“Learn what the Bible says about dealing with spite and how to respond with grace.”
Spite is a feeling of malice, a desire to hurt or annoy others. It’s a destructive emotion that can damage relationships and hinder personal growth. The Bible addresses this negative trait, teaching believers how to respond to spite with forgiveness, love, and wisdom.
Through Scriptures, God provides guidance on overcoming spiteful behavior in ourselves and others, offering lessons on how to live in peace and avoid the pitfalls of malice. Below are 45 Bible verses about spite, each with an explanation, scripture, and a prayer to help you handle spite in a godly way.
1. Choosing Kindness Over Spite
Spite is often the result of anger or jealousy, but the Bible encourages kindness as a remedy for spiteful feelings.
Scripture: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.” – Romans 12:17 (NIV)
Prayer: Lord, help me to choose kindness over spite, even when I am hurt, and to respond with grace.
2. The Danger of Harboring Bitterness
Bitterness can lead to spiteful actions, but God calls us to let go of grudges for our own well-being.
Scripture: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” – Ephesians 4:31 (NIV)
Prayer: God, cleanse my heart of bitterness and help me to forgive those who have wronged me.
3. Love Your Enemies
Instead of reacting with spite, the Bible urges us to show love to our enemies, breaking the cycle of malice.
Scripture: “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44 (NIV)
Prayer: Father, give me the strength to love my enemies and pray for them instead of seeking revenge.
4. Avoiding Retaliation
Retaliation can seem justified when faced with spite, but God asks us to leave vengeance to Him.
Scripture: “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath.” – Romans 12:19 (NIV)
Prayer: Lord, help me to refrain from retaliation and trust You to handle justice in Your perfect timing.
5. Forgiving Seventy Times Seven
Forgiveness is a powerful antidote to spite. Jesus calls us to forgive repeatedly, showing boundless mercy.
Scripture: “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’” – Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV)
Prayer: God, grant me a forgiving heart that does not keep count of wrongs but chooses mercy every time.
6. Guarding Your Heart
Spite can take root in a wounded heart, but the Bible advises guarding our hearts against negative emotions.
Scripture: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
Prayer: Father, help me to protect my heart from spite and keep it focused on Your love.
7. Speaking Truth in Love
Words spoken out of spite can be hurtful. The Bible encourages us to speak the truth, but with love and compassion.
Scripture: “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.” – Ephesians 4:15 (NIV)
Prayer: Lord, help me to speak truth with kindness, avoiding harsh words that could cause harm.
8. A Soft Answer Turns Away Wrath
Responding to spite with calmness can defuse tense situations. The Bible highlights the power of gentle responses.
Scripture: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)
Prayer: God, grant me the ability to respond with gentleness, diffusing anger with a calm spirit.
9. Overcoming Evil with Good
One of the Bible’s strongest teachings against spite is to overcome evil with good actions.
Scripture: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21 (NIV)
Prayer: Lord, help me to counteract spiteful behavior with goodness, shining Your light in dark situations.
10. Avoiding Slander
Slander often comes from a place of spite. The Bible warns against spreading harmful words about others.
Scripture: “Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another.” – James 4:11 (NIV)
Prayer: Father, help me to control my tongue and refrain from speaking ill of others, no matter the situation.
11. Turning the Other Cheek
Turning the other cheek doesn’t mean accepting abuse, but it does mean resisting the urge to repay spite with more spite.
Scripture: “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” – Matthew 5:39 (NIV)
Prayer: God, give me the strength to respond with grace, even when I am treated unfairly.
12. Letting Go of Anger
Holding onto anger can fuel spiteful actions. The Bible encourages us to release anger quickly.
Scripture: “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” – Ephesians 4:26 (NIV)
Prayer: Lord, help me to let go of anger before it turns into spite, giving me peace in my heart.
13. Striving for Peace
The Bible calls us to seek peace with others, even when spite makes it difficult.
Scripture: “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy.” – Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)
Prayer: Father, let me be a peacemaker, choosing harmony over hostility in all my interactions.
14. Recognizing the Fruit of the Spirit
Spite is not a fruit of the Spirit, but love, joy, peace, and patience are. The Bible reminds us of the virtues to pursue.
Scripture: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” – Galatians 5:22 (NIV)
Prayer: God, fill me with Your Spirit, replacing any feelings of spite with the fruits of love and patience.
15. Repaying Evil with Blessings
The Bible teaches us to bless those who mistreat us, turning spite into an opportunity to show God’s love.
Scripture: “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing.” – 1 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
Prayer: Lord, teach me to bless those who act spitefully toward me, showing them Your love through my actions.
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16. Practicing Humility in the Face of Spite
Humility is a powerful way to counteract spite, acknowledging that no one is perfect and that everyone deserves grace.
Scripture: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3 (NIV)
Prayer: Lord, grant me a humble heart that responds to spite with understanding and patience, valuing others as You do.
17. Avoiding Quarrels
Spite often leads to unnecessary arguments, but the Bible encourages us to avoid quarrels whenever possible.
