Bullying is a harmful behavior that can leave lasting emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical scars. The Bible addresses issues of mistreatment, oppression, and the importance of standing up for those who are vulnerable. These scriptures offer guidance on how to deal with bullying, both as a victim and as a community, by emphasizing love, justice, and the inherent worth of every individual. Here are 30 Bible verses about bullying, each accompanied by a brief commentary to provide deeper understanding and reflection.
1. Matthew 7:12
“Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
The Golden Rule encourages treating others with kindness and respect. This verse is a powerful reminder that we should not engage in bullying but instead treat others as we wish to be treated.
2. Ephesians 4:29
“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”
Our words should build others up, not tear them down. This verse encourages positive and uplifting communication, counteracting the negativity of bullying.
3. Romans 12:18
“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”
We are called to strive for peace in all our interactions. This verse highlights the importance of fostering harmonious relationships and avoiding behaviors that lead to bullying.
4. Proverbs 6:16-19
“These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.”
God detests behaviors that harm others, including bullying. This passage lists actions that are abhorrent to God, underscoring the need to avoid them and promote peace.
5. Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.”
God is close to those who are hurting and offers them comfort. This verse reassures victims of bullying that God is with them in their pain and offers healing.
6. Matthew 5:44
“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”
Jesus teaches us to respond to mistreatment with love and kindness. This verse challenges us to counteract bullying with love and prayer for those who mistreat us.
7. Proverbs 31:8-9
“Open your mouth for the speechless, in the cause of all who are appointed to die. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.”
We are called to speak up for those who cannot defend themselves. This verse encourages advocacy for the vulnerable, including those who are bullied.
8. 1 Peter 3:9
“Not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.”
Responding to bullying with kindness and blessing is a high calling. This verse teaches us to break the cycle of negativity by not retaliating but instead showing grace.
9. Leviticus 19:18
“You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.”
Loving your neighbor involves forgiving and not seeking revenge. This verse reinforces the importance of love and forgiveness in all our relationships, including those with bullies.
10. Colossians 3:12-14
“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.”
Compassion, kindness, and love are antidotes to bullying. This passage encourages us to embody these virtues in our interactions, fostering a supportive and loving community.
11. James 4:11
“Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.”
Gossip and slander contribute to a culture of bullying. This verse warns against speaking ill of others, promoting a culture of respect and kindness.
12. Isaiah 1:17
“Learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.”
Standing up against oppression is a biblical mandate. This verse calls us to actively seek justice and protect those who are vulnerable, including bullying victims.
13. Proverbs 12:18
“There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health.”
Words can hurt deeply, but wise speech can heal. This verse highlights the power of our words and encourages us to use them to promote healing and well-being.
14. Psalm 82:3-4
“Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy; free them from the hand of the wicked.”
We are called to protect and defend the vulnerable. This verse emphasizes the responsibility to stand up for those who are being mistreated or bullied.
15. 1 John 3:18
“My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”
True love is shown through actions, not just words. This verse encourages us to demonstrate our love and support for others through tangible actions.
16. Luke 6:31
“And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.”
The Golden Rule is a simple yet profound guide against bullying. This verse encourages us to treat others with the kindness and respect we desire for ourselves.
17. Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
We are called to counteract evil with good. This verse encourages a positive response to bullying, promoting goodness and righteousness.
18. Galatians 6:9-10
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Persisting in doing good, even when it’s challenging, is essential. This verse encourages us to continuously seek opportunities to do good, promoting kindness and support.
19. Philippians 2:3-4
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”
Humility and consideration for others help prevent bullying. This verse encourages selflessness and looking out for the well-being of others.
20. Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Justice, mercy, and humility are key to counteracting bullying. This verse calls us to live out these values, fostering a fair and compassionate community.
21. Titus 3:2
“To speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.”
Gentleness and humility in our interactions prevent bullying. This verse encourages us to adopt a peaceful and respectful demeanor toward everyone.
22. Zechariah 7:9-10
“Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Execute true justice, show mercy and compassion everyone to his brother. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. Let none of you plan evil in his heart against his brother.'”
True justice and compassion protect against oppression and bullying. This verse emphasizes the importance of mercy and justice in our treatment of others.
23. Hebrews 10:24
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.”
Encouraging love and good deeds fosters a positive community. This verse urges us to inspire and motivate each other towards acts of kindness and support.
24. Proverbs 22:10
“Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; yes, strife and reproach will cease.”
Removing harmful influences can restore peace and reduce bullying. This verse suggests that addressing negative behavior can lead to a more harmonious environment.
25. Romans 14:13
“Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.”
Avoiding judgment and causing others to stumble helps prevent bullying. This verse encourages us to be mindful of our actions and their impact on others.
26. Galatians 5:14-15
“For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!”
Love for our neighbor is the antidote to destructive behavior. This verse warns against harmful interactions and promotes loving and respectful relationships.
27. Psalm 35:1
“Plead my cause, O Lord, with those who strive with me; fight against those who fight against me.”
God is our advocate against those who oppress us. This verse reassures victims of bullying that God is on their side and will fight for their cause.
28. Proverbs 15:1
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Gentle responses can de-escalate potential bullying situations. This verse encourages the use of calm and kind words to defuse conflicts.
29. James 1:19-20
“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
Being slow to anger and quick to listen can prevent bullying. This verse highlights the importance of self-control and attentive listening in promoting righteousness.
Also Read:Bible Verses About Mountains (Bible Explained)
30 Bible Verses About Daughters (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Time (Bible Explained)
Commentary
30 Bible Verses About Standing Firm (With Commentary)