.”
This short but powerful verse encapsulates the overarching principle for believers: to do everything in love. It challenges any inclination to wish harm or death and encourages us to approach every situation with love at the forefront.
By making love the foundation of our actions and desires, we reflect the nature of God and embody the essence of Christianity. It is through this Christ-like love that we can positively impact the world and bring about transformation.