Words have power.
They can heal, encourage, and uplift, but they can also hurt, destroy, and tear people down.
Name-calling is one of the most common ways people use their words to harm others.
Whether it is spoken in anger, sarcasm, or jest, name-calling can leave lasting wounds.
But what does the Bible say about it?
Does God care about the words we speak to others?
Throughout Scripture, we find that God takes words seriously.
The Bible warns against using harmful speech and encourages believers to speak with kindness and love.
Let’s explore what God’s Word says about name-calling and how we can use our words to bring life instead of destruction.
The Power of Words
The Bible makes it clear that words carry great weight.
Proverbs 18:21 states, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
This means that our words can either build people up or break them down.
When we call someone a hurtful name, we are not just speaking; we are affecting their spirit, their confidence, and their emotions.
Jesus Himself spoke about the power of words in Matthew 12:36-37, saying, “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.”
This is a sobering reminder that our words are not insignificant.
God sees every word spoken, even the ones said in the heat of the moment.
We may think that name-calling is harmless, but the Bible teaches that what comes out of our mouths reflects what is in our hearts.
Name-Calling and Anger
Many times, name-calling comes from a place of anger.
Someone gets frustrated and lashes out with words meant to hurt.
However, the Bible warns against this type of speech.
James 1:19-20 advises, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
Harsh words spoken in anger often do more damage than we realize.
They can break relationships, stir up bitterness, and create deep wounds that take years to heal.
Proverbs 15:1 teaches, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
When people resort to name-calling, they are fueling conflict rather than solving problems.
Instead of attacking others with words, the Bible calls believers to respond with patience and grace.
Jesus Warned Against Name-Calling
Jesus addressed the seriousness of name-calling in the Sermon on the Mount.
In Matthew 5:22, He said, “But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.
Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court.
And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.”
The word “Raca” was an Aramaic insult, similar to calling someone empty-headed or worthless.
Jesus made it clear that such speech is not just rude but spiritually dangerous.
Name-calling reflects a heart that lacks love, and God holds people accountable for the words they use against others.
Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard—a standard of love, patience, and self-control.
Instead of tearing others down, believers are called to speak words that bring encouragement and truth.
The Root of Name-Calling
Why do people resort to name-calling?
The Bible shows that hurtful words often come from a heart that is struggling with pride, insecurity, or bitterness.
Luke 6:45 explains, “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.
For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”
If someone is constantly speaking negatively about others, it is a reflection of what is inside them.
Words are not random.
They reveal what is happening in the heart.
If bitterness, jealousy, or resentment fills someone’s heart, it will eventually come out in their speech.
On the other hand, when a person is filled with God’s love, their words reflect that love.
Instead of tearing people down, they will seek to build others up.
Speaking with Grace and Kindness
God’s Word encourages believers to use their speech wisely.
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.”
This verse challenges believers to think before they speak.
Is what we are about to say going to help or hurt?
Will it build up or tear down?
If it is not beneficial, the Bible says to keep it from leaving our mouths.
Colossians 4:6 adds, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Grace-filled words bring encouragement, healing, and wisdom.
When we choose to speak kindly, we reflect God’s character.
Instead of using insults, sarcasm, or cruel jokes, we should speak in a way that honors God and respects others.
The Consequences of Name-Calling
The Bible warns that reckless words can bring destruction.
Proverbs 12:18 states, “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Name-calling is not just playful teasing—it can leave emotional scars.
Hurtful words can destroy relationships, damage trust, and create division.
Proverbs 16:28 warns, “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
Many friendships, families, and marriages have been broken because of careless words.
Once words are spoken, they cannot be taken back.
That is why the Bible urges believers to be careful with their speech.
When we use words to insult or degrade others, we are acting in a way that does not align with God’s will.
How to Overcome the Habit of Name-Calling
For those who struggle with name-calling, there is hope.
The first step is recognizing the need for change.
Psalm 141:3 is a powerful prayer: “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
Asking God to help control our speech is the key to transformation.
James 3:8 reminds us that the tongue is difficult to tame, but with God’s help, it is possible.
When negative words arise, we can pause and ask God for wisdom.
Another practical step is to replace name-calling with encouragement.
Instead of using insults, choose words that affirm, strengthen, and uplift.
Romans 12:10 encourages believers to “Be devoted to one another in love.
Honor one another above yourselves.”
When we see people the way God sees them, it becomes easier to treat them with kindness.
Final Thoughts
The Bible makes it clear that name-calling is not pleasing to God.
It stems from anger, pride, and an unkind heart.
Jesus warned that careless words have consequences and that believers are called to a higher standard.
Instead of using words to harm, the Bible urges Christians to speak with grace, love, and wisdom.
God’s desire is for His people to build others up, not tear them down.
If name-calling has been a struggle, there is hope.
God is ready to help change hearts and speech.
By seeking His wisdom, practicing self-control, and choosing words that encourage rather than hurt, believers can honor God in the way they speak.
May we all strive to use our words in a way that reflects Christ’s love and brings healing to those around us.