What does the Bible say about taking care of your animals?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that caring faithfully and compassionately for animals is part of righteous stewardship under God, who made all creatures and entrusts them to human care. Proverbs 12:10 commends the righteous person who regards the life of his animal, contrasting such mercy with the cruelty of the wicked. Proverbs 27:23 calls for attentive oversight of flocks and herds, encouraging diligent, responsible provision rather than neglect. James 3:7 reminds us that humanity has been given a distinctive authority over animals, yet this dominion is never license for harshness. Jesus points to the Father’s care for the birds in Matthew 6:26, assuring believers that the God who feeds them also lovingly provides for his children.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Proverbs 12:10 8 votes
A righteous man regards the life of his animal, But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
- Proverbs 27:23 6 votes
Know well the state of your flocks, And pay attention to your herds:
- James 3:7 4 votes
For every kind of animal, bird, creeping thing, and thing in the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed by mankind.
- Matthew 6:26 4 votes
See the birds of the sky, that they don't sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you of much more value than they?
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