30 Powerful Bible Verses About Hurting Others (With Commentary)

The Bible calls believers to live in love, peace, and kindness, emphasizing the importance of treating others with respect and compassion. Hurting others, whether through words, actions, or attitudes, goes against God’s principles of love and forgiveness. These verses encourage believers to pursue reconciliation, embrace humility, and follow Jesus’ example of gentleness and kindness, reminding us of the blessings that come from loving others as God loves us.

Bible Verses About Hurting Others

1. Ephesians 4:31-32

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Paul calls believers to let go of anger and bitterness, fostering kindness instead. This verse teaches that forgiveness and compassion prevent hurt. By treating others with understanding, we mirror Christ’s love, building relationships rooted in peace.

2. Colossians 3:12-13

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people… clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another.”

Paul encourages believers to embrace humility, patience, and forgiveness. This verse reminds us that these virtues prevent us from hurting others. By choosing compassion, we reflect God’s love and promote healthy, caring relationships, demonstrating the qualities of Christ.

3. Matthew 7:12

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.”

Jesus teaches the Golden Rule, advocating respect and kindness. This verse calls believers to consider others’ feelings, preventing harm. By treating others as we wish to be treated, we honor God’s commandment of love and foster mutual respect.

4. Proverbs 12:18

“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

This proverb warns of the power of words. Reckless speech can hurt others, while wise words bring healing. Believers are reminded to speak carefully, using words to uplift and encourage rather than cause harm.

5. Romans 12:18

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Paul encourages believers to pursue peace with others. This verse teaches that maintaining peace requires effort and humility, reducing the likelihood of hurtful conflicts. By striving for harmony, we reflect God’s love and create positive, supportive relationships.

6. James 1:19

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

James advises believers to practice patience in communication. This verse reminds us that listening and controlling anger prevents hurtful reactions. By remaining calm and open-minded, we foster understanding and avoid the damage caused by impulsive or angry words.

7. 1 Peter 3:9

“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing.”

Peter encourages believers to respond to harm with kindness rather than revenge. This verse teaches that retaliating with kindness prevents further hurt. By choosing blessing over insult, we demonstrate God’s love, breaking cycles of negativity and fostering peace.

8. Proverbs 15:1

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

This proverb highlights the value of gentleness in communication. Harsh words escalate tension and cause hurt, while gentleness diffuses anger. By responding calmly, believers prevent unnecessary pain and foster peaceful interactions, reflecting Christ’s approach to handling conflict.

9. Matthew 5:44

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

Jesus calls believers to love even those who harm them. This verse teaches that loving enemies prevents a cycle of hurt. By praying for those who hurt us, we foster forgiveness and show a Christ-like love that overcomes anger and resentment.

10. Galatians 5:15

“If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”

Paul warns of the destructive consequences of conflict and resentment. This verse reminds believers that hurtful behavior harms everyone involved. Choosing kindness over hostility preserves unity and peace within relationships and the community.

11. Leviticus 19:18

“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself.”

God commands believers to avoid grudges and seek love. This verse teaches that holding onto anger leads to further hurt. By loving others as ourselves, we let go of resentment, fostering a forgiving heart that reflects God’s compassion.

12. Proverbs 16:24

“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

This proverb illustrates the power of kind words. Gracious speech brings healing, preventing hurt. Believers are encouraged to use words to uplift and encourage, nurturing relationships and bringing comfort and joy to others.

13. Matthew 6:14-15

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

Jesus emphasizes the importance of forgiveness. This verse teaches that forgiving others helps heal and prevent hurt. By releasing resentment, believers experience God’s forgiveness and create relationships built on grace and reconciliation.

14. Romans 12:21

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Paul urges believers to counteract negativity with positivity. This verse teaches that responding to hurt with kindness prevents further harm. By choosing goodness over revenge, we reflect God’s love and demonstrate His power to transform hearts.

15. Ephesians 4:26

“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.”

