Complete Bible Study Guide
What Does the Bible Say About Calling Someone Names?
17 Scripture references with full text and commentary
Understanding Calling Someone Names in the Bible
Explore what the Bible says about calling someone names. This collection of 19 key Scripture passages reveals God's wisdom and guidance on this important theme.
Top 10 Verses About Calling Someone Names
- 1Proverbs 11:9
“An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.”
KJV - 2Proverbs 11:12
“He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. void: Heb. destitute of heart”
KJV - 3Proverbs 12:18
“There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.”
KJV - 4
- 5Proverbs 18:21
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
KJV - 6
- 7Matthew 5:21
“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: by: or, to”
KJV - 8Matthew 5:22
“But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Raca: that is, Vain fellow”
KJV - 9Matthew 15:11
“Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.”
KJV - 10Matthew 15:18
“But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.”
KJV
Old Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Calling Someone Names? (6 Verses)
“An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.”
“He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. void: Heb. destitute of heart”
“There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.”
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
“It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.”
New Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Calling Someone Names? (11 Verses)
“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: by: or, to”
“But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Raca: that is, Vain fellow”
“Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.”
“But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.”
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. to: or, to edify profitably”
“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:”
“But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.”
“To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.”
“If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.”
“Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.”
“Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.”
How to Study What the Bible Says About Calling Someone Names
- 1
Begin by reading through every verse listed on this page, noting which ones speak most directly to your current season of life. Write them down and revisit them throughout the week.
- 2
Use a concordance or the search tools on this site to find additional passages about calling someone names. Look for patterns across both the Old and New Testaments to gain a complete picture of what God reveals on this subject.
- 3
Study the context of each verse. Read the surrounding chapter to understand who was speaking, who the audience was, and what circumstances prompted the passage. Context prevents misapplication.
- 4
Memorise at least one key verse about calling someone names and meditate on it daily. Scripture memory transforms thinking and equips you to apply God's Word in real-time situations.
Practical Application
Studying what the Bible says about calling someone names is only the beginning. Scripture is meant to be lived out in daily obedience and faith. Here are practical steps to apply these truths:
Identify one area of your life where the biblical teaching on calling someone names needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.
Share what you have learned about calling someone names with a fellow believer or in a small group setting. Teaching others solidifies your own understanding and encourages mutual growth.
Pray through the key verses about calling someone names, asking God to reveal how His Word applies to your relationships, decisions, and daily habits.
How Well Do You Know What the Bible Says About Calling Someone Names?
You have studied 17 verses about calling someone names. Now test your knowledge with chapter-by-chapter quizzes covering the books where these verses appear.