What does the Bible say about contempt?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible condemns contempt as a proud and loveless disregard for people made in God’s image, calling believers instead to humility, mercy, and reverent fear of the Lord. Job 31:13 warns against despising those under one’s authority, while Proverbs 14:21 says that despising a neighbor is sin. Proverbs 11:12 contrasts contempt with wisdom and restraint, and Proverbs 18:3 links wickedness with contempt and disgrace. Jesus forbids looking down on the little ones in Matthew 18:10, and Romans 14:3 commands Christians not to despise fellow believers over disputable matters. Since contempt flows from sinful pride, God calls us to repent and, through Christ’s grace, honor others with truth and love.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Torrey's New Topical Textbook
- Sin of Job 31:13; Job 31:14; Proverbs 14:21
- Folly of Proverbs 11:12
- A characteristic of the wicked Proverbs 18:3; Isaiah 5:24; 2 Timothy 3:3
- Forbidden towards
- Parents Proverbs 23:22
- Christ’s little ones Matthew 18:10
- Weak brethren Romans 14:3
- Young ministers 1 Corinthians 16:11
- Believing masters 1 Timothy 6:2
- The poor James 2:1-3
- Self-righteous prompts to Isaiah 65:5; Luke 18:9; Luke 18:11
- Pride and prosperity prompt to Psalms 123:4
- Ministers should give no occasion for 1 Timothy 4:12
- Of ministers, is a despising of God Luke 10:16; 1 Thessalonians 4:8
- Towards the church
- Often turned into respect Isaiah 60:14
- Often punished Ezekiel 28:26
- Causes saints to cry to God Nehemiah 4:4; Psalms 123:3
- The wicked exhibit towards
- Christ Psalms 22:6; Isaiah 53:3; Matthew 27:29
- Saints Psalms 119:141
- Authorities 2 Peter 2:10; Jude 1:8
- Parents Proverbs 15:5; Proverbs 15:20
- The afflicted Job 19:18
- The poor Psalms 14:6; Ecclesiastes 9:16
- Saints sometimes guilty of James 2:6
- Exemplified
- Hagar Genesis 16:4
- Children of Belial 1 Samuel 10:27
- Nabal 1 Samuel 25:10; 1 Samuel 25:11
- Michal 2 Samuel 6:16
- Sanballat, &c Nehemiah 2:19; Nehemiah 4:2; Nehemiah 4:3
- False teachers 2 Corinthians 10:10
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