The Bible has strong words about how we treat each other with our speech. Putting others down, mocking them, or making fun of people is something God takes very seriously. These verses show us that our words have real power to hurt or heal. Scripture calls us to use our words to build people up, not tear them down.
The Sin of Mocking and Scoffing
The Bible warns us clearly about making fun of others. When we mock someone or put them down, we're not just being mean. We're actually sinning against God and against that person made in God's image.
"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."
— Ephesians 4:29
Paul tells us that our words should help people, not hurt them. "Unwholesome talk" includes putting others down. Instead, we should only say things that build people up and help them grow. This is a simple but powerful rule for how we should speak.
"Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished."
— Proverbs 17:5
This verse teaches us something important. When we make fun of someone, especially someone who is struggling, we're actually insulting God. Why? Because God made that person. Mocking God's creation is like mocking God Himself.
"Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge."
— James 4:11
James warns believers not to speak badly about each other. When we put down other Christians, we're putting ourselves above God's law. We're acting like we're the judge instead of following God's command to love one another.
The Danger of a Harmful Tongue
The Bible often compares our tongue to dangerous things like fire or poison. This shows us just how much damage our words can do when we use them to hurt others.
"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."
— Proverbs 18:21
This powerful verse tells us that our words can either give life or cause death. When we put others down, our words can kill their confidence, their hope, or their joy. But when we encourage people, our words can bring them life. We will face the results of how we use our words.
"The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."
— James 3:6
James uses strong language here. He says the tongue is like a fire that can burn out of control. When we put others down, we're not just saying a few harmless words. We're starting a fire that can spread and cause serious damage to relationships and communities.
Understanding the Impact of Our Words
Scientists now know that hurtful words can actually change a person's brain and affect them for years. When someone gets put down repeatedly, it can damage their mental health and self-worth. This shows us that what the Bible says about words is true. Our words really do have the power of life and death.
When we put someone down, we might think it's just a joke or that we're being honest. But God sees the real damage it causes.
Pride and Looking Down on Others
Often when we put others down, it comes from pride. We want to feel better about ourselves by making someone else feel worse. The Bible warns us strongly against this kind of pride.
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
— Philippians 2:3-4
Paul tells us to think of others as more important than ourselves. This is the opposite of putting people down. When we're humble, we lift others up instead of pushing them down. We care about their feelings and needs, not just our own desire to feel superior.
"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."
— Proverbs 16:18
This famous verse warns us that pride leads to our own downfall. When we look down on others and put them down with our words, we're showing pride. And God promises that pride will eventually cause us to fall.
Jesus' Warning About Judging Others
Jesus taught clearly about the danger of judging and putting down other people. His words challenge us to look at our own problems before we criticize others.
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"
— Matthew 7:1-3
Jesus uses humor here to make a serious point. He asks why we focus on the tiny problems in someone else's life (like a speck of sawdust) while ignoring the huge problems in our own life (like a wooden plank). When we put others down, we're often guilty of worse things ourselves.
What We Should Do Instead
The Bible doesn't just tell us what not to do. It also gives us clear instructions about what we should do instead of putting others down.
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
— 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Instead of tearing people down, Paul tells us to build them up. We should look for ways to encourage others and help them become stronger. This is the positive opposite of putting people down.
"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."
— Colossians 4:6
Our words should be full of grace and kindness. "Seasoned with salt" means our words should be helpful and add value to conversations. Even when we disagree with someone, we can speak to them with respect and gentleness.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs."
— 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Real love doesn't dishonor people or put them down. When we love someone like God calls us to love, we treat them with respect and kindness. We don't keep a list of their mistakes so we can throw them in their face later.
Forgiveness for Our Hurtful Words
Maybe you're reading this and realize you've hurt people with your words. The good news is that God forgives us when we truly repent and ask for His help to change.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
— 1 John 1:9
When we admit to God that we've sinned by putting others down, He forgives us. He doesn't just forgive us—He also helps us change and become more like Jesus. This means we can learn to use our words to build people up instead.
Making Things Right
If you've hurt someone with your words, here are steps you can take:
First, confess to God and ask for His forgiveness. Second, go to the person you hurt and sincerely apologize. Don't make excuses or say "I'm sorry if you were offended." Just admit you were wrong. Third, ask God to help you change this pattern in your life. Finally, look for ways to encourage and build up the person you hurt.
Practical Application for Today
How can we apply these Bible verses about putting others down to our daily lives? Here are some practical steps:
- Think before you speak: Ask yourself if your words will build someone up or tear them down. If they'll tear someone down, don't say them.
- Watch your humor: Jokes at someone else's expense aren't funny to God. Make sure your humor doesn't hurt people or make them feel small.
- Be careful on social media: It's easy to post mean comments online when you're not face-to-face with someone. Remember that God sees what you type, and those words still have power to hurt.
- Defend others: When you hear someone being put down, speak up for them. Be the voice that builds people up instead of joining in the mockery.
- Pray for your tongue: Ask God every day to help you control your words. Pray that He would give you words that bring life, not death.
- Focus on others' strengths: Train yourself to notice what's good about people instead of looking for things to criticize.
A Challenge for This Week
This week, try this challenge: Every time you catch yourself about to say something that would put someone down, stop and say something encouraging instead. It might feel awkward at first, but you'll be amazed at how it changes your relationships and your own heart.
Also, write down Ephesians 4:29 and put it somewhere you'll see it often. Let it remind you that your words should always help people, not hurt them.
Conclusion
The Bible's message about putting others down is clear and strong. God hates it when we use our words to hurt, mock, or belittle other people. Our words have real power to cause damage or to bring healing. God has given us this power for a purpose—to encourage, build up, and show love to others.
When we put someone down, we're not just being mean to them. We're insulting God who made them. We're sinning against His command to love one another. And we're damaging the body of Christ, which should be known for love and unity.
The good news is that God can transform us. He can change our hearts so that we want to lift people up instead of pushing them down. He can give us wisdom to know what to say and what not to say. And when we fail, He offers forgiveness and the power to change.
Let's commit to using our words the way God intended—to bring life, encouragement, hope, and love. Let's be known as people who build others up instead of people who tear others down. In doing this, we honor God and show the world what His love looks like in action.