What does the Bible say about respect for others?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that respect for others flows from loving God and treating every person with the care, fairness, and humility we ourselves desire. Jesus summarizes this in Matthew 7:12, calling His disciples to practice the Golden Rule, and Luke 6:38 commends generous, merciful dealings with others. Scripture also urges honor toward parents in Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16, respect for faithful leaders in Hebrews 13:7 and 13:17, and compassion for the poor in Proverbs 14:21 and Isaiah 58:10-11. Yet respect must not become people-pleasing or public display, as Matthew 6:1-2 warns. Seeking God's kingdom first, believers honor others sincerely because Christ has shown them mercy.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Matthew 7:12 20 votes
Therefore, whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets.
- Luke 6:38 17 votes
“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you. For with the same measure you measure it will be measured back to you.”
- Hebrews 13:17 12 votes
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch on behalf of your souls, as those who will give account, that they may do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be unprofitable for you.
- Matthew 6:1-2 9 votes
“Be careful that you don’t do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Therefore, when you do merciful deeds, don’t sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may get glory from men. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward.
- Hebrews 13:7 8 votes
Remember your leaders, men who spoke to you the word of God, and considering the results of their conduct, imitate their faith.
- Exodus 20:12 7 votes
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.
- Deuteronomy 5:16 6 votes
“Honor your father and your mother, as Yahweh your God commanded you, that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.
- Isaiah 58:10-11 6 votes
and if you pour out your soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light will rise in darkness, and your obscurity will be as the noonday; and Yahweh will guide you continually, satisfy your soul in dry places, and make your bones strong. You will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters don’t fail.
- Proverbs 14:21 4 votes
He who despises his neighbor sins, but he who has pity on the poor is blessed.
- Matthew 6:33 4 votes
But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.
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