Whether it takes the form of harsh words, intimidation, mockery, or the misuse of authority, bullying has always been an unpleasant reality in interpersonal relationships. The Bible verses about bullying has long condemned the spirit of cruelty, arrogance, and oppression, despite the fact that bullying in schools, workplaces, and even online is frequently highlighted by contemporary society. The suffering endured by victims of bullying is addressed in God’s Word, as is the duty of believers to oppose injustice with bravery and love.
Every individual is deserving of respect and dignity since they were made in God’s image, as the Bible reminds us time and again. God commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to treat them badly is to disobey this command. Pride and selfishness are the root causes of bullying, whether it be verbal, physical, or emotional. Scripture praises humility, gentleness, and compassion as the real means of leading a virtuous life and cautions against hubris. God calls us to stand up for the helpless, console the suffering, and speak out against oppression through His Word.
The Bible provides consolation and hope to victims of bullying. Every cry is heard, every tear is seen, and justice is promised by God. He gives strength to people who feel helpless and is close to the heartbroken. God may use hardship and mistreatment to mold us for His glory, as demonstrated by the stories of Joseph, David, and even Jesus. Ultimately, God has the final say and His justice will triumph, not bullies.
Both victims and those tasked with promoting peace can find strength, knowledge, and encouragement in these 30 potent Bible verses about bullying. They make clear God’s compassion for the downtrodden and encourage us to act as His hands and feet in a terrible world. Despite hostility or intimidation, let these scriptures encourage you to seek God’s justice, walk in His love, and reflect His light.
30 Powerful Bible Verses About Bullying in 2025
1. Psalm 10:17-18
“You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror.”
This verse is a direct comfort to those who feel powerless under the weight of bullying. It assures us that God not only hears the cries of the afflicted but also actively works to defend and strengthen them. The oppressed may feel unseen by the world, but they are never invisible to God. This passage reminds victims that the Lord Himself takes up their cause and promises justice against those who strike fear into others.
2. Proverbs 6:16-19
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
Bullying thrives on arrogance, lies, and stirring up conflict. This passage lists the very behaviors that God detests, making it clear that prideful cruelty and the spreading of strife are not only harmful to others but also offensive to God. The verse warns against aligning with the characteristics of a bully and urges believers to walk in integrity, peace, and humility.
3. Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Bullying often instills fear and discouragement, leaving victims feeling helpless. Yet, God speaks directly into this fear with a powerful reminder of His presence. He promises to uphold His children with His righteous hand. No matter how intimidating the bully, God’s strength is greater, and His presence is enough to carry the oppressed through their struggles.
4. Romans 12:17-19
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone… Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
When someone is bullied, the natural instinct may be to fight back in anger. However, this passage encourages us to trust God’s justice rather than seek revenge. It does not mean tolerating abuse but reminds us that vengeance belongs to God alone. The bullied are called to stand firm in righteousness, knowing that the Lord will bring justice in His perfect timing.
5. Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Jesus gives a radical command in response to mistreatment. Instead of returning hate with hate, He calls us to love even those who harm us. This doesn’t mean approving of bullying, but it does mean rising above bitterness. Prayer softens the heart and places the offender in God’s hands, allowing His justice and mercy to work. By choosing love over retaliation, believers display the transformative power of Christ’s love.
6. Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Words can wound more deeply than physical blows, and bullying often comes through harmful speech. This verse calls Christians to use their words for encouragement rather than destruction. Gossip, insults, and mocking are never consistent with a Christlike life. God’s people are called to speak life, lifting others up instead of tearing them down.
7. 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.”
Peter reminds us that insults and cruelty are not to be met with more of the same. Instead, Christians are called to respond with blessing, showing that our hope and identity rest in God, not in others’ approval. By refusing to mirror a bully’s behavior, we reflect Christ’s character and open the door for God’s grace to shine through.
8. Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Reckless words cut deeply, and many victims of bullying carry emotional scars from harsh speech. This proverb contrasts destructive talk with healing words, reminding us that what we say carries weight. Choosing wise, kind words can bring healing to those broken by cruelty. This verse calls believers to be healers, not wounders, with their speech.
9. Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Victims of bullying often feel brokenhearted, crushed under the weight of rejection, fear, or shame. Yet God promises His nearness in such moments. He does not abandon the hurting but draws close to them. This verse is both a comfort and a promise: even in the darkest moments, God is present, offering healing and deliverance.
10. Colossians 3:12-13
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Paul calls believers to reflect God’s love through kindness, patience, and forgiveness. This stands in stark contrast to bullying, which thrives on pride and cruelty. Christians are called to live differently—to show compassion instead of cruelty, gentleness instead of harshness, and forgiveness instead of bitterness. This verse sets the standard for how God’s people should treat others.
11. Proverbs 14:31
“Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”
This verse reveals the seriousness of oppression: mistreating others is an insult to God Himself, who created them in His image. Bullying, in any form, shows contempt for God’s handiwork. On the other hand, kindness to the vulnerable is an act of worship and honor to the Lord. How we treat others is directly tied to our reverence for God.
12. Romans 15:1
“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.”
Instead of using strength to dominate, Scripture calls us to use it for service and support. Bullies misuse power for selfish gain, but God’s people are called to build up the weak and carry their burdens. This verse encourages a spirit of selflessness and compassion, turning strength into a blessing rather than a weapon.
13. James 4:6
“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’”
Pride often fuels bullying, as people elevate themselves by putting others down. But God actively resists the proud. In contrast, He blesses the humble with His favor and grace. This verse reminds us that arrogance never wins in God’s kingdom, while humility opens the door to His blessings.
14. Psalm 82:3-4
“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
God calls His people not only to avoid bullying but also to actively defend those who are mistreated. Silence in the face of oppression is not an option for believers. This verse commands us to stand up for the weak and vulnerable, reflecting God’s own heart for justice and compassion.
15. Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Bullying often isolates its victims, leaving them to feel alone in their pain. But the church is called to come alongside one another, lifting up the weary and sharing in their struggles. By carrying the burdens of those who are hurting, we fulfill Christ’s command to love one another deeply.
16. Proverbs 17:5
“Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.”
Mockery and gloating are core behaviors of bullying. This verse makes clear that to mock another person—especially those vulnerable or struggling—is to dishonor God Himself, the Creator of all. Bullies may think they are powerful, but God warns of judgment for those who delight in others’ pain. Kindness, not cruelty, reflects God’s heart.
17. Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
God requires His people to live with justice, mercy, and humility. Bullying is the opposite of these values—it thrives on injustice, cruelty, and pride. This verse calls us to reject oppression and instead live with compassion, standing up for what is right while treating others with kindness.
18. 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.”
The Golden Rule leaves no room for bullying. If we would not want to be insulted, mocked, or mistreated, we must not do those things to others. Jesus presents this principle as the heart of God’s law—love lived out in action. This verse calls for empathy and fairness in every relationship.
19. Isaiah 1:17
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
This verse makes it clear that God’s people are to actively oppose injustice. Bullying thrives when people stay silent, but God calls us to defend the vulnerable and protect the mistreated. It’s not enough to avoid cruelty ourselves; we must also step in to protect others from harm.
20. Matthew 18:6
“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”
Jesus speaks with strong warning here: harming children or leading believers astray carries severe consequences. Bullying that targets the young or vulnerable is particularly detestable to God. This passage shows the seriousness with which Jesus views mistreatment and His protection over the innocent.
21. Psalm 37:12-13
“The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.”
Bullies often seem powerful, but their reign of cruelty is temporary. God sees their schemes and promises justice. This verse encourages victims to take comfort in God’s sovereignty—evil does not go unchecked, and God’s justice will prevail in His timing.
22. Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Bullying flows from selfish ambition and arrogance, but God calls us to humility. Valuing others above ourselves means treating them with respect, kindness, and care. Instead of seeking to dominate, we are to seek others’ good. This verse dismantles the prideful spirit behind bullying.
23. 2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
Victims of bullying often feel silenced by fear. But God’s Spirit equips believers with courage, love, and self-control. This verse empowers us not only to endure mistreatment but also to stand boldly in love and truth, trusting in God’s strength within us.
24. Zechariah 7:9-10
“This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’”
God commands His people to live out justice and compassion. Oppression, plotting harm, and exploiting the vulnerable are condemned as sinful. Bullying falls under this category of oppression, and this verse makes it clear that God’s people must instead live by mercy and compassion.
25. John 15:12
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
Jesus gives love as the ultimate command. His love was selfless, sacrificial, and healing. Bullying contradicts this command completely, for it is rooted in selfishness and cruelty. Christ’s followers are called to imitate His love, treating others with respect and kindness no matter their differences.
26. Proverbs 3:31-32
“Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways. For the Lord detests the perverse but takes the upright into his confidence.”
Some may admire bullies because they appear powerful, but Scripture warns against envying or imitating them. Violence and oppression are detestable to God, but He draws close to the upright. This verse reassures us that true strength lies in righteousness, not intimidation.
27. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
The opposite of bullying is encouragement. Believers are called to build others up rather than tear them down. Encouragement is a powerful antidote to the wounds of bullying, reminding others of their worth and strengthening their faith. This verse highlights the role of Christian community in fostering healing and hope.
28. Exodus 22:22-23
“Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless. If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry.”
God makes it clear that He hears the cries of those who are taken advantage of. Bullies may think their cruelty goes unnoticed, but God is attentive to the oppressed. He personally defends the vulnerable and warns of consequences for those who mistreat them.
29. Hebrews 13:6
“So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?’”
Bullying thrives on fear, but this verse reminds us that God is our helper and protector. People may try to harm or intimidate us, but they cannot overpower God’s presence and help. Confidence in God’s strength enables us to face opposition without being paralyzed by fear.
30. Revelation 21:4
“‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
For those deeply wounded by bullying, this promise offers ultimate hope. God assures us that a day is coming when all pain, cruelty, and sorrow will end. He Himself will comfort His people, wiping away every tear. This verse reminds us that bullying and oppression are temporary, but God’s love and justice are eternal.
Conclusion
One of the most excruciating types of injustice is bullying, which can leave wounds that persist for years. Scripture, however, makes it quite evident that God witnesses every harsh deed and every broken heart. He pledges to protect the downtrodden, console the heartbroken, and hold the corrupt accountable. In addition to speaking out against the conceit and haughtiness that encourage bullying, His Word provides consolation and hope to those who are harmed.
These verses serve as a reminder to those who are bullied that they are never alone. Even in times of shame, fear, or rejection, God is close. When we feel weak, his presence offers us strength; when we feel little, it gives us bravery; and when we feel crushed, it gives us hope. Additionally, the Bible teaches that even though people may attempt to harm us via words or deeds, they are unable to take away the identity and worth that God has given us. We discover our value, our serenity, and our final triumph in Him.
Scripture exhorts us to stand up for the silent and defend the defenseless when we witness bullying. To disregard oppression is to go against God’s heart of justice. We have a responsibility to intervene, support, uplift, and concretely embody Christ’s love. We fulfill the requirement to love our neighbor as ourselves when we oppose bullying and show compassion.
These 30 potent Bible scriptures regarding bullying make it very evident that while God detests oppression, he rejoices in justice, kindness, and love. His people are to be kind and reject cruelty in order to mirror His heart. Bullying may be extremely painful, but it will never have the last say. God promises to remove suffering and wipe away all tears. Till then, may we embody His might, show His love, and serve as a beacon of hope to those who are struck down by the weight of cruelty.
