The Bible consistently calls believers to treat others with kindness, compassion, and love. However, the human tendency to mistreat one another can lead to grave consequences, both spiritually and relationally. The following verses highlight the importance of maintaining positive interactions and avoiding harmful behaviors toward others. Each verse serves as a reminder of God’s standards for our relationships and the impact our actions can have on those around us.
Bible Verses About Treating Others Badly
1. Proverbs 15:1 – A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
Cross-References
James 1:19 – “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
Proverbs 12:18 – “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
2. Matthew 7:12 – The Golden Rule
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 7:12
Cross-References
Luke 6:31 – “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Romans 13:10 – “Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.”
Galatians 5:14 – “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
3. James 4:11 – Speaking Against One Another
“Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it.” – James 4:11
Cross-References
1 Peter 2:1 – “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”
Proverbs 16:28 – “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
Romans 14:10 – “You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.”
4. Ephesians 4:31-32 – Be Kind to One Another
“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.” – Ephesians 4:31-32
Cross-References
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.”
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.”
5. Galatians 6:7 – A Man Reaps What He Sows
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” – Galatians 6:7
Cross-References
James 3:18 – “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”
Proverbs 22:8 – “Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity, and the rod they wield in fury will be broken.”
Hosea 10:12 – “Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.”
6. Matthew 5:22 – Anger and Murder
“But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.” – Matthew 5:22
Cross-References
1 John 3:15 – “Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.”
James 1:20 – “Because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
Colossians 3:6 – “Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.”
7. 1 Peter 3:9 – Do Not Repay Evil for Evil
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” – 1 Peter 3:9
Cross-References
Romans 12:17 – “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.”
Matthew 5:39 – “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”
Ephesians 6:12 – “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
8. Luke 6:37 – Do Not Judge, and You Will Not Be Judged
“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
Cross-References
Romans 2:1 – “You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself.”
Matthew 7:1 – “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.”
9. Proverbs 20:22 – Wait for the Lord
“Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.” – Proverbs 20:22
Cross-References
Romans 12:19 – “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
Psalm 37:5 – “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.”
Hebrews 10:30 – “For we know him who said, ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ and again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.’”
10. 1 John 4:20 – Loving God and Brethren
“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” – 1 John 4:20
Cross-References
John 15:12 – “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
Romans 13:8 – “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.”
11. Luke 18:9 – The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
“To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable.” – Luke 18:9
Cross-References
Matthew 5:20 – “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
James 4:6 – “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'”
Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
12. 2 Corinthians 6:14 – Do Not Be Yoked Together with Unbelievers
“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” – 2 Corinthians 6:14
Cross-References
1 Corinthians 15:33 – “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”
Ephesians 5:8 – “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”
Amos 3:3 – “Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?”
13. Matthew 18:15 – Dealing with Sin in the Church
“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
Cross-References
Galatians 6:1 – “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”
James 5:19-20 – “My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”
Proverbs 27:5 – “Better is open rebuke than hidden love.”
While you’re here, why not explore our latest article on: Bible verses about Praying for Others
14. Romans 14:13 – Stop Passing Judgment on One Another
“Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put a stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.” – Romans 14:13
Cross-References
1 Corinthians 8:9 – “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”
James 4:12 – “There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?”
Matthew 7:2 – “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
15. Philippians 4:5 – Let Your Gentleness Be Evident
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” – Philippians 4:5
Cross-References
Colossians 3:12 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
1 Timothy 6:11 – “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.”
2 Timothy 2:24 – “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.”
16. 1 Thessalonians 4:6 – Do Not Wrong or Take Advantage
“And that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:6
Cross-References
Leviticus 19:18 – “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”
Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
17. Titus 3:2 – To Slander No One
“To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.” – Titus 3:2
Cross-References
Proverbs 15:18 – “The hot-tempered stir up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.”
Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
18. Proverbs 10:12 – Hatred Stirs Up Conflict
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.” – Proverbs 10:12
Cross-References
Colossians 3:14 – “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Ephesians 4:2 – “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
19. Matthew 5:44 – Love Your Enemies
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44
Cross-References
Romans 12:14 – “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”
Luke 6:27 – “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.”
1 John 4:21 – “And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.”
20. Micah 6:8 – What Does the Lord Require of You?
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8
Cross-References
Zechariah 7:9 – “This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.’”
Proverbs 21:3 – “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”
Isaiah 1:17 – “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
21. Romans 6:13 – Do Not Offer Any Part of Yourself to Sin
“Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.” – Romans 6:13
Cross-References
1 Corinthians 10:31 – “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Colossians 3:17 – “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
2 Timothy 2:19 – “Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: ‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and, ‘Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.’”
22. Galatians 5:26 – Do Not Become Conceited
“Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” – Galatians 5:26
Cross-References
Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Philippians 2:3 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
James 3:16 – “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
23. 1 John 3:18 – Let Us Not Love with Words or Speech
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18
Cross-References
James 2:15-16 – “Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”
1 Thessalonians 1:3 – “We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Matthew 25:40 – “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'”
24. Proverbs 28:27 – Those Who Give to the Poor
“Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.” – Proverbs 28:27
Cross-References
Proverbs 19:17 – “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
Lamentations 3:34 – “To crush underfoot all prisoners in the land, to deny people their rights before the Most High, to deprive them of justice—would not the Lord see such things?”
25. Mark 12:31 – The Greatest Commandment
“The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12:31
Cross-References
Matthew 22:39 – “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
Romans 13:9 – “The commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not covet,’ and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
26. Isaiah 58:9 – Then You Will Call, and the Lord Will Answer
“Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk.” – Isaiah 58:9
Cross-References
Proverbs 21:13 – “Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.”
Zechariah 7:10 – “Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.”
27. Luke 10:36-37 – The Parable of the Good Samaritan
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” – Luke 10:36-37
Cross-References
Matthew 5:7 – “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
James 2:13 – “Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!”
28. Philippians 1:27 – Conduct Yourselves in a Manner Worthy of the Gospel
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” – Philippians 1:27
Cross-References
Ephesians 4:1 – “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”
Colossians 1:10 – “So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.”
2 Thessalonians 1:11 – “With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith.”
29. Colossians 3:8 – But Now You Must Also Rid Yourselves
“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” – Colossians 3:8
Cross-References
Ephesians 4:31 – “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”
1 Peter 3:10 – “For, ‘Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.'”
James 1:26 – “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”
30. 1 Timothy 5:20 – Rebuke Them Publicly
“Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning.” – 1 Timothy 5:20
Cross-References
2 Timothy 4:2 – “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”
31. Proverbs 17:9 – Whoever Would Foster Love Covers Over an Offense
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” – Proverbs 17:9
Cross-References
1 Peter 4:8 – “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
32. Hebrews 10:24 – Consider How We May Spur One Another On
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24
Cross-References
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Ephesians 4:16 – “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
Philippians 2:4 – “Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Also check out this article on: Bible verses about Evil (With Cross-Reference)
Final Thoughts
Every verse in the Bible emphasizes the significance of how we conduct ourselves toward others. From anger, slander, and judgment to love, compassion, and forgiveness, our actions carry weight in the eyes of God. The conscience of a believer should be continually guided by the principles found in these verses. When confronted with the temptation to mistreat others, let us instead choose kindness and humility, reflecting the love of Christ in every interaction. Ultimately, we are called not only to uphold our integrity but to encourage others to walk in love, understanding that every bit of kindness contributes to a greater witness of God’s grace in our lives