Paul advises believers to resolve anger quickly to prevent harm. This verse teaches that unresolved anger leads to hurtful behavior. By addressing issues calmly and forgivingly, we maintain peace and avoid the damaging effects of prolonged resentment.

16. Colossians 4:6

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

Paul calls believers to communicate with grace. This verse teaches that speaking with kindness prevents misunderstandings and hurt. By choosing words carefully, we build trust, reflecting God’s love and encouraging respectful, positive communication.

17. 1 John 3:18

“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

John encourages believers to show love through actions. This verse teaches that words alone are insufficient if they’re not supported by loving actions. By demonstrating kindness and care, we prevent hurt, showing genuine love that reflects God’s heart.

18. Proverbs 20:22

“Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.”

This proverb teaches patience and trust in God’s justice rather than seeking revenge. Believers are encouraged to leave retribution to God, preventing further harm. By letting go of vengeful thoughts, we foster peace and leave space for God’s perfect justice.

19. Luke 6:31

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

Jesus reinforces the principle of kindness and empathy. This verse teaches that by treating others with respect and understanding, we prevent hurt. Following this principle fosters mutual respect, encouraging relationships that reflect God’s love and compassion.

20. Romans 13:10

“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”

Paul emphasizes that love is the basis of all godly behavior. This verse teaches that genuine love does not cause harm. By prioritizing love in our actions, we fulfill God’s commandment and create relationships that honor Him and uplift others.

21. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

Paul describes love’s characteristics, highlighting its gentleness and humility. This verse teaches that practicing true love prevents hurting others. By embodying patience, kindness, and forgiveness, believers cultivate relationships that reflect God’s perfect love.

22. Matthew 18:21-22

“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’”

Jesus calls for limitless forgiveness. This verse teaches that forgiveness is essential to prevent ongoing hurt. By practicing boundless forgiveness, we let go of resentment and create peaceful relationships that mirror Christ’s forgiveness for us.

23. Galatians 6:10

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

Paul encourages believers to seek goodness in every interaction. This verse teaches that actively doing good prevents harm. By choosing actions that benefit others, we foster positive, loving relationships that build the body of Christ.

24. Proverbs 10:12

“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”

This proverb contrasts hatred’s destructive impact with love’s healing power. It teaches that love has the ability to heal and restore, preventing hurt. By choosing love over hostility, believers foster harmony and forgiveness, building peaceful and supportive relationships.

25. 1 Peter 4:8

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

Peter emphasizes the power of love to overcome faults. This verse teaches that loving deeply allows for forgiveness and healing. In showing unconditional love, believers prevent hurt, choosing to support and uplift one another instead.

26. John 13:34

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

Jesus commands His followers to love each other as He loves them. This verse teaches that Christ-like love prevents hurting others. By following Jesus’ example, we create relationships rooted in compassion, respect, and kindness.

27. Proverbs 14:21

“It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.”

This proverb emphasizes kindness and empathy toward others. It teaches that despising or neglecting others brings harm, while kindness brings blessing. By valuing every person, believers build relationships that reflect God’s compassion and promote unity.

28. James 4:11

“Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another.”

James warns against speaking ill of others. This verse teaches that slander and gossip cause harm and disrupt peace. By choosing words that honor and uplift, believers prevent the damage caused by negative speech, fostering a community of respect.

29. Proverbs 24:29

“Do not say, ‘I’ll do to them as they have done to me; I’ll pay them back for what they did.’”

This proverb advises against retaliation. It teaches that responding to hurt with revenge perpetuates harm. Believers are encouraged to leave justice to God, promoting forgiveness and understanding rather than retribution.

30. 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.”

Paul calls for a commitment to goodness over revenge. This verse teaches that repaying wrong with kindness prevents further hurt. By seeking to do good, even to those who wrong us, believers foster peace and build relationships that honor God.

These verses together emphasize the importance of love, forgiveness, and kindness in relationships. By following these principles, believers prevent harm, promote peace, and reflect God’s love, building a community that uplifts and honors each other in faith.

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