Malice is a destructive force that can corrupt our hearts and relationships. As followers of Christ, we are called to love, forgive, and put away all forms of bitterness and ill will. The Bible teaches us to replace malice with kindness, humility, and grace. Below are key themes on malice with supporting Bible verses.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Gossip and Slander
Malice Comes from a Corrupt Heart
The Bible teaches that malice originates in the heart. When left unchecked, it can lead to sin and destruction. Jesus warned that what comes from within defiles a person, and malice is one of those evil things. God desires us to have pure hearts, free from hatred and ill intentions.
Mark 7:21-23
“For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.”
Colossians 3:8
“But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.”
1 Peter 2:1
“So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech.”
Proverbs 4:23
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”
Matthew 15:18-19
“But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.”
God Calls Us to Put Away Malice
As believers, we are commanded to put away all forms of malice. Holding onto bitterness and ill intentions contradicts God’s desire for us to walk in love and unity. Instead of harboring resentment, we should strive for peace and reconciliation.
Ephesians 4:31-32
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Titus 3:3
“Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other.”
Romans 12:17-19
“Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God.”
James 1:19-20
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.”
1 Corinthians 14:20
“Dear brothers and sisters, don’t be childish in your understanding of these things. Be innocent as babies when it comes to evil, but be mature in understanding matters of this kind.”
Love Overcomes Malice
Malice cannot coexist with love. The love that God calls us to have is selfless, patient, and kind. When we allow love to rule in our hearts, malice loses its grip on us.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.”
1 John 4:7-8
“Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”
Matthew 5:44
“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”
Romans 13:10
“Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.”
Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.”
Forgiveness Removes Malice
Forgiveness is a powerful tool in overcoming malice. When we forgive as Christ forgave us, we release bitterness and make way for healing and peace.
Matthew 6:14-15
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Colossians 3:13
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
Luke 6:37
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.”
2 Corinthians 2:10-11
“When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ’s authority for your benefit, so that Satan will not outsmart us.”
Ephesians 4:26-27
“And don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Silent Treatment
Speaking with Grace Instead of Malice
Our words have the power to build up or tear down. The Bible warns us against using speech filled with malice, slander, or bitterness. Instead, we are called to speak with grace, kindness, and truth.
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.”
James 3:9-10
“Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!”
Ephesians 4:29
“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”
Proverbs 12:18
“Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.”
Avoiding Associations That Encourage Malice
The company we keep influences our thoughts and actions. The Bible warns us to stay away from those who practice malice and to surround ourselves with people who seek righteousness and peace.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for ‘bad company corrupts good character.’”
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.”
Psalm 1:1
“Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.”
2 Timothy 2:16
“Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior.”
Proverbs 22:24-25
“Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.”
God’s Judgment Against Malice
God is just and will judge those who practice malice. The Bible makes it clear that evil intentions and actions do not go unnoticed. The Lord calls us to repent and turn from wickedness before it’s too late.
Romans 2:8
“But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness.”
Proverbs 6:16-19
“There are six things the Lord hates—no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.”
Galatians 5:19-21
“When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.”
Psalm 34:16
“But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth.”
Revelation 21:8
“But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”