What does the Bible say about bullying?

Bullying

Bullying, whether in a schoolyard, a workplace, or online, is a form of unjust cruelty that can leave lasting marks on self-worth and safety. Scripture does not tell the bullied to simply endure quietly - it names God as a refuge for the afraid, promises blessing to those who are wrongly treated, and calls for justice rather than passive acceptance of cruelty.

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Category: Hardship
Passages: 5 key scriptures

Key Chapters

Psalms 27 The Lord Is My Light 2 min read David's declaration of God as light and salvation offers courage in the face of ... 1 Peter 5 Shepherding God's Flock 2 min read The invitation to cast every care on God includes the very real anxiety bullying... Matthew 5 The Sermon on the Mount 7 min read Jesus's words to those reviled and persecuted falsely reframe unjust treatment w... Romans 12 Living Sacrifices 3 min read Paul's counsel not to avenge oneself, while leaving room for justice, offers a p... Psalms 34 Taste and See the Lord Is Good 2 min read God's nearness to the brokenhearted extends to the shame and isolation bullying ...

Key Passages

Whom Shall I Fear

Psalms 27:1

David's declaration of God as light and salvation offers courage in the face of those who intend harm.

T¹he LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Casting All Your Care Upon Him

1 Peter 5:7

The invitation to cast every care on God includes the very real anxiety bullying produces.

C⁷asting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Blessed Are Ye

Matthew 5:11-12

Jesus's words to those reviled and persecuted falsely reframe unjust treatment within a larger promise of blessing, without minimizing the pain of it.

B¹¹lessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

¹² Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Overcome Evil with Good

Romans 12:19-21

Paul's counsel not to avenge oneself, while leaving room for justice, offers a path through cruelty that doesn't require becoming cruel in return.

D¹⁹early beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

²⁰ Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. ²¹ Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Near to the Brokenhearted

Psalms 34:18

God's nearness to the brokenhearted extends to the shame and isolation bullying often produces.

T¹⁸he LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.