The Bible does not directly address whether it is morally wrong to kill spiders, insects, or other small creatures. However, there are some biblical principles that can provide guidance on this issue.
Human dominion over animals
In Genesis 1:26, God gives humans dominion over the fish, birds, livestock and all the creatures that move along the ground. This dominion means that humans have been granted a level of authority and stewardship over the animal kingdom. With this authority comes responsibility. Humans are called to exercise wise stewardship over creation, not exploit it carelessly (Genesis 2:15).
So while humans have been granted a level of dominion over animals, this does not mean we can mistreat them however we wish. We are still responsible to God for how we exercise our dominion. Wantonly killing animals for no purpose would be an abuse of the authority God has entrusted to us.
Animal life has value to God
While human life is uniquely sacred to God, the Bible also indicates that animal life has value in God’s eyes as well. God took care to fill the earth with diverse animal life (Genesis 1:20-25). He cares for the birds and feeds them (Matthew 6:26). Jesus indicates that even the death of a sparrow matters to God (Matthew 10:29). This implies that God values animal life, even very small and seemingly insignificant animals.
This means that while humans have a greater level of value and authority, animals are not disposable or devoid of significance. So purposefully killing animals without proper justification would be disregarding something that God values.
Cruelty and wanton destruction forbidden
While the Bible allows for taking animal life for legitimate purposes, it condemns acts of wanton cruelty and destruction. The Proverbs warn against cruelty to animals multiple times (Proverbs 12:10, Proverbs 27:23). Acts of wanton destruction are associated with the wicked rather than the righteous (Psalm 37:20, Isaiah 11:6-9).
So enjoying killing spiders, stomping bugs needlessly, or otherwise destroying animal life in a careless manner would be unwise and against biblical values.
Killing animals for food and safety permitted
While wanton cruelty is forbidden, the Bible does permit taking animal life for legitimate purposes. Both the Old and New Testament indicate that killing animals for food is permissible (Deuteronomy 14:4-6, 1 Timothy 4:3). Killing dangerous animals in defense of one’s safety is also allowed (Exodus 21:28-29).
So killing spiders, insects, or other creatures when there is a legitimate purpose would not be prohibited in Scripture. Such purposes might include:
- Removing dangerous or venomous spiders from one’s home
- Eliminating insect pests that spread disease or damage one’s home and property
- Protecting oneself from potential bites or stings
The key would be to have a legitimate purpose, rather than cruel sport or wanton destruction.
Stewardship and respect appropriate
While permitted to kill animals for legitimate purposes, the Bible’s principles imply that stewardship and respect are still appropriate. Even in taking life, we should aim to minimize pain and suffering where possible. We should avoid callousness or finding pleasure in destruction.
So while justified in killing spiders or insects for safety and hygiene, celebrating their demise or choosing painful ways to kill them would be unwise. A balanced perspective is called for.
Specific Biblical passages on treatment of animals
Here are some specific Bible verses that are relevant to how humans should treat animals:
Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel. (Proverbs 12:10)
The righteous know the needs of their animals, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel. (Proverbs 12:10)
The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them. (Isaiah 11:6)
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. (Matthew 10:29)
Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? (Matthew 6:26)
Principles for living creatures not specified
It should be noted that the Bible does not lay out definitive principles for how to treat all types of living creatures. Spiders, insects, and other small creatures are not directly addressed. Some discernment and wisdom must be applied.
However, the general principles of responsible dominion, stewardship, avoiding wanton cruelty, and respect for life can provide guidance. Within these boundaries and utilizing wisdom, deciding how to interact with spiders, bugs, and other creatures falls within the realm of personal discretion.
Differing perspectives among Christians
Given the lack of definitive biblical instruction, Christians have differed in their perspectives on killing spiders, insects and other small creatures.
Some avoid killing any creatures, seeking to preserve life whenever possible. Others kill spiders, roaches, and other pests in their homes to maintain cleanliness and prevent disease. Still others are comfortable killing small creatures outside, but avoid it inside the home.
Since the Bible does not condemn or prohibit killing small creatures outright, these differing views can likely be held in good conscience before God. Christian discernment is required to evaluate motives and aims in each situation.
Motivations and aims more significant than actions
Within reasonable boundaries, the Bible places more emphasis on the human motivations and aims behind an action rather than just the action itself. For example, working on the Sabbath was punishable by death in the Old Testament. Yet Jesus permitted his hungry disciples to pick grain on the Sabbath because their motive was legitimate (Matthew 12:1-8).
This principle would apply to treatment of animals as well. A person could avoid killing spiders out of wise stewardship or fearful superstition. And a person could kill spiders out of prudent protection or callous cruelty.
Thus two people could perform the same action for very different reasons. This implies that human motivations and aims are more deeply significant than the outward actions alone.
Stewardship and dominion still required
It is important to recognize that avoiding needless cruelty does not negate human stewardship and dominion over lower creatures. Allowing deadly spiders or disease-carrying insects to thrive in one’s home would not usually be responsible stewardship.
So a balanced perspective is required. We should aim to avoid callousness and wanton destruction, which Scripture condemns. Yet we are also entrusted as stewards over the earth, which may at times require killing pesky or dangerous creatures.
Practical wisdom needed
In conclusion, the Bible does not prohibit killing spiders, insects and other small creatures outright, particularly when there are legitimate purposes for doing so. However, it does call for responsible stewardship and the avoidance of cruelty.
Thus, within these biblical boundaries, practical wisdom is required to evaluate each situation. The aim should be to treat animal life with respect, while also exercising responsible care of one’s home and property.
As in other areas of Christian freedom, each believer must use discernment. But Scripture provides us principles that, with the Spirit’s guidance, can direct us in wise treatment of animals.