The Bible consistently teaches us to resist the urge for revenge and instead embrace forgiveness, love, and trust in God’s justice. When we feel wronged, it’s easy to seek payback, but Scripture reminds us that vengeance belongs to the Lord. These Bible verses about revenge guide us toward letting go of anger, trusting God to right the wrongs, and focusing on peace and compassion instead of retaliation.
1. Romans 12:19
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath.”
This verse teaches that revenge belongs to God, not us, and we should trust Him to bring justice.
2. Matthew 5:39
“But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”
Jesus encourages forgiveness and patience, teaching us not to retaliate when wronged.
3. Proverbs 20:22
“Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.”
God asks us to trust Him for justice instead of taking matters into our own hands.
4. 1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing.”
We are encouraged to respond to wrongs with kindness and blessings, reflecting God’s love.
5. Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Instead of revenge, Jesus teaches us to love and pray for our enemies, showing mercy.
6. Romans 12:17
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.”
We are called to do what is right, even when wronged, and not to repay evil with more evil.
7. Proverbs 25:21-22
“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.”
This verse encourages us to show kindness to our enemies, allowing God to handle justice.
8. Luke 6:27-28
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.”
Jesus teaches us to show love, kindness, and compassion, even to those who mistreat us.
9. James 1:20
“Because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
Anger and revenge lead us away from God’s righteousness and the peace He desires for us.
10. Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Instead of seeking revenge, we are encouraged to overcome evil by doing good to others.
11. Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another… Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
We are called to forgive others just as God has forgiven us, leaving no room for revenge.
12. Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
Forgiving others, instead of seeking revenge, is essential to receiving God’s forgiveness.
13. 1 Samuel 24:12
“May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me.”
David trusts God to bring justice, refusing to seek personal revenge against Saul.
14. Hebrews 10:30
“For we know him who said, ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay.'”
God will repay those who wrong us, reminding us that revenge is His responsibility, not ours.
15. Zechariah 7:9
“Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.”
God calls for justice and mercy, emphasizing compassion over revenge in dealing with others.
16. Exodus 14:14
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
We are reminded to trust God to handle battles and bring justice, rather than seeking revenge ourselves.
Prayer for Someone Struggling with Revenge
Dear Heavenly Father,
I lift up [Name] to You, who is battling the desire for revenge. Your Word in Matthew 5:44 teaches us to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” I pray that [Name] finds strength in Your love to release the anger and bitterness they feel. Help them to embrace forgiveness, trusting that You will bring justice in Your perfect way.
Guide their heart toward peace, and may they reflect Your grace and love, even in the face of wrongdoing.
In Jesus’ name, I pray,
Amen.