Complete Bible Study Guide
What Does the Bible Say About Holding Grudges?
10 Scripture references with full text and commentary
Understanding Holding Grudges in the Bible
Explore what the Bible says about holding grudges. This collection of 10 key Scripture passages reveals God's wisdom and guidance on this important theme.
Top 10 Verses About Holding Grudges
- 1Leviticus 19:18
“Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.”
KJV - 2Proverbs 19:11
“The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression. discretion: or, prudence”
KJV - 3Matthew 6:14
“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:”
KJV - 4Mark 11:25
“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
KJV - 5Luke 17:3
“Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.”
KJV - 6
- 7
- 8Ephesians 4:31
“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:”
KJV - 9Ephesians 4:32
“And be ye kind one to another , tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”
KJV - 10James 1:19
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:”
KJV
Old Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Holding Grudges? (2 Verses)
“Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.”
“The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression. discretion: or, prudence”
New Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Holding Grudges? (8 Verses)
“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:”
“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
“Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.”
“Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.”
“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:”
“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:”
“And be ye kind one to another , tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:”
How to Study What the Bible Says About Holding Grudges
- 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 holding grudges. 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 holding grudges 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 holding grudges 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 holding grudges needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.
Share what you have learned about holding grudges 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 holding grudges, 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 Holding Grudges?
You have studied 10 verses about holding grudges. Now test your knowledge with chapter-by-chapter quizzes covering the books where these verses appear.