The Bible, as a guide for moral living, often addresses themes of love, respect, and righteousness. Bullying, as a form of aggression or mistreatment of others, starkly contrasts with the teachings found within the scriptures. Through various passages, believers are called to cultivate compassion, kindness, and support for others, particularly the vulnerable.
This collection of biblical verses serves as a foundation for understanding how scripture condemns bullying and highlights the values of empathy and righteousness.
Bible Verses about Bullying
1. Isaiah 41:10 – Do Not Fear
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
Cross-References
Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
2. Proverbs 6:16-19 – Things the Lord Hates
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” – Proverbs 6:16-19
Cross-References
Proverbs 12:22 – “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
Psalm 101:5 – “Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate.”
Galatians 5:19-21 – “The acts of the flesh are obvious… discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy.”
3. John 13:34-35 – Love One Another
“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
Cross-References
1 John 4:7 – “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”
Romans 13:8 – “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.”
1 Corinthians 13:1 – “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.”
4. 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
Luke 6:27-28 – “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you…”
Romans 12:20 – “On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.'”
Proverbs 25:21-22 – “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.”
5. Ephesians 4:32 – Be Kind and Compassionate
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Cross-References
Colossians 3:12 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Philippians 2:3 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
1 Peter 3:8 – “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”
6. Romans 12:21 – Overcoming Evil
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21
Cross-References
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.”
Proverbs 20:22 – “Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.”
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.”
7. Philippians 2:4 – Value of Others
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:4
Cross-References
Galatians 6:2 – “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Romans 15:1 – “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.”
1 Corinthians 10:24 – “No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.”
8. James 4:11-12 – Judging Others
“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 4:11-12
Cross-References
Matthew 7:1 – “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.”
Romans 14:10 – “You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt?”
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.”
9. 1 John 2:9 – Walking in the Light
“Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.” – 1 John 2:9
Cross-References
1 John 4:20 – “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar.”
Ephesians 5:8 – “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”
John 12:35 – “Then Jesus told them, ‘You are going to have the light just a little while longer.'”
10. Proverbs 10:12 – Hatred & Love
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.” – Proverbs 10:12
Cross-References
Proverbs 17:9 – “Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
1 Peter 4:8 – “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
1 Corinthians 13:5 – “It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
11. Hebrews 10:24 – Encourage One Another
“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.”
Hebrews 3:13 – “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”
Romans 15:2 – “Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.”
12. Galatians 6:1 – Restoring Others Gently
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.” – Galatians 6:1
Cross-References
James 5:19-20 – “My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back…”
2 Timothy 2:25 – “Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth…”
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.”
13. Proverbs 22:10 – Driving Out the Mockers
“Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.” – Proverbs 22:10
Cross-References
Proverbs 22:8 – “Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity, and the rod they wield in fury will be broken.”
Psalm 1:1 – “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.”
1 Corinthians 15:33 – “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
14. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 – Encouragement to Help the Weak
“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:14
Cross-References
Romans 14:1 – “Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.”
Galatians 5:15 – “If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”
15. Proverbs 31:8-9 – Speak up for the Voiceless
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” – Proverbs 31:8-9
Cross-References
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.”
Jeremiah 22:3 – “This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed.”
16. Matthew 18:6 – Causing Little Ones to Stumble
“If anyone causes one of these little ones – those who believe in me – to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” – Matthew 18:6
Cross-References
Mark 9:42 – “If anyone causes one of these little ones – those who believe in me – to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck.”
Luke 17:1-2 – “Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come.'”
Romans 14:21 – “It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.”
17. James 1:19 – Slow to Anger
“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
Cross-References
Proverbs 14:29 – “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”
Proverbs 15:18 – “A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.”
Ecclesiastes 7:9 – “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.”
18. Ephesians 6:4 – Raising Children
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” – Ephesians 6:4
Cross-References
Colossians 3:21 – “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”
Proverbs 22:6 – “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.”
Deuteronomy 6:7 – “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road.”
19. Proverbs 15:1 – Gentle Answer
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
Cross-References
Proverbs 12:18 – “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Proverbs 16:24 – “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
James 3:17 – “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
20. Psalm 34:13-14 – Guard Your Tongue
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” – Psalm 34:13-14
Cross-References
1 Peter 3:10-11 – “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.”
Proverbs 21:23 – “Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
21. 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.”
Galatians 5:14 – “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
22. Titus 3:2 – Speak No Evil
“To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.” – Titus 3:2
Cross-References
Ephesians 4:31 – “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”
Proverbs 19:11 – “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
23. Matthew 5:9 – Blessed Peacemakers
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
Cross-References
James 3:18 – “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”
Hebrews 12:14 – “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
24. Luke 6:35 – Love Your Enemies
“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back…” – Luke 6:35
Cross-References
Romans 12:14 – “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”
Proverbs 25:22 – “In doing this, you will heap burning coals on their head, and the Lord will reward you.”
25. 1 Peter 3:9 – Repay with Blessing
“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.”
26. Psalm 82:3-4 – Defend the Weak
“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” – Psalm 82:3-4
Cross-References
Jeremiah 22:16 – “He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Isn’t that what it means to know me?”
27. Romans 13:10 – Love Each Other
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” – Romans 13:10
Cross-References
Romans 12:10 – “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
Matthew 22:39 – “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
James 2:8 – “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right.”
28. Proverbs 15:4 – Soothing Tongue
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:4
Cross-References
James 3:10 – “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”
Colossians 4:6 – “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt.”
29. Colossians 3:13 – Forgive as the Lord Forgave
“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
Cross-References
Matthew 6:14 – “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
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.”
30. 1 Corinthians 16:14 – Do in Love
“Do everything in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14
Cross-References
Colossians 3:14 – “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
1 Corinthians 13:1-2 – “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.”
31. James 5:16 – Praying for One Another
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16
Cross-References
1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray continually.”
32. Psalm 37:7-9 – Waiting on the Lord
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” – Psalm 37:7-9
Cross-References
Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles…”
Lamentations 3:25 – “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him…”
Romans 8:25 – “But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”
While you’re here, why not explore our latest article on: Bible verses for Men
Final Thoughts
In exploring biblical teachings, it becomes evident that bullying contradicts the principles laid out by scripture. The passages provide guidance on cultivating a community rooted in love, kindness, and empathy, emphasizing the importance of uplifting others rather than tearing them down. Bullying harms individuals and communities, whereas the Biblical counsel promotes harmony and peace. As ambassadors of faith and compassion, it is vital to carry forth these lessons in daily life, ensuring that actions reflect consideration and empathy for all. Engaging with scripture encourages believers to stand against bullying and champion the rights of the oppressed and the voiceless.
By doing so, the Christian doctrine of love is upheld, fostering a nurturing environment where kindness leads and peace reigns. These scriptures not only guide against negative behaviors but also inspire proactive efforts to promote collective well-being and justice, urging individuals to embody the reflection of Christ’s love in interactions and relationships. Let these verses empower us to become change-agents, eradicating bullying through intentional acts of love and consideration.