How can I avoid ridiculing others? - Ridicule - TouchPoints

Job 12:5“People who are at ease mock those in trouble. They give a push to people who are stumbling.”

Psalm 55:12-14It is not an enemy who taunts me—I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me—I could have hidden from them. Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion and close friend. What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God.

Proverbs 11:9With their words, the godless destroy their friends, but knowledge will rescue the righteous.

Proverbs 14:31Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors him.

Proverbs 17:5Those who mock the poor insult their Maker; those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished.

To avoid ridiculing people we should remember that all people are loved by God and are his unique creations. When we recognize a person’s God-given worth, we are less likely insult them.

Psalm 69:19-20You know of my shame, scorn, and disgrace. You see all that my enemies are doing. Their insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. If only one person would show some pity; if only one would turn and comfort me.

Proverbs 10:11, 32The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions. . . . The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words.

Proverbs 12:6, 18The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the godly save lives. . . . Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.

Proverbs 15:4Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

Proverbs 18:4, 21Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook. . . . The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

Ephesians 4:31Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.

To avoid ridiculing others, we should use nurturing, helpful, and healing words that bless them. When we bless others, we are blessed. When we ridicule others, we make ourselves look foolish.

Proverbs 4:23Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

Ecclesiastes 10:20Never make light of the king, even in your thoughts. And don’t make fun of the powerful, even in your own bedroom. For a little bird might deliver your message and tell them what you said.

Matthew 12:35“A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart.”

Matthew 15:18“But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you.”

To avoid ridiculing people, we need to guard the way we think. Our thoughts affect our emotions and eventually our words and actions. God, his Word, and godly friends are like guards at the gateway of our thoughts, helping us to have godly thoughts and appropriate actions.

Psalm 64:3They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows.

Proverbs 11:12It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbor; a sensible person keeps quiet.

Proverbs 15:28The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.

Proverbs 21:23Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.

James 3:2-6If we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.

1 Peter 3:10The Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.”

To avoid ridiculing people, we should think before we speak and be satisfied with our own silence. Sometimes silence is more powerful than words.

Psalm 1:1Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.

Proverbs 9:7Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return. Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt.

Proverbs 22:10Throw out the mocker, and fighting goes, too. Quarrels and insults will disappear.

To keep from ridiculing people, we should avoid association with and conversation with people who ridicule others.