19 Bible Verses About Rudeness

Rudeness is often perceived as a social trespass, a violation of decorum that disrupts harmony and peace. The Bible presents numerous teachings about maintaining respect, kindness, and love with our fellow human beings. It encourages us to employ gentle language, promote peace, and exhibit love, acting wholly against rudeness. In further examination of these Bible verses, we find that maintaining civility, politeness, and love are strongly emphasized.

What Does the Bible Say About Rudeness?

The Bible clearly holds that rudeness has no place in a believer’s life. It unfolds the concept of love, clarifying that love, by nature, is not rude. Thus, any act of rudeness contravenes the command to love. The Bible implores us to practice long-suffering patience, kindness, and restraint, all of which contradict any form of rudeness. There are verses in the Bible that teach us to uplift with words rather than use them to tear down, to speak with wisdom and grace, and to let all things be done in the spirit of love. By placing love and kindness at the forefront, the act of rudeness is relegated to the shadows, described as a trait unbecoming of believers.

Who Are We Urged to Speak Kindly To?

The Bible encourages us to interact kindly with everyone, reflecting Christ’s nature in our everyday lives. It emphasizes that this courtesy extends beyond our friends and loved ones to include strangers and even those who may oppose us. Even during confrontations or disputes, the Bible urges us to refrain from rudeness, instead advocating for peace, understanding, and the resolution of conflict in love. It insists that we should extend kindness to all persons, as we ourselves would hope to receive.

Why Should We Eschew Rudeness?

The Bible provides ample reason for avoiding rudeness. First, as followers of Christ, we are commanded to emulate His character, which is loving, compassionate, and devoid of any rudeness. Additionally, rudeness fails to edify the community or build personal character. It rather breeds contention and wedges division, both of which the Bible cautions against. Abstaining from rudeness, therefore, aligns with our calling to foster harmony and peace.

When Is Civility Most Necessary?

While the Bible advocates for consistent civility, certain circumstances require a conscious reinforcement of this trait. It promotes kindness and patience particularly in disagreements and confrontations. The ability to respond instead with love and gentleness during these delicate situations gives testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel. In essence, civility is necessary at all times – but even more so when strained relationships and contentious situations threaten to make it easy to be rude or discourteous.

How Can We Develop the Habit of Civility?

Maintaining civility often requires conscious effort, especially when faced with challenges or opposing viewpoints. Fortunately, the Bible offers instructions to aid in our quest for constant civility. It calls for the continuous practice and cultivation of love, patience, and self-control. Through prayer, meditation, and comprehension of God’s word, believers can steadily grow these virtues in their lives, thereby replacing rudeness with respect and gentleness. It underlines the importance of being slow to anger and quick to listen, of considering our words before we speak, thus ensuring that our conversations are consistently gracious, engaging, and encouraging.

Below is the full list of bible verses on rudeness (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 Rudeness