Scripture: “It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” – Proverbs 20:3 (NIV)
Prayer: Father, give me the wisdom to avoid conflicts and respond with a calm spirit, steering clear of spiteful arguments.
18. The Power of Forgiveness
Forgiveness frees us from the chains of spite. The Bible emphasizes that forgiving others is essential to spiritual growth.
Scripture: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14 (NIV)
Prayer: God, help me to forgive those who have wronged me, freeing my heart from spite and allowing me to grow in grace.
19. Relying on God for Justice
Instead of seeking revenge, the Bible instructs us to leave justice in God’s hands, trusting His perfect judgment.
Scripture: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” – Exodus 14:14 (NIV)
Prayer: Lord, teach me to trust in Your justice, and not to take matters into my own hands out of spite.
20. Being Quick to Listen, Slow to Anger
Spiteful behavior can arise from quick tempers. The Bible reminds us to be slow to anger and quick to listen.
Scripture: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19 (NIV)
Prayer: Father, grant me a listening heart that seeks to understand others, preventing anger from taking root.
21. Loving Others Despite Their Actions
True love endures despite the faults of others. The Bible calls us to love unconditionally, even when faced with spite.
Scripture: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV)
Prayer: God, fill my heart with love that does not waver, even when I encounter hurtful or spiteful actions.
Exploring Biblical Manhood
22. Avoiding a Judgmental Spirit
Judgment often stems from spite, but the Bible warns against a critical spirit that judges others harshly.
Scripture: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” – Matthew 7:1 (NIV)
Prayer: Lord, help me to see others with Your eyes of grace and avoid the temptation to judge out of spite.
23. Keeping Peace in the Family
Spite can cause division in families. The Bible advises us to seek peace and unity, even in difficult situations.
Scripture: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:3 (NIV)
Prayer: Father, help me to be a peacemaker in my family, choosing reconciliation over resentment.
24. Avoiding Gossip
Spite often fuels gossip, which can harm others. The Bible strongly condemns the spreading of harmful words.
Scripture: “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.” – Proverbs 11:13 (NIV)
Prayer: Lord, keep my words pure and free from gossip, even when I am tempted to speak out of spite.
25. Trusting in God’s Plan
Spite can arise from frustration with life’s challenges. The Bible encourages us to trust God’s plan, even when things don’t go our way.
Scripture: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)
Prayer: God, help me to trust in Your plan for my life, releasing any spiteful feelings that come from disappointment.
26. Controlling the Tongue
Words can hurt deeply when spoken in spite. The Bible emphasizes the importance of controlling our speech.
Scripture: “Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.” – Proverbs 13:3 (NIV)
Prayer: Father, give me the wisdom to guard my words and refrain from speaking out of anger or spite.
27. Practicing Patience
Patience is crucial when dealing with spiteful people. The Bible calls us to endure difficulties with a patient spirit.
Scripture: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” – Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)
Prayer: Lord, grant me patience to handle difficult situations without resorting to spiteful actions.
28. Seeking God’s Wisdom
Spite often stems from a lack of understanding. The Bible tells us to seek God’s wisdom in all situations.
Scripture: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.” – James 1:5 (NIV)
Prayer: God, fill me with Your wisdom, so that I may act with clarity and not with spite.
29. Living in Harmony with Others
Living peacefully with others means letting go of spite. The Bible encourages unity and harmony.
Scripture: “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.” – Romans 12:16 (NIV)
Prayer: Father, help me to seek harmony and to build bridges, rather than allowing spite to create divides.
30. Embracing the Peace of Christ
Spite can disturb our inner peace. The Bible reminds us to let Christ’s peace rule in our hearts.
Scripture: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” – Colossians 3:15 (NIV)
Prayer: Lord, let Your peace reign in my heart, replacing any feelings of spite with a sense of calm and love.
Absolutely! Here are the next 15 outlines continuing with the theme of Bible verses about spite, with explanations, scriptures, and prayers:
31. Blessing Instead of Cursing
Spite often leads to speaking ill of others, but the Bible teaches us to bless rather than curse.
Scripture: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” – Romans 12:14 (NIV)
Prayer: Lord, give me the strength to respond to those who hurt me with blessings, not curses, reflecting Your love in my actions.
32. Trusting God’s Vengeance
Spite can drive us to seek revenge, but God reminds us that He alone is the judge.
Scripture: “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” – Romans 12:19 (NIV)
Prayer: Father, help me to surrender my desire for vengeance to You, trusting in Your justice and not my own.
33. Building Up Instead of Tearing Down
Spite often manifests in tearing others down, but the Bible calls us to encourage and uplift.
Scripture: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.” – Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
Prayer: Lord, guide my words to be encouraging and positive, avoiding language that seeks to tear others down out of spite.
34. Seeking God’s Comfort in Pain
Spite can arise from deep wounds and pain. The Bible encourages us to find comfort in God during difficult times.
Scripture: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
Prayer: God, comfort my heart in times of hurt, and help me not to react out of spite, but with a spirit of healing and grace.
35. Reflecting Christ’s Attitude of Forgiveness
Jesus exemplified forgiveness, even in the face of extreme cruelty and spite. We are called to follow His example.
