“A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.” (Proverbs 19:11)
Bible Verses About Being Mean
Understanding Kindness
Proverbs 11:17
“Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.”
Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Galatians 5:22
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness and faithfulness.”
Proverbs 3:3
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.”
1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
Luke 6:31
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Psalm 37:8
“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.”
James 1:19
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
The Consequences of Meanness
Proverbs 20:3
“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”
Proverbs 14:16
“The wise fear the Lord and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.”
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Galatians 6:7
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”
James 3:9-10
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Romans 2:8
“But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.”
Matthew 5:22
“But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.”
1 John 3:15
“Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.”
Proverbs 26:27
“Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them.”
The Importance of Compassion
Luke 10:33-34
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.”
Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
Mark 12:31
“The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Philippians 2:4
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Isaiah 58:10
“And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.”
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Matthew 7:12
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Hebrews 13:16
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Building a Gentle Spirit
Philippians 4:5
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”
Proverbs 15:4
“The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”
1 Timothy 6:11
“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.”
Matthew 11:29
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Proverbs 31:26
“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”
2 Timothy 2:24
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.”
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Ephesians 6:7
“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.”
Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Romans 15:2
“Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.”
Transforming Our Actions
Matthew 12:34
“For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Titus 3:2
“To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.”
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Luke 6:36
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
Isaiah 54:10
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
James 4:1
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?”
Matthew 5:24
“Leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
Final Thoughts
Being mean is never the answer. Throughout the Bible, we see the importance of kindness, compassion, and love in our interactions with others. When we choose to be gentle and caring, we reflect the love of Christ. As we apply these teachings in our daily lives, we create positive changes not just in ourselves, but in those around us.
Each verse teaches us how to communicate and treat one another better. By following God’s guidance, we can build a community where kindness prevails, replacing meanness with love. It is a journey worth taking together.
If you’re looking to explore more topics on communication and perspective, feel free to check out bible verses about communicating with each other and bible verses about perspective.