What does the Bible say about hurting a woman? It is clear from reading the Bible that the answer is that it is unacceptable. The Bible explicitly condemns any form of violence against women, and it gives both clear teaching and examples to demonstrate that violence against women is to be strictly avoided.
A strong message throughout the Bible is that women are to be respected and honourable. Women are not to be abused, despised, belittled or treated with any less respect than men. For example, the ninth commandment given in Exodus 20:16 states “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour”. This commandment is applicable to both men and women, but more importantly it is a direct condemnation of telling lies about a woman.
Evidence of this is also seen in the passages from Proverbs, which state that slander and gossip are especially harmful when directed toward a woman due to her vulnerable position. For example, Proverbs 11:13 says “Whoever gossips to you will gossip of you”, and Proverbs 25:18-19 states “Whoever slanders his neighbour in secret, him will I set against; He who has a haughty look and a proud heart, him will I not endure”.
Furthermore, the Bible teaches that men are to treat women with respect and honour. This is seen in 1 Peter 3:7, which says “Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honour to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered”. This verse is particularly powerful because it expresses that men should not only honour women, but also protect them, because they are the heirs with them of the same grace of life, and that their prayers may not be hindered unless they do so.
The Bible also gives examples of men who have hurt and abused women, and shows the consequences of their actions. For example, in Judges 19 we see the story of a Levite who raped a woman, and then threw her out of his house. This story serves as an example of how violence against women carries consequences, and is unacceptable in God’s eyes.
In addition, the Bible shows us that God protects and loves women, even when they are in vulnerable positions. In Psalm 68:5 it says “Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation”. This verse emphasises that God does not forget about women who are in difficult circumstances, and it is a reminder to us to show love and respect towards women who are in need.
It is clear from reading the Bible that God condemns any form of violence or abuse against women, and instead shows us that God wants men to protect and honour women. This is a strong reminder to us that we should show respect towards women, and not allow violence or mistreatment towards them to go unchecked.
On Sexual Harassment
The Bible has much to say about the issue of sexual harassment, and speaks out strongly against it. In Proverbs 6:23-24 it states, “For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life, to preserve you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress”. This verse is referring to the sin of adultery, which is an act of sexual misconduct, and it is clear that it is strongly condemned.
In addition, there are several other Bible verses that speak out against lust and lewd behaviour, such as Ephesians 5:3-4, “But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving”. It is clear from reading these verses that sexual harassment is completely unacceptable, and should be avoided at all costs.
The Bible is also clear that social justice should be sought for victims of sexual harassment. In Galatians 6:9 it says, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up”. This verse is a reminder that those who suffer injustice need to be shown mercy and compassion, and that those who stand against it will be rewarded. This is an important reminder that justice should always be sought, even in cases of sexual harassment.
The Bible is clear that any form of violence or abuse against women is unacceptable, and this includes sexual harassment. There are many verses throughout the Bible that speak out against lewd behaviour, and make it clear that it should be avoided at all costs. It is also clear that social justice should be sought for victims of sexual harassment, and that those who stand against it will be rewarded. All of these messages should serve as a strong reminder to us that we should always treat women with respect and dignity.
On Emotional Abuse
The Bible also speaks out strongly against any form of emotional abuse towards women. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 it states, “Love is patient and kind, love does not envy or boast, it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way, it is not irritable or resentful, it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” This passage clearly speaks out against any sort of emotional abuse and makes it clear that it is not acceptable behaviour.
Furthermore, Proverbs 14:1 states, “Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands”. This verse is a powerful reminder that any form of emotional abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse, and that it should be avoided at all costs.
The Bible also shows us that emotional abuse will not go unpunished. In Proverbs 15:1 it says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger”. This verse speaks out against any form of verbal abuse and reminds us that bad behaviour will have consequences, and that we will be held accountable for our actions.
It is clear from these passages that the Bible condemns any form of emotional abuse towards women. There are many examples throughout the Bible of how God expects men to treat women kindly and with respect, and any form of emotional abuse is highly unacceptable. The Bible teaches us to be gentle and loving towards others, and to not let anger or hurtful words take control of our hearts and minds.
On Physical Abuse
The Bible is clear that any form of physical abuse towards women is completely unacceptable. In Exodus 20:13 it says, “You shall not murder”. This is clear and direct condemnation of any form of physical violence, and it is an unambiguous command that we should not harm anyone, including women.
This is further reinforced in Exodus 21:22-25, which states, “When people who are fighting injure a pregnant woman so that there is a miscarriage, and yet no further harm follows, the one responsible shall be fined what the woman’s husband demands, paying as much as the judges determine. But if any harm follows, then you shall give life for life”. This passage is a powerful reminder that violence towards a pregnant woman is considered to be the same as taking a life, and that the punishment for such an act must be equally severe.
The Bible also speaks out strongly against physical abuse of women in other forms. In Proverbs 7:21-23 it says, “With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. All at once he followed her, like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose”. This speaks out against the use of physical violence to coerce or control a woman, and is an important reminder that such behaviour is unacceptable.
In conclusion, it is clear that the Bible speaks out strongly against any form of violence or abuse towards women. Men are called to protect and honour women, and to treat them with respect and dignity. Physical, emotional, and sexual abuse of women is not acceptable, and any form of such behaviour will not go unpunished.
On Bullying and Cyberbullying
The Bible has much to say about the issue of bullying, and speaks out strongly against it. In Proverbs 30:11-12 it states, “There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers. There are those who are pure in their own eyes yet are not cleansed of their filthiness”. This verse speaks out against any form of verbal or emotional abuse, and makes it clear that it is to be strongly condemned.
Additionally, 1 Timothy 5:1-2 says, “Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity”. This speaks out against any form of bullying, and reminds us that treating others with respect and kindness should be our priority.
Another strong example of this can be found in James 4:11-12, which says, “Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge”. This makes it clear that we should not be judgemental or engage in gossip and slander, as this constitutes speaking evil against others and is punishable by the law.
The Bible is also clear that those who engage in bullying will not go unpunished. In Romans 2:8-9 it says, “But for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil”. This speaks out against any form of bullying, and serves as a reminder that those who engage in such behaviour will be held accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, it is clear that the Bible speaks out strongly against any form of bullying, including physical, verbal and cyberbullying. We are called to treat others with respect and kindness, and any form of bullying is highly unacceptable. The Bible also reminds us that those who engage in bullying will not go unpunished, and it is a strong reminder to us that we should always be compassionate and loving towards our neighbours.
