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What does the Bible say about calling someone names?

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The Bible forbids contemptuous, malicious speech and calls believers to use their words to honor God and build others up. Jesus warns in Matthew 5:21-22 that angry, insulting contempt exposes the heart to God’s judgment. Ephesians 4:29 and Colossians 3:8 command Christians to put away corrupt, abusive speech and speak what gives grace to those who hear. James 3:9-10 highlights the inconsistency of blessing God while cursing people made in his image, while James 4:11 forbids speaking evil against one another. Yet this does not exclude truthful correction offered humbly and lovingly. By the Spirit, believers should pursue gentleness, repentance, and words that promote peace.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Matthew 5:21-22

    [21] "You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, 'You shall not murder;' and 'Whoever shall murder shall be in danger of the judgment.' [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.

  • Proverbs 11:12

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

  • James 4:11

    Don't speak against one another, brothers. He who speaks against a brother and judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge.

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