Today we will talk about bible verses about calling people names. Many Christians may wonder what the Bible says on this issue and why it’s important. We might have witnessed or even experienced name-calling, which can lead to hurt feelings and division among us. God’s Word guides us through these situations, reminding us to treat others with kindness and respect. Let’s open our hearts and minds to God’s teachings and understand how to promote love and unity in our interactions.
Bible Verses About Calling People Names
Understanding Our Words
Words hold incredible power. They can uplift, motivate, or deeply wound someone. We must recognize the weight our words carry, especially when calling others names. The Bible encourages us to choose our words wisely, promoting kindness and understanding. It invites us to reflect on how Jesus communicated and treated people. By being conscious of our language and the impact it has, we foster a community of love and respect, which aligns perfectly with the teachings found in Scripture.
Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” – Proverbs 18:21
Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29
James 3:9-10
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” – James 3:9-10
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” – Colossians 4:6
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” – Proverbs 12:18
The Importance of Kindness
As we dive deeper into the teachings of the Bible, we find a strong emphasis on kindness. Calling people names often stems from misunderstanding or frustrations. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to spread kindness instead of judgment. Each person we encounter is unique and valuable, deserving of respect and love. Let’s explore how nurturing kindness in our hearts transforms our words and actions towards ourselves and others.
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.” – Galatians 5:22-23
1 Thessalonians 5:15
“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:15
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
1 Peter 3:8
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” – 1 Peter 3:8
Building Each Other Up
The call to uplift one another echoes throughout the Bible. Instead of bringing others down with our words, we are encouraged to be sources of encouragement. When we use our words to build others up, we reflect God’s love in a powerful way. It’s a gentle reminder that we are all part of one family—each with our own journey, struggles, and victories. Let’s lean into the encouragement that the Scriptures provide, ensuring we’re builders, not destructors.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Ephesians 4:15
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” – Ephesians 4:15
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” – Proverbs 16:24
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8
Responding to Conflict
In a world where name-calling often arises from conflict, it’s essential to seek God’s guidance on how to handle such situations gracefully. When conflict arises, we can choose between reacting with anger or responding with love. God teaches us to be peacemakers who diffuse situations with grace rather than escalating them. The Scriptures remind us to reflect Jesus in our responses and to seek reconciliation over division.
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
Proverbs 17:14
“Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.” – Proverbs 17:14
Romans 12:18
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:18
James 1:19
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19
Matthew 18:15
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” – Matthew 18:15
Understanding Our Identity in Christ
As we explore the Scriptures, we are constantly reminded of our true identity in Christ. When we see ourselves as God sees us, we can begin to treat others with that same love and respect. Name-calling often comes from a misunderstanding of identity. Recognizing that we are all created in His image can change how we interact with one another. Let’s delve deeper into what it means to be a part of God’s family and how that influences our conversations.
1 John 3:1
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” – 1 John 3:1
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10
Galatians 3:26-28
“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” – Galatians 3:26-28
Colossians 3:12-13
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:12-13
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Wisdom in Our Speech
The Bible often encourages wisdom in our speech. It urges us to think carefully before we speak, especially when we’re feeling frustrated or hurt. In the heat of the moment, name-calling can easily slip out, but it’s crucial to pause and reflect on our words. Let’s consider how the wisdom found in the Scriptures helps us to speak thoughtfully and with intention, rather than allowing our emotions to dictate our words.
Proverbs 21:23
“Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.” – Proverbs 21:23
Proverbs 10:19
“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.” – Proverbs 10:19
James 3:2
“We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.” – James 3:2
Proverbs 15:28
“The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.” – Proverbs 15:28
Ecclesiastes 3:7
“A time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak.” – Ecclesiastes 3:7
The Power of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is one of the central themes of the Bible that speaks volumes about how we should deal with conflicts and name-calling. Just as we are forgiven, we are called to forgive others. Holding onto grudges and resentments only leads to bitterness, which can further invite unkindness into our lives. As we explore verses on forgiveness, we find encouragement to let go of past hurts and to embrace grace—both towards ourselves and towards others.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” – Matthew 6:14-15
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.” – Colossians 3:13
Luke 6:37
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37
Mark 11:25
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” – Mark 11:25
Encouragement to Reflect Christ
As ambassadors of Christ, we are called to reflect His love and character through our actions. This includes how we interact with others and the words we choose. Instead of resorting to name-calling, we should strive to embody grace, love, and truth. Let’s look at how the Bible encourages us to become mirrors of Christ’s compassion and kindness so that others can experience His love through us.
Matthew 5:14
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew 5:14
1 Peter 2:12
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” – 1 Peter 2:12
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:3-4
John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” – John 13:34-35
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on the Bible verses about calling people names reminds us of the incredible power our words hold. We are called to engage in kindness, understanding, and love. As we navigate our interactions with others, it’s essential to remember our identity as children of God and the transformative power of forgiveness. By choosing to uplift one another and reflect Christ’s love, we can foster a more compassionate and harmonious community. Let’s commit to using our words wisely and striving always to be peacemakers in a world that often needs healing.
Ultimately, every name we call should carry a weight of love and respect, for in doing so, we not only honor ourselves but also glorify God. As we step out into our daily lives, let’s carry these lessons with us, ensuring our language becomes a tool for building bridges, not walls.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, may we speak life, grace, and love into every interaction, embodying the essence of God’s heart in our conversations.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
