What does the Bible say about enemies?

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

• Luke 6:27-36

  [27] "But I tell you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, [28] bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. [29] To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer also the other; and from him who takes away your cloak, don't withhold your coat also. [30] Give to everyone who asks you, and don't ask him who takes away your goods to give them back again. [31] "As you would like people to do to you, do exactly so to them. [32] If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. [33] If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. [34] If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back as much. [35] But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil. [36] Therefore be merciful, Even as your Father is also merciful.

• Psalms 109:2-5

  [2] For they have opened the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of deceit against me. They have spoken to me with a lying tongue. [3] They have also surrounded me with words of hatred, And fought against me without a cause. [4] In return for my love, they are my adversaries; But I am in prayer. [5] They have rewarded me evil for good, And hatred for my love.

• Romans 12:14

  Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don't curse.

• Proverbs 24:17

  Don't rejoice when your enemy falls. Don't let your heart be glad when he is overthrown;

• Deuteronomy 31:6

  Be strong and of good courage, don't be afraid, nor be scared of them: for Yahweh your God, he it is who does go with you; he will not fail you, nor forsake you.

• Romans 12:20

  Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head."

• Psalms 57:6

  They have prepared a net for my steps. My soul is bowed down. They dig a pit before me. They fall into the midst of it themselves. Selah.

• Matthew 5:43-48

  [43] "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.' [44] But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, [45] that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. [46] For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don't even the tax collectors do the same? [47] If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don't even the tax collectors do the same? [48] Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

• Proverbs 16:7

  When a man's ways please Yahweh, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

• Psalms 138:7

  Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you will revive me. You will stretch forth your hand against the wrath of my enemies. Your right hand will save me.

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