Shaming others goes against the love, grace, and forgiveness that God calls us to show. The Bible teaches us to be kind, compassionate, and to build one another up rather than tear each other down. Here are several key Bible verses that speak against shaming others and encourage us to live in a way that honors Christ.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Guilt and Shame
The Power of Words
Our words have the power to uplift or destroy. The Bible warns us against using our speech to shame or harm others. Instead, we are called to speak life, truth, and encouragement. Harsh words can cause deep wounds, but kind and loving speech can bring healing and restoration. Let’s consider what the Bible says about the impact of our words.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.”
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.”
James 3:5-6
“In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire.”
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”
God Calls Us to Build Others Up
Instead of shaming others, God calls us to build them up. We should encourage one another, showing grace and understanding. Criticism and shame tear people down, but love and encouragement help people grow in faith and strength.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”
Romans 15:2
“We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.”
Hebrews 10:24
“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.”
Ephesians 4:32
“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Philippians 2:4
“Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”
Shaming Others Brings Judgment Upon Ourselves
Jesus warns us not to judge or shame others, as we will be held to the same standard. If we are quick to condemn, we may find ourselves facing the same scrutiny from God. Instead of shaming, we should extend mercy and grace.
Matthew 7:1-2
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat 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.”
James 4:11
“Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters.”
Romans 14:13
“So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.”
John 8:7
“Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”
Shame Does Not Come from God
God convicts us of sin to lead us to repentance, but He does not use shame to condemn us. Satan uses shame to make us feel unworthy, but God’s love restores and redeems us. We should not shame others when God Himself offers grace.
Romans 8:1
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.”
2 Corinthians 7:10
“For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation.”
Psalm 34:5
“Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.”
Isaiah 61:7
“Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double share of honor.”
Hebrews 12:2
“Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Mocking Others
Treat Others with Love and Respect
God calls us to love one another as He has loved us. This means treating others with kindness and respect, not shaming or belittling them. Love is patient, kind, and forgiving, and when we walk in love, we reflect Christ to the world.
John 13:34-35
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
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 Peter 3:8-9
“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.”
Romans 12:10
“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”
Colossians 3:12-13
“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Correct Others with Gentleness
There may be times when we need to correct someone, but the Bible teaches us to do so with gentleness and humility. Instead of shaming others, we should lovingly guide them toward truth, just as Jesus did.
Galatians 6:1
“Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path.”
2 Timothy 2:24-25
“A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.”
Titus 3:2
“They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.”
Matthew 18:15
“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense.”
Proverbs 27:6
“Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.”
God’s Mercy Covers Our Shame
Though we all have sinned and fallen short, God’s mercy covers our shame. He does not treat us as our sins deserve but instead offers us grace and redemption. When we experience His mercy, we should extend that same grace to others.
Micah 7:18-19
“Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people?”
Psalm 103:12
“He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.”
Isaiah 43:25
“I—yes, I alone—will blot out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again.”
Hebrews 8:12
“And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.”
1 John 1:9
“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”