What does the Bible say about verbal abuse?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible condemns speech that wounds, demeans, threatens, or manipulates others, calling believers to repent and use words that give grace and build up. Ephesians 4:29 and 4:31 contrast corrupt, bitter speech with edifying words, while Proverbs 12:18 warns that reckless words pierce like a sword. Jesus teaches that people will answer for every careless word they speak in Matthew 12:36-37, showing that verbal cruelty is not trivial before God. Colossians 3:19 specifically forbids husbands from being harsh with their wives. Yet God is near to the brokenhearted (Psalms 34:18), and he calls the abused to seek wise, godly help and peace where possible.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.
- Matthew 12:36-37
[36] I tell you that every idle word that men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. [37] For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."
- Titus 3:10
Avoid a factious man after a first and second warning;
- Psalms 34:18
Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves those who have a crushed spirit.
- Colossians 3:19
Husbands, love your wives, and don't be bitter against them.
- Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue; Those who love it will eat its fruit.
- Proverbs 22:24
Don't befriend a hot-tempered man, And don't associate with one who harbors anger:
- Ephesians 4:31
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander, be put away from you, with all malice.
- Proverbs 12:18
There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, But the tongue of the wise heals.
- James 1:26
If anyone among you thinks himself to be religious while he doesn't bridle his tongue, but deceives his heart, this man's religion is worthless.
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