25 Bible Verses About Cursing Others (With Commentary)
Words have the power to build up or tear down, to bless or to curse. The Bible warns against the harmful effects of cursing others and emphasizes the importance of speaking words of blessing and encouragement. Let’s look into these verses and reflect on the transformative power of our words in shaping our relationships and communities.
Bible Verses About Cursing Others
Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of showing love and compassion even towards those who may curse or persecute us. Instead of responding with curses or hatred, we are called to pray for them and choose love as our response.
Proverbs 26:2
“Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest.”
This verse serves as a reminder that curses uttered against us without any just cause will not have any lasting effect. We should remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that God is our ultimate protector.
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.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of refraining from cursing or using foul language in our speech. Instead, we should use words that build others up and offer encouragement, kindness, and understanding.
Proverbs 11:26
“People curse the one who hoards grain, but they pray God’s blessing on the one who is willing to sell.”
This verse highlights the contrast between the consequences of selfishness and generosity. It reminds us that cursing may come upon those who withhold resources while blessings may be bestowed upon those who are willing to share and give to others.
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.”
This verse serves as a stern warning against the inconsistency of praising God while cursing our fellow human beings. It calls us to pay attention to our speech and ensure that it aligns with the love and grace of God.
Psalms 109:17-18
“He loved to pronounce a curse—may it come back on him. He found no pleasure in blessing—may it be far from him. He wore cursing as his garment; it entered into his body like water, into his bones like oil.”
This verse depicts the consequences of consistently cursing others and lacking a heart of blessing. It illustrates how curses can become a part of someone’s character, seeping into their very being.
Matthew 12:36-37
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
This verse highlights the significance of our words and the accountability we will face for them. It reminds us to be mindful of the words we speak, avoiding cursing others and instead choosing words that reflect God’s love and grace.
Proverbs 30:10
“Do not slander a servant to their master, or they will curse you, and you will pay for it.”
This verse warns against the consequences of spreading false accusations or gossip about someone. It reminds us to treat others with fairness and integrity, knowing that our actions and words can have lasting effects.
Colossians 3:8
“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
This verse calls us to remove all forms of negative and harmful speech from our lives, including cursing and slanderous words. Instead, we are encouraged to embody the qualities of love, forgiveness, and righteousness.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises their neighbor sins, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.”
This verse reminds us that cursing or despising our neighbors is a sin. Instead, we are called to show kindness and compassion, particularly to those in need. By doing so, we invite blessings into our own lives.
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.”
This verse challenges us to rise above the temptation to seek revenge or respond to insults with curses. Instead, we are called to bless those who have harmed us, knowing that we are chosen to inherit God’s blessings.
Proverbs 22:8
“Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity, and the rod they wield in fury will be broken.”
This verse serves as a cautionary message against the act of cursing or inflicting injustice upon others. It reminds us that our actions have consequences, and the harm we cause will eventually bring about negative outcomes in our own lives.
James 3:8-9
“But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it, we bless our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.”
This verse acknowledges the challenge of controlling our tongues and highlights the contradiction of blessing God while cursing those who are created in His image. It calls us to strive for consistency in our speech and treat every individual with dignity and respect.
Proverbs 18:6-7
“The lips of fools bring them strife, and their mouths invite a beating. The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives.”
This verse warns of the consequences that come from speaking foolishly and cursing others. It indicates that such actions can lead to conflict and even physical harm. It emphasizes the importance of using our words wisely and with caution.
Romans 12:14
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”
In this verse, we are called to respond to persecution with blessings rather than cursing. It challenges us to embody Christ-like love, even towards those who may harm or mistreat us.
Proverbs 10:6
“Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.”
This verse presents a stark contrast between the blessings bestowed upon the righteous and the negative consequences that befall those who speak out of violence and curses. It reminds us that choosing to walk in righteousness brings the favor of God.
Matthew 15:11
“What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”
This verse teaches us that it is not what we consume that defiles us but rather the words that we speak. It serves as a reminder to guard our tongues and refrain from uttering curses or harmful words.
Proverbs 20:20
“If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.”
This verse highlights the gravity of cursing and dishonoring one’s parents. It warns that those who curse their parents will face severe consequences. It urges us to honor and respect our parents, as they are deserving of our reverence.
Isaiah 29:21
“Those who with a word make someone out to be guilty, who ensnare the defender in court and with false testimony deprive the innocent of justice.”
This verse speaks against the act of falsely accusing someone or using manipulative language to bring about harm. It condemns cursing others with untrue accusations and depriving the innocent of justice.
Proverbs 18:21
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
This verse emphasizes the power of our words and confirms that our speech holds the ability to bring life or destruction. It urges us to use our tongues wisely, speaking words that bring life, encouragement, and blessings.
Proverbs 17:13
“Evil will never leave the house of one who pays back evil for good.”
This verse cautions against the act of repaying evil for good. It warns that persisting in cursing and seeking revenge will only invite more evil into our lives. Instead, we are called to respond with goodness and blessings.
Luke 6:28
“Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
In this verse, we are directed to respond to those who curse or mistreat us with blessings and prayers. It encourages us to live out the teachings of Jesus by showing love and forgiveness, even towards our enemies.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of responding to curses or anger with a gentle and kind demeanor. It reminds us that our words hold the power to diffuse tension and promote peace rather than escalating conflicts.
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.”
This passage highlights the detestable actions in the eyes of God, including cursing and stirring up conflict within the community. It encourages us to strive for righteousness and avoid engaging in behaviors that bring harm and discord to others.
Proverbs 26:20
“Without wood, a fire goes out; without a gossip, a quarrel dies down.”
This verse emphasizes the power of gossip and how it fuels quarrels and conflicts. It warns against participating in cursing through spreading rumors or engaging in idle talk that may lead to division among people.
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
This verse illustrates the impact of our words on others. It cautions against reckless speech, including cursing, as it inflicts wounds. It encourages us to use our words wisely and speak words that bring healing and restoration.
Proverbs 25:21-22
“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.”
This verse challenges us to respond to our enemies with kindness and generosity instead of cursing or seeking revenge. It demonstrates that by showing love and meeting their needs, we may provoke conviction and even reconciliation.
In conclusion, these Bible verses remind us of the importance of controlling our tongues and refraining from cursing others. Instead, we are called to bless, pray, and respond with love and kindness. Our words hold great power and can either bring life or destruction. May we strive to speak words that reflect the love and grace of God, building up others and fostering peace in our interactions.
What Does the Bible Say About Cursing Others?
In the Bible, we are exhorted to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31) and to bless those who curse us (Romans 12:14). When we curse others, whether it is in anger or spite, we are not acting in accordance with the love and grace that we have received from God.
In Matthew 5:44, Jesus specifically says, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” This clearly shows that our response to those who curse or mistreat us should be one of love and prayer, rather than retaliation or cursing in return.
Ephesians 4:29 warns us against using unwholesome language, but rather encourages us to speak only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs. This includes refraining from using curses or foul language towards others.
Ultimately, cursing others is contrary to the example and teachings of Jesus. It is our responsibility as Christians to strive towards showing love, grace, and forgiveness to others, even in difficult situations, and this includes refraining from cursing others.
