We’ve all encountered bad behavior—whether it’s dishonesty, anger, gossip, or disrespect. Sometimes, it’s from others, and other times, if we’re honest, it’s our own actions that need correction. So, how does the Bible say we should handle bad behavior?
The Bible provides clear wisdom on this topic, offering guidance on correcting others with love, responding with grace, and self-examining our own actions.
Whether you’re dealing with conflicts in relationships, struggles within yourself, or simply seeking spiritual direction, Scripture offers comfort and instruction.
In this post, we’ll explore 15 Bible verses that provide insight into what the Bible says about handling bad behavior—both in ourselves and others. Each verse will be followed by a brief explanation to help you apply it to your life.
What the Bible Says You Should Do With Bad Behavior: 15 Powerful Verses
1. Matthew 18:15
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”
Explanation: This verse emphasizes the importance of addressing bad behavior privately before involving others. Instead of gossiping or ignoring the issue, Jesus encourages direct and loving confrontation to restore relationships.
2. Galatians 6:1
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”
Explanation: Paul reminds us that when we correct others, we should do it with kindness and humility, not judgment. At the same time, we must guard our own hearts so we don’t fall into similar temptations.
3. Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Explanation: When faced with bad behavior, our response matters. Instead of reacting with harsh words, responding calmly can defuse conflict and lead to peace.
4. Ephesians 4:31-32
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Explanation: Instead of holding on to anger or resentment, God calls us to replace negative emotions with kindness and forgiveness, mirroring His grace toward us.
5. 1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”
Explanation: This verse warns us about the influence of negative behavior. If we surround ourselves with people who consistently act badly, their actions can affect our own character.
6. Proverbs 22:24-25
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.”
Explanation: This passage highlights how bad behavior, especially uncontrolled anger, can be contagious. We should be mindful of the company we keep.
7. Romans 12:17-18
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Explanation: When faced with bad behavior, our natural instinct may be to retaliate. However, the Bible teaches us to seek peace instead of revenge.
8. Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Explanation: When dealing with difficult people, it’s easy to rely on our emotions. But God calls us to trust Him and seek His wisdom instead of acting impulsively.
9. Luke 6:27-28
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
Explanation: Instead of responding to bad behavior with resentment, Jesus teaches us to respond with love, kindness, and prayer.
10. James 1:19-20
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: 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.”
Explanation: When facing bad behavior, listening before reacting can prevent unnecessary anger and conflict.
11. Proverbs 29:11
“Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”
Explanation: A wise person controls their temper, while a foolish person lets anger control them. This verse encourages self-control in difficult situations.
12. 2 Timothy 2:24-25
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.”
Explanation: Even when confronting bad behavior, we must do so with patience, kindness, and a desire for the person’s growth rather than simply winning an argument.
13. Colossians 3:8
“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
Explanation: This verse encourages us to remove all forms of negative behavior from our lives, including destructive speech and uncontrolled emotions.
14. Matthew 7:3-5
“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? First, take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
Explanation: Before pointing out bad behavior in others, we should first examine our own actions and make sure our hearts are right with God.
15. 1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
Explanation: This verse encourages us to rise above negativity and respond with kindness, even when others mistreat us.
Conclusion
Bad behavior—whether in ourselves or others—can be frustrating, but the Bible provides clear direction on how to handle it. Instead of reacting with anger, judgment, or retaliation, we are called to respond with wisdom, kindness, and patience.