What Does the Bible Say About Belittling Others?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary is a devoted Bible student who loves sharing her knowledge, inspiring others with faith-filled insights, and deepening spiritual understanding through writing.

Words have power.

They can build up, or they can tear down.

They can encourage, or they can crush a person’s spirit.

Sadly, belittling others—whether through harsh words, insults, or condescending behavior—is far too common in today’s world.

But what does the Bible say about belittling others?

Does God take it seriously?

The answer is yes.

God cares deeply about how we treat one another, and His Word warns against using our words and actions to make others feel small.

Let’s explore what Scripture teaches about belittling others, why it is harmful, and how we can change our words and actions to reflect God’s love instead.

Words Matter: The Power of the Tongue

The Bible makes it clear that our words carry great weight.

Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

This means that what we say can either give life or bring destruction.

When we belittle someone, we are using our words as a weapon.

James 3:6 compares the tongue to a fire, saying, “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.”

Harsh words spread like wildfire, leaving behind deep wounds that are not easily healed.

This is why the Bible urges us to be careful with our speech.

Ephesians 4:29 instructs, “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.”

God wants our words to strengthen and encourage others, not belittle them.

Belittling Others Is a Form of Pride

At the heart of belittling others is pride.

When we look down on someone, mock them, or make them feel small, we are placing ourselves above them.

Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”

Pride causes people to elevate themselves while pushing others down.

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But the Bible teaches that true greatness comes from humility, not arrogance.

Philippians 2:3 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”

Belittling others is the opposite of humility.

It is an attempt to make ourselves look better by making someone else feel worse.

But in God’s eyes, this kind of behavior is not a sign of strength—it is a sign of weakness and insecurity.

Jesus’ Example of Kindness and Respect

Jesus, who had every right to be above others, never used His power to belittle people.

Instead, He lifted them up.

When others mocked and rejected people, Jesus showed them love and respect.

One of the best examples of this is the story of the woman caught in adultery.

In John 8:3-11, the religious leaders brought a woman to Jesus, hoping He would condemn her.

Instead of joining in their accusations, Jesus responded with mercy.

He told them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”

One by one, the accusers walked away.

Then Jesus turned to the woman and said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Jesus had every right to judge, but He chose to lift her up instead of tearing her down.

If the Son of God treated people with such grace, how much more should we?

Belittling Others Damages Relationships

Belittling others doesn’t just hurt them—it damages relationships.

Harsh words create division and break trust.

Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

When we make someone feel small, it leads to resentment and conflict.

No one enjoys being around someone who constantly criticizes or belittles them.

The Bible calls us to speak words that bring peace, not division.

Colossians 3:12-13 says, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.”

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If we want healthy, godly relationships, we must treat others with respect, not contempt.

God Holds Us Accountable for Our Words

Many people speak carelessly, assuming that words don’t really matter.

But Jesus warns that we will be held accountable for every word we speak.

Matthew 12:36-37 says, “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

That is a serious warning.

God hears every insult, every sarcastic remark, and every hurtful joke at someone else’s expense.

One day, we will have to answer for the way we used our words.

Instead of using our speech to tear others down, we should use it to bring encouragement and hope.

The Bible’s Solution: Speaking with Love

If belittling others is wrong, what should we do instead?

The Bible gives us clear guidance on how to speak.

Ephesians 4:15 says, “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”

This means that even when we need to correct someone, we should do it with love, not cruelty.

Proverbs 16:24 adds, “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

Our words should be sweet, bringing healing instead of pain.

James 1:19 gives a simple but powerful rule: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

If more people followed this advice, there would be far less hurt in the world.

Overcoming the Habit of Belittling Others

For some, belittling others has become a habit.

It might be through sarcasm, harsh jokes, or critical comments.

But no matter how small it seems, it needs to change.

Here are a few steps to overcome this habit and speak in a way that honors God:

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First, pray for a changed heart.

Luke 6:45 says, “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

If our words are unkind, it is because our hearts need transformation.

Ask God to give you a heart filled with love, humility, and kindness.

Second, practice self-control.

Proverbs 13:3 warns, “Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.”

Before speaking, ask yourself, “Will these words build up or tear down?”

Third, apologize when you have hurt someone with your words.

James 5:16 says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”

If you have belittled someone, go to them, admit your mistake, and ask for forgiveness.

Finally, fill your speech with encouragement.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

Make it a habit to speak life into others.

Look for opportunities to encourage, praise, and uplift the people around you.

Final Thoughts

The Bible is clear—belittling others is not just rude, it is sinful.

It stems from pride, damages relationships, and goes against God’s command to love one another.

Instead of using our words to tear people down, we are called to build them up.

Jesus set the example of treating people with kindness, even when they didn’t deserve it.

If we follow His lead, our words will bring healing instead of hurt, encouragement instead of shame, and love instead of judgment.

At the end of the day, our words are a reflection of our hearts.

Let’s choose to speak in a way that honors God and brings life to those around us.