What are some Bible verses about insults?
Insults and unkind words are unfortunately a common occurrence in our fallen world. Even faithful believers can sometimes face harsh criticism or mocking from those who oppose God. What does the Bible say about how we should respond to insults?
Here are some key Bible verses about insults:
Proverbs 12:18 – Words can deeply wound
“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Insults cut deeply and can leave lasting scars. We should be cautious with our speech and avoid words that tear others down.
Proverbs 26:4 – Sometimes it’s best not to answer
“Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.”
When facing foolish insults, the wise course is often to hold your tongue rather than retaliate. Stooping to the level of insulters degrades our own character.
Matthew 5:11-12 – Rejoice when persecuted
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Jesus pronounced a blessing on those who are insulted because of their faith. Though incredibly difficult, we can rejoice knowing God sees our plight and will reward our endurance.
1 Peter 3:9 – Repay evil with blessing
“Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.”
As counterintuitive as it may seem, God calls us to respond to insults by blessing those who abuse us. This reflects His own graciousness towards us.
Proverbs 15:1 – A gentle answer diffuses anger
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
When tensions flare up, quiet gracious responses can often calm a dispute rather than exacerbate it. Wisdom seeks to diffuse rather than escalate conflict.
Romans 12:14 – Bless those who persecute you
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.”
Again Scripture challenges us to go against our natural inclinations and bless our enemies instead of cursing. This demonstrates radical Christ-like love.
1 Corinthians 4:12 – Endure persecution patiently
“When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure.”
The apostle Paul modeled returning blessings for revilings and patiently enduring persecution. As Christians we are called to reflect this same attitude.
Proverbs 12:16 – Ignore contempt
“The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.”
Wise people restrain their anger when insulted and maintain self-control. They ignore contempt rather than let it provoke them.
Matthew 5:44 – Love your enemies
“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Jesus commanded His followers to love those who insult and mistreat them. Loving enemies displays God’s redeeming grace and draws people to Him.
Hebrews 12:3 – Consider Christ’s endurance
“Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”
When insulted, remember Christ Himself endured horrendous mocking and abuse without retaliation. Let His example spur us on.
Proverbs 19:11 – Overlook an offense
“Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.”
In displaying patience when insulted, we exhibit wisdom and sound judgment. Forgiving others’ slights brings honor.
Psalm 38:12-13 – Don’t retaliate
“Those who seek my life lay their snares; those who seek my hurt speak of ruin and meditate treachery all day long. But I am like a deaf man; I do not hear, like a mute man who does not open his mouth.”
David chose not to retaliate against those attacking and slandering him. Sometimes remaining silent in the face of insults is the best response.
Proverbs 20:22 – Wait on the Lord
“Do not say, “I will repay evil”; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.”
Rather than take vengeance when insulted, we should trust God and wait for Him to justly act on our behalf in His timing.
Romans 12:17-21 – Overcome evil with good
“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
This famous passage summarizes the biblical approach to insults. Rather than retaliate, we rely on God’s justice and overcome through loving actions.
Philippians 1:28 – Don’t be frightened by opponents
“And not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.”
If we remain steadfast in the face of insults, it proves our confidence in God and His ability to save. It also exposes the emptiness of the opponent’s position.
Luke 6:27-28 – Love your enemies
“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.”
Again Jesus’ instructions to love, bless, and pray for enemies provides the model for responding to insults. This displays radical Christian forgiveness.
Ephesians 4:29 – Speak to build others up
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
We should avoid insulting speech and instead say what builds others up. This edifying language gives grace to all involved.
Proverbs 29:11 – Keep your temper in check
“A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.”
Losing your temper when insulted only makes you appear foolish. The wise restrain their anger and reply judiciously.
Colossians 4:6 – Let your speech be gracious
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
Our words, even when responding to insults, should be full of grace and thoughtful discernment. This enables the best replies.
1 Peter 2:23 – Entrust yourself to God
“When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.”
As Christ entrusted Himself to God when enduring unjust attacks, so should we. God will vindicate us in due time.
2 Timothy 2:24-25 – Correct with gentleness
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.”
As believers, we should be gentle and patient when insulted, seeking to correct opponents with care and humility. God may grant them repentance.
Matthew 7:12 – Treat others as you want to be treated
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
Commonly called the Golden Rule, Jesus challenges us to treat others, even insulters, as we would want to be treated. This summarizes God’s law.
Proverbs 11:12 – Be wise, not a reviler
“Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.”
Those who habitually insult reveal their own lack of wisdom and understanding. The prudent remain measured rather than slander others.
These verses give biblical guidance on responding to insults with wisdom and grace. Though rarely easy, God calls us to endure unjust criticism and overcome evil with good, leaving room for His justice and praying for ultimate repentance and redemption.