What does the Bible say about taking your own life?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that human life belongs to God and is precious in his sight, so taking one’s own life is a grievous wrong, yet God’s mercy is greater than human despair and his final judgment is perfectly just. Exodus 20:13 and Genesis 9:5-6 uphold the sanctity of life, while 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 teaches that believers belong to Christ, body and soul. Scripture records Saul’s tragic death in 1 Samuel 31:3-6 without presenting it as a faithful solution. Ecclesiastes 7:17 warns against destructive self-ruin, and James 1:2-4 calls sufferers to seek God’s sustaining grace in trials. Those burdened by despair should be met with prayer, compassionate care, and immediate help from trusted people.