Topical Encyclopedia The term "hurtful" in the biblical context often refers to actions, words, or intentions that cause harm, injury, or distress to others. The Bible addresses the concept of being hurtful in various passages, emphasizing the importance of love, kindness, and the avoidance of actions that can cause pain or damage to others.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, the concept of being hurtful is often associated with wickedness and sin. The Psalms frequently mention the hurtful nature of the wicked. For example, in Psalm 52:2 , it is written, "Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit." This verse highlights the destructive power of words and the hurt they can cause when used deceitfully. Proverbs also addresses the hurtful nature of certain behaviors. Proverbs 12:18 states, "There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." This contrast between hurtful and healing words underscores the importance of using speech to uplift rather than harm. New Testament References In the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles further emphasize the avoidance of hurtful behavior. Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, teaches about the significance of love and reconciliation. In Matthew 5:22 , He warns, "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment." This passage highlights the hurtful nature of anger and the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently advises against actions that can be hurtful to others. In Ephesians 4:29 , Paul instructs, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." This exhortation encourages believers to speak in ways that edify rather than harm. Moral and Ethical Implications The Bible's teachings on hurtful behavior carry significant moral and ethical implications for believers. The call to love one's neighbor as oneself, as stated in Matthew 22:39 , "And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’" serves as a guiding principle for avoiding hurtful actions. This commandment underscores the importance of empathy, compassion, and understanding in interpersonal relationships. Furthermore, the Bible encourages believers to seek forgiveness and reconciliation when hurtful actions occur. In Matthew 18:15 , Jesus provides guidance on addressing offenses: "If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over." This process of reconciliation is vital for healing and restoring relationships. Practical Application In practical terms, avoiding hurtful behavior involves self-control, mindfulness, and a commitment to living according to biblical principles. Believers are called to examine their words and actions, ensuring they align with the teachings of Christ. The cultivation of virtues such as patience, kindness, and humility can help prevent hurtful interactions and promote a spirit of love and unity within the community of faith. Overall, the Bible's teachings on hurtfulness serve as a reminder of the power of words and actions to either harm or heal. By adhering to the principles of love and compassion, believers can strive to live in a manner that reflects the character of Christ and fosters peace and harmony among all people. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (a.) Tending to impair or damage; injurious; mischievous; occasioning loss or injury; as, hurtful words or conduct.Greek 983. blaberos -- hurtful ... hurtful. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: blaberos Phonetic Spelling: (blab-er-os') Short Definition: injurious, hurtful Definition: injurious, hurtful ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/983.htm - 6k 4190. poneros -- toilsome, bad Strong's Hebrew 2248. chabula -- a hurtful act, crime... 2247, 2248. chabula. 2249 . a hurtful act, crime. Transliteration: chabula Phonetic Spelling: (khab-oo-law') Short Definition: crime. ... /hebrew/2248.htm - 6k 5142. nezaq -- to suffer injury 6090a. otseb -- a pain Library Everything that is Useless or Hurtful is Rejected. If Evil is Defined as that which is Hurtful, this Implies Another ... From God Also is the Very Power to be Hurtful. The Nature of Error. All Error is not Hurtful, Though it is Man's ... The Opposite Opinion is Injurious to Grace and Hurtful to Good ... Declaring when Spiritual and Corporal Penances Ought to be Used ... That Except that Wholesome Sorrow, which Springs up in Three Ways ... Whether Anyone Can Dispense from an Oath? Whether Contrition is the Greatest Possible Sorrow in the World? But You, Beloved, who Possess this Faith, or who have Begun Now ... Thesaurus Noisome (7 Occurrences)... 1. (a.) Noxious; harmful; dangerous; as, a noisome odor; hurtful; mischievous; unwholesome; insalubrious; destructive; as, noisome effluvia. ... /n/noisome.htm - 9k Weed (3 Occurrences) Evilspeaking Evil-speaking (5 Occurrences) Hurtful (5 Occurrences) Noxious (1 Occurrence) Givest (31 Occurrences) Wicked (476 Occurrences) Wishing (25 Occurrences) Injuriously (13 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about satire and/or sarcasm? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is inner healing, and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about dealing with mental illness? | GotQuestions.org Hurtful: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Hurtful (5 Occurrences)1 Timothy 6:9 Ezra 4:13 Ezra 4:15 Psalms 139:24 Psalms 144:10 Subtopics Related Terms |