Bullying is a topic of growing concern in contemporary society, due to the psychological and physical scars it leaves on victims. But this is not a new phenomenon; the Bible, which has guided moral and ethical considerations for centuries, offers numerous verses that address bullying. From these passages, one can glean teachings about respect, kindness, love, forgiveness, and standing up to injustice — effectively providing a spiritual antidote to bullying.
Why does the Bible speak against bullying?
The overarching narrative of the Bible is one of compassion, empathy, and mutual love. This forms the basis of many teachings against bullying. The Bible encourages followers to love their neighbors as themselves, fostering an attitude of respect that runs counter to any form of bullying. It stresses upon the importance of kindness and not repaying evil with evil. The Bible emphasizes that every person carries the spark of the divine; thus, any act that devalues another is contrary to its teachings. It also advises against boasting and arrogance, traits often associated with bullies.
What does the Bible say about responding to bullying?
The Bible provides a framework on how to respond to bullying. It discourages retaliation or responding with the same violent or aggressive behavior, promoting forgiveness instead. Such an approach may not eliminate the hurt precipitated by bullying, but it provides a way to deal with it that negates the cycle of hate. The Bible also presents a strong case for standing strong and facing adversity with courage and patience, essential qualities in countering the effects of bullying.
Who is an ideal role model in the Bible for overcoming bullying?
The Bible is replete with characters who faced oppression, exhibiting traits that can be beneficial in confronting bullying. A particularly compelling instance is the character of David, who not only faced bullying from a jealous King Saul but also a literal giant — Goliath. David’s courage, patience, and faith serve as a testament to the Bible’s teachings of countering bullying not with violence, but with faith and love. By following David’s example, one can learn how to maintain dignity and self-respect amidst mistreatment.
How does the Bible guide us in preventing bullying?
The Bible lays a foundation of beliefs and actions that can help in preventing bullying. It promotes the practice of love, kindness, and respect, qualities if ingrained, make it less likely for someone to become a bully. It emphasizes mutual respect, caring for the weak, and lends voice to the oppressed, reinforcing the idea of every human being’s inherent value. By guiding us to be peacemakers and actively promoting love and respect, the Bible provides a proactive roadmap to prevent bullying.
Where can the Bible’s teachings be applied in addressing bullying?
The Bible’s teachings against bullying can be applied in various societal contexts. These principles can be instilled at homes, shaping children’s attitudes and teaching them not to engage in bullying. Schools can use these teachings to cultivate a culture of empathy and respect. Workplaces can implement the values that the Bible preaches to foster a cooperative environment devoid of any form of bullying. Lastly, communities can harness the Bible’s wisdom to encourage members to stand up against bullying and protect not only individual rights but also maintain societal harmony.
Below is the full list of bible verses on bullying (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Bullying
Leviticus 19:18
“18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.”
Related Themes: Revenge Bitterness Love Morality
Matthew 5:43-48
“43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”
Related Themes: Strangers Benevolence Morality Love
2 Timothy 1:7
“7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Related Themes: Fear Self Confidence Business Self-Control
Romans 12:19-20
“19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.”
Deuteronomy 31:6
“6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
Related Themes: Loneliness Hope Strength Courage
1 John 3:15
“15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.”
Related Themes: Hate Bitterness Murder Lust
Proverbs 6:16-19
“16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”
Related Themes: Gossip Abomination Lying Pride
1 John 2:9
“9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.”
Related Themes: Bitterness Hypocrisy Division
Matthew 5:11
“11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.”
Related Themes: Gossip Persecution False Accusations Persecution
Ephesians 4:29
“29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
Related Themes: Gossip Criticism Complaining Judging Others Cursing
Psalm 18:3
“3 I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.”
Isaiah 41:11-13
“11 Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.12 Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.”
Related Themes: Strife
Matthew 5:38-41
“38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.”
Related Themes: Revenge Trespassing Justice Retribution
Psalm 34:12-18
“12 What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.16 The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”
Related Themes: Lying
Psalm 82:4
“4 Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.”
Related Themes: Self-Defense
Mark 12:31
“31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”
Related Themes: Love Equality Gossip Discrimination
Proverbs 22:10
“10 Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.”
Proverbs 17:9
“9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.”
Related Themes: Gossip Bitterness Forgiveness Love Friendship
Matthew 5:44
“44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”
Related Themes: Persecution Bitterness Discrimination Forgiveness
Proverbs 24:16
“16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.”
Related Themes: Failure Learning Persistence Victory
James 4:11-12
“11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?”
Related Themes: Gossip Criticism Judging Others Gossip
Romans 12:18
“18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
Psalm 5:6
“6 Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.”
Related Themes: Telling The Truth Lying Deceit
Matthew 7:12
“12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”
Related Themes: Criticism Gossip Respect Respecting Your Parents Morality
1 Peter 3:8-9
“8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.”
Related Themes: Humility Empathy Selflessness Judging Others Vindictiveness
Micah 6:8
“8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
Related Themes: Humility Justice Strangers Business Social Justice
2 Timothy 2:22
“22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
Revelation 22:12
“12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”
Related Themes: Reward Retribution
Revelation 21:4
“4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
Related Themes: Hope Suffering Frustration Tears Repentance
Psalm 121:2
“2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.”
Related Themes: Earth Asking For Help New Beginnings Help
