Broadly speaking, the Bible chastises favoritism and calls for equal treatment of all, irrespective of their race, wealth, or social status. Whether in interpersonal relationships or in community context, examples are present throughout the Bible advocating against favoritism.
What does the Bible say about Favoritism?
In the verses, the Bible provides a clear message against favoritism. It encourages treating everyone with equal respect and fairness, regardless of their background or circumstances. The Bible warns that favoritism isn’t in line with God’s will, and therefore puts us out of sync with His wishes. This concept plays a significant role in the teachings of Christ, where favoritism is portrayed as a departure from the principles of love and justice.
Why Favoritism is frowned upon in the Bible?
The concept of favoritism being negative in the perspective of the Bible can be traced back to its central themes of fairness, justice, and equality. The Bible teaches that God is an impartial judge who views every individual equally, without any bias. This principle implies that no person should be valued more highly at the expense of another. Favoritism is seen as contrary to these principles. It is understood as an act of injustice, as it involves unfair treatment and the unequal distribution of resources or attention.
Who is advised against Favoritism in the Bible?
The Bible’s message against favoritism is directed to everyone, irrespective of their social standing or roles. Church leaders are explicitly cautioned not to fall into the trap of favoritism, and parents are guided to treat their children impartially. This is significant because favoritism can breed resentment, cause conflicts, and undermine the unity of a group or family. Moreover, the Bible’s condemnation of favoritism is also an indicator for individuals and societies to ensure fairness and equality in their interactions and dealings.
When does the Bible talk about Favoritism?
The Bible addresses the issue of favoritism in both the Old and New Testaments, reinforcing the notion that it is timeless advice. Various teachings and parables located in different chapters of the Bible discuss the idea of favoritism, particularly its repercussions. These discussions demonstrate that regardless of the time and context, favoritism is always deemed as something counterproductive to social harmony. They stress that favoritism not only disrupts relationships but also contradicts with the spirit of universal love that the Bible preaches.
Below is the full list of bible verses on favoritism (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 Favoritism
James 2:9
“9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.”
Related Themes: Partiality
Romans 2:11
“11 For there is no respect of persons with God.”
Related Themes: Equality Discrimination Partiality Fairness
Acts 10:34
“34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:”
Related Themes: Strangers Equality Discrimination Respect
James 2:1
“1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.”
Related Themes: Partiality Prejudice Diversity Manipulation Equality
Genesis 37:4
“4 And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.”
Deuteronomy 10:17
“17 For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:”
Related Themes: Greatness Homelessness Partiality Equality
Galatians 3:28
“28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Related Themes: Equality Strangers Discrimination Prejudice Culture
Ephesians 6:9
“9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.”
Related Themes: Business Partiality Equality Prejudice
James 2:5
“5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?”
Related Themes: Homelessness Serving The Poor Money Inheritance
Leviticus 19:15
“15 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.”
Related Themes: Justice Social Justice Judging Others Partiality Equality
2 Chronicles 19:4-7
“4 And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem: and he went out again through the people from Beersheba to mount Ephraim, and brought them back unto the LORD God of their fathers.5 And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city,6 And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment.7 Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.”
James 2:1-4
“1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?”
Related Themes: Partiality Prejudice Diversity Manipulation Equality
John 3:16
“16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Life Love Money Omnipotence
Genesis 43:34
“34 And he took and sent messes unto them from before him: but Benjamin’s mess was five times so much as any of theirs. And they drank, and were merry with him.”
Genesis 37:3
“3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours.”
Related Themes: Old Age
Genesis 29:31
“31 And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren.”
Colossians 3:25
“25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.”
Related Themes: Justice Punishment Respect Revenge Partiality
1 Timothy 5:21
“21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.”
Related Themes: Partiality Angels Equality Voting
1 Corinthians 13:13
“13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”
James 2:8-9
“8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.”
Related Themes: Love Forgiveness Morals Partiality Morality
Jeremiah 29:11
“11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
Related Themes: Hope New Beginnings Patience Frustration Life
Deuteronomy 1:17
“17 Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God’s: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it.”
Related Themes: Partiality Resolving Conflict
Philippians 4:13
“13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Related Themes: Strength Omnipotence Self Confidence Life Greatness
Romans 8:28
“28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Related Themes: Suffering Frustration Sovereignty Complaining Life
Job 34:19
“19 How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands.”
Related Themes: Partiality
Isaiah 41:10
“10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Related Themes: Loneliness Frustration Hope Strength Healing
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
James 3:17
“17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”
Related Themes: Wisdom Arguing Education Discernment Peace
Proverbs 24:23
“23 These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.”
Related Themes: Judging Others Partiality
2 Chronicles 19:7
“7 Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.”
Related Themes: Justice
