Revenge is a natural human impulse, but the Bible offers wisdom on how to respond when wronged. Instead of seeking retaliation, Scripture teaches us about forgiveness, patience, and trusting God to bring justice.
These verses guide us away from bitterness and anger, helping us embrace peace and mercy. Let’s explore 19 powerful Bible verses that reveal God’s heart on revenge and encourage us to live beyond the desire for payback.
1. Leave Vengeance to God: Romans 12:19
"Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'"
This verse reminds us that revenge is not our responsibility. Instead of taking matters into our own hands, we should trust God’s perfect justice. By leaving vengeance to Him, we avoid destructive cycles of retaliation and demonstrate faith in God’s sovereignty and timing.
2. Overcome Evil with Good: Romans 12:21
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Paul encourages believers to respond to wrongdoing with kindness rather than seeking revenge. This teaching promotes healing and peace instead of perpetuating conflict. Choosing good over evil reflects God’s love and transforms situations for the better.
3. Trust God’s Justice: Deuteronomy 32:35
"Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly."
Here, God declares that He alone will execute judgment on evildoers. This verse reassures us that justice will come in God’s perfect timing, so we don’t need to carry the burden of retaliation ourselves.
4. Turn the Other Cheek: Matthew 5:39
"But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."
Jesus teaches radical forgiveness and non-retaliation here. Rather than responding to evil with more evil, we are called to respond with humility and grace, which can disarm hostility and open the door to reconciliation.
5. Bless Those Who Persecute You: Romans 12:14
"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them."
This verse challenges us to respond to persecution and mistreatment not with curses or revenge, but with blessings. It echoes the heart of Christ, urging us to break the cycle of hatred through love and kindness.
6. God Defends the Wronged: Psalm 94:1
"O Lord, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth!"
This Psalm is a prayer for God’s intervention on behalf of those who have been wronged. It acknowledges God’s role as the defender and avenger of justice, affirming that He is attentive to the cries of the oppressed.
7. Do Not Repay Evil for Evil: 1 Peter 3:9
"Do not repay evil for evil or insult for insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."
Peter reinforces the call to respond to wrongs with blessings rather than retaliation. This verse emphasizes our identity as followers of Christ, who are called to break the cycle of revenge and receive God’s blessings.
8. Forgive and You Will Be Forgiven: Luke 6:37
"Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven."
Forgiveness is a key antidote to revenge. Jesus teaches that forgiving others protects us from judgment and condemnation, fostering peace in relationships rather than ongoing conflict.
9. The Lord is a God of Justice: Isaiah 61:8
"For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and wrong; I will faithfully give them their recompense and I will make an everlasting covenant with them."
God’s commitment to justice is clear in this verse. It assures us that He hates injustice and will ultimately make things right, encouraging us to trust Him rather than seeking our own revenge.
10. Do Not Seek Revenge: Proverbs 20:22
"Do not say, ‘I will repay evil’; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you."
Proverbs encourages patience and trust in God’s deliverance. Rather than plotting revenge, we are called to wait on God’s timing, confident that He will bring justice and rescue.
11. Mercy Over Judgment: James 2:13
"For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment."
James reminds us that showing mercy is crucial in how we treat others. If we withhold mercy and seek revenge instead, we risk facing harsh judgment ourselves. Choosing mercy breaks the cycle of retaliation and reflects God’s compassionate nature.
12. God is Our Refuge and Strength: Psalm 46:1
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
When we feel wronged and tempted to take revenge, this verse encourages us to turn to God for protection and strength. Trusting God as our refuge brings peace and security without the need to retaliate.
13. Do Not Let Evil Control You: Ephesians 4:31-32
"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
Paul instructs believers to reject bitterness and anger, which often fuel revenge. Instead, we are called to kindness and forgiveness, modeling the grace God has shown us through Christ.
14. God’s Timing is Perfect: Ecclesiastes 3:1,8
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven… a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace."
This passage reminds us that God’s timing governs all things, including justice and peace. While revenge may feel urgent, trusting God’s perfect timing helps us respond with wisdom and patience.
15. Love Your Enemies: Luke 6:27-28
"But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you."
Jesus calls us to a radical love that transcends natural inclinations toward revenge. Loving enemies and praying for persecutors is transformative and demonstrates the power of God’s love working through us.
16. The Lord Will Fight for You: Exodus 14:14
"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."
In moments of conflict or injustice, God promises to fight on our behalf. This verse encourages us to be patient and trust God’s power rather than seeking our own revenge.
17. Do Not Grumble or Retaliate: Philippians 2:14-15
"Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation."
Paul exhorts us to live above grumbling or retaliation, shining as lights in a dark world. This attitude counters revenge by promoting peace and integrity.
18. God’s Justice is Righteous: Psalm 94:2
"Rise up, O Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve!"
This verse is a cry for God’s righteous judgment against those who do wrong. It highlights that God is the ultimate judge who will ensure justice is served.
19. Blessed Are the Peacemakers: Matthew 5:9
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
Rather than seeking revenge, Jesus calls us to be peacemakers. This beatitude affirms that those who pursue peace reflect God’s character and receive His blessing.
Anne Kostick has been Editor-in-Chief since September 2007. Previously, Anne was a principal at Foxpath IND, a publishing, consulting and editorial services company specializing in the transition to and from traditional content publishing and online content management, development and publishing. Her clients included trade book publishers, technology and financial services Web sites, and arts and cultural institutions. Previously, she worked as Licensing and Product Development Director, Senior Acquisitions Editor and Director of Electronic Publishing for Workman Publishing, and as Senior Acquisitions Editor for Harry N. Abrams/Stewart, Tabori & Chang. In the online world she worked as Director of Content Development for Vitaminshoppe.com. Anne has a B.A. in Greek and Latin, with a minor in Theater, from Beloit College. She is the author of several books for children, as well as a definitive collection of jokes.