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What does the Bible say about calling names?

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The Bible teaches that calling people hurtful, contemptuous names is sinful speech that dishonors God and wounds those made in his image. Jesus warns in Matthew 5:22 against anger and insulting contempt, while Ephesians 4:29 calls believers to speak only what builds others up. James 3:9-10 reminds us that the same tongue should not bless God and curse people who bear his likeness. Christians are therefore to put away malice, slander, and abusive speech, as Colossians 3:8 and 1 Peter 2:1 teach, and to show gentleness toward all, according to Titus 3:2. Though words can bring death or life, Proverbs 18:21 urges us toward wise, gracious speech shaped by Christ's mercy.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Ephesians 4:29

    Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.

  • Matthew 5:22

    But I tell you, that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment; and whoever shall say to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council; and whoever shall say, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of the fire of Gehenna.

  • James 3:9-10

    [9] With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the image of God. [10] Out of the same mouth comes forth blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.

  • 1 Peter 2:1

    Putting away therefore all wickedness, all deceit, hypocrisies, envies, and all evil speaking,

  • Colossians 3:8

    but now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth.

  • Titus 3:2

    to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men.

  • Proverbs 18:21

    Death and life are in the power of the tongue; Those who love it will eat its fruit.

  • 2 Timothy 2:16

    But shun empty chatter, for they will proceed further in ungodliness,

  • Proverbs 11:12

    One who despises his neighbor is void of wisdom, But a man of understanding holds his peace.

  • Proverbs 15:1

    A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

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