Negative comments can easily bring down our spirits, making us feel discouraged or hurt. The Bible, however, offers wisdom on how to handle such situations with grace, patience, and love. Here are Bible verses that address dealing with negative comments, and how we can respond to them in a way that honors God.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Negative Thoughts
Be Slow to Speak
It is easy to respond quickly to negative comments, but the Bible encourages us to be slow to speak. When we pause before reacting, we can choose our words wisely, aiming to uplift rather than hurt. Here are some verses that remind us of the importance of controlling our speech:
James 1:19
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.”
Proverbs 10:19
“Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.”
Proverbs 17:27
“A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.”
Ecclesiastes 5:2
“Don’t make rash promises, and don’t be hasty in bringing matters before God. After all, God is in heaven, and you are here on earth. So let your words be few.”
Proverbs 21:23
“Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.”
Speak Words That Uplift
Words have the power to hurt, but they also have the power to heal. The Bible encourages us to use our speech to build others up, even when we are faced with negativity. Here are some verses to inspire positive and uplifting communication:
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 15:4
“Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”
Proverbs 12:18
“Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.”
Overcome Evil with Good
Responding to negative comments with kindness can be challenging, but it is a powerful way to show the love of Christ. Instead of retaliating, we are called to return good for evil. These verses remind us how to respond graciously:
Romans 12:21
“Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”
1 Peter 3:9
“Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.”
Matthew 5:44
“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”
Proverbs 25:21
“If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink.”
Luke 6:28
“Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.”
Guard Your Heart
Negative comments can easily affect our hearts and minds if we allow them to. The Bible encourages us to guard our hearts and stay focused on what is true and uplifting. These verses can help remind us to protect our inner peace:
Proverbs 4:23
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”
Philippians 4:8
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
Psalm 19:14
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
Matthew 12:34
“For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.”
Psalm 141:3
“Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.”
Seek God’s Help
Sometimes, we can’t handle the pain of negative comments on our own. That’s when we need to seek God’s help and strength to respond with love. These verses encourage us to rely on God’s guidance and support:
Psalm 34:17
“The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.”
Philippians 4:6
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”
Isaiah 41:10
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Psalm 55:22
“Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.”
1 Peter 5:7
“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”
Trust in God’s Plan
Negative comments can make us doubt ourselves, but the Bible reminds us that God has a plan for each of us. Even in difficult times, we can trust that He is working for our good. These verses are a great reminder of God’s purpose:
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Romans 8:28
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
Proverbs 16:9
“We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.”
Psalm 37:5
“Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
Be at Peace with Others
God calls us to live peacefully with others whenever possible. This means letting go of grudges and not responding harshly to negative comments. Here are some verses that highlight the importance of peace:
Romans 12:18
“Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”
Matthew 5:9
“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.”
Hebrews 12:14
“Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.”
1 Peter 3:11
“Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.”
James 3:18
“And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.”
Forgive and Let Go
Forgiveness is a powerful way to overcome the hurt from negative comments. It frees our hearts and allows us to move forward without bitterness. The Bible teaches us to forgive others just as God has forgiven us. Here are some verses that emphasize the importance of forgiveness:
Matthew 6:14
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.”
Ephesians 4:32
“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
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.”
Mark 11:25
“But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Negativity
What Does the Bible Say About Negative Comments
The Bible teaches us to be careful with our words, reminding us that they have great power. Words can build people up, but they can also tear them down. Negative comments are not in line with the way God wants us to live. When we speak harshly or criticize others, we go against the teachings of love, kindness, and forgiveness that God asks us to follow.
In the book of Proverbs, it says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). This verse reminds us that what we say can bring life or harm. Negative words can make someone feel hurt, discouraged, or even hopeless. As Christians, we are called to speak life into others, offering words of encouragement and support instead of criticism.
Jesus also warns us about the way we speak. In Matthew 12:36-37, He says that we will give an account for every careless word we say. This teaches us that we should not take our words lightly. Even if a comment seems small to us, it can leave a lasting mark on someone’s heart. Instead of complaining or pointing out faults, we are urged to choose words that bring peace and healing.
The Bible also teaches us to be kind, patient, and slow to speak. James 1:19 says, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” When we are quick to comment negatively, we risk hurting others and causing division. It is better to pause, think, and pray before we speak. This way, our words reflect the love of Christ.
Ephesians 4:29 gives clear advice: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.” This verse shows us that every word we speak should have a good purpose. If a comment does not help or build someone up, it is better left unsaid.
In summary, the Bible calls us to use our words with care and wisdom. Negative comments can harm others and do not reflect the heart of God. Instead, we should speak words of encouragement, love, and truth. By doing so, we honor God and bring joy to those around us. Let us pray for wisdom to control our tongues and use our words to glorify God.