Scripture: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” – Luke 23:34 (NIV)
Prayer: Lord, give me the courage to forgive those who act out of spite, just as You forgave those who wronged You.
36. Avoiding Anger-Fueled Actions
Spite is often born from uncontrolled anger, but the Bible advises us to control our tempers.
Scripture: “In your anger do not sin; do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” – Ephesians 4:26 (NIV)
Prayer: Father, help me to manage my anger, so that I do not allow spite to take root in my heart and actions.
37. Replacing Bitterness with Kindness
Bitterness and spite are closely linked. The Bible instructs us to let go of bitterness and choose kindness instead.
Scripture: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger… Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV)
Prayer: God, remove any bitterness in my heart and replace it with kindness and forgiveness toward others.
38. Responding to Evil with Good
Spite often calls for retaliation, but the Bible calls us to overcome evil with good.
Scripture: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21 (NIV)
Prayer: Lord, teach me to respond to spiteful actions with goodness and love, showing Your light in difficult situations.
39. Letting Go of Grudges
Holding grudges can lead to spiteful behavior. The Bible emphasizes the importance of releasing past hurts.
Scripture: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13 (NIV)
Prayer: Father, help me to let go of any grudges I hold, forgiving others as You have forgiven me.
40. Embracing Self-Control
Spite often results from impulsive reactions. The Bible highlights the importance of self-control in all situations.
Scripture: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
Prayer: God, grant me the self-control to handle challenging situations without acting out of spite or anger.
41. Letting Love Cover Offenses
Spite can grow from perceived wrongs, but love can cover those offenses. The Bible emphasizes love’s power to heal.
Scripture: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)
Prayer: Lord, let Your love fill my heart, enabling me to overlook offenses and avoid acting out of spite.
42. Avoiding Rejoicing in Others’ Failures
Spite may cause one to rejoice in the downfall of others, but the Bible teaches against such behavior.
Scripture: “Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice.” – Proverbs 24:17 (NIV)
Prayer: Father, keep my heart pure, so that I do not find joy in the struggles of others, but instead show compassion.
43. Speaking the Truth in Love
Spiteful speech can distort the truth. The Bible calls us to speak truthfully, with love and grace.
Scripture: “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.” – Ephesians 4:15 (NIV)
Prayer: Lord, help me to speak truthfully and lovingly, even when facing spite, so that my words reflect Your truth.
44. Seeking God’s Guidance in Times of Conflict
Spite can create confusion and division, but the Bible encourages us to seek God’s guidance in times of conflict.
Scripture: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.” – James 1:5 (NIV)
Prayer: God, guide me with Your wisdom during times of conflict, so that my actions are led by Your Spirit and not by spite.
45. Finding Strength in God’s Grace
God’s grace empowers us to overcome feelings of spite. The Bible reminds us that His grace is sufficient for every challenge.
Scripture: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” – 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
Prayer: Lord, remind me of Your abundant grace when I feel weak, helping me to rise above spiteful thoughts and behaviors.
Answers to Key Questions
1. What does the Bible say about acting out of spite?
The Bible teaches us to avoid acting out of spite, encouraging us to respond with love, forgiveness, and kindness instead of retaliation or bitterness (Romans 12:17-21, Ephesians 4:31-32).
2. How can I overcome spiteful feelings towards someone?
Overcoming spite involves turning to God for strength, forgiveness, and guidance. By practicing self-control, choosing love over bitterness, and seeking God’s wisdom, we can release spiteful emotions (Proverbs 19:11, 2 Timothy 1:7).
3. Does the Bible promote forgiveness even when someone acts spitefully?
Yes, the Bible emphasizes forgiveness, even in the face of spite. Jesus taught us to forgive others as God has forgiven us, regardless of how we’ve been wronged (Matthew 6:14-15, Luke 23:34).
4. How can I respond when someone acts spitefully toward me?
Instead of retaliating, the Bible encourages us to respond with kindness, prayer, and a heart of forgiveness. Trust in God’s justice and leave vengeance to Him (Romans 12:14, Romans 12:19).
5. Is it wrong to feel spiteful?
Feeling spiteful is a natural emotion, but the Bible calls us to control such feelings and choose a path of love, forgiveness, and peace. It is important not to let spite lead to harmful actions or words (Ephesians 4:26, James 1:19-20).
Conclusion
Spite is a destructive emotion that can poison relationships and hinder personal growth. However, the Bible provides clear guidance on how to overcome feelings of spite and instead embrace love, forgiveness, and kindness.
By following the teachings in scripture and relying on God’s strength, we can choose peace over bitterness, kindness over anger, and reconciliation over division. Let us strive to reflect Christ’s love in our actions, remembering that we are called to bless, forgive, and build up others rather than harboring negative feelings. With God’s help, we can move past spite and embrace a heart full of grace and compassion.
Hi! I’m Lauren Reynolds, author of biblepulze.com. I make Bible teachings easy to understand and accessible for everyone. Join me as we explore the wisdom and inspiration of the Scriptures together!
