What does the Bible say about hurting others?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible condemns harming others in heart, word, or deed, and calls believers to pursue peace, repentance, forgiveness, and love. Ephesians 4:31-32 urges putting away bitterness, anger, and malice, while showing the forgiving kindness God has shown us in Christ. Proverbs 6:16-19 warns that the Lord hates violence, deceit, and those who stir up conflict, and Proverbs 15:1 commends gentle speech over harsh words. Romans 12:18-20 teaches Christians, so far as possible, to live peaceably and leave vengeance to God. Yet God also calls for honest correction and reconciliation when sin occurs, as Luke 17:3-4 teaches. He comforts the wounded and can redeem evil for good, as Psalms 34:18 and Genesis 50:20 show.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Ephesians 4:31-32
[31] Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander, be put away from you, with all malice. [32] And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.
- Romans 12:18-20
[18] If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. [19] Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord." [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."
- Colossians 3:25
But he who does wrong will receive again for the wrong that he has done, and there is no partiality.
- Proverbs 6:16-19
[16] There are six things which Yahweh hates; Yes, seven which are an abomination to him: [17] Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood; [18] A heart that devises wicked schemes, Feet that are swift in running to mischief, [19] A false witness who utters lies, And he who sows discord among brothers.
- Genesis 50:20
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save many people alive.
- Ephesians 4:32
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.
- Psalms 34:18
Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves those who have a crushed spirit.
- Psalms 147:3
He heals the broken in heart, And binds up their wounds.
- Luke 17:3-4
[3] Be careful. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him. If he repents, forgive him. [4] If he sins against you seven times in the day, and seven times returns, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him."
- Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
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