The Bible teaches that cruel behavior stems from a heart that is hardened against God and others. According to Proverbs, cruelty can lead to self-destruction, as those who are cruel to others ultimately harm themselves. Jesus, in the Gospel of Mark, identifies cruelty as one of the evil things that come from within, defiling a person. The book of James warns that a lack of control over one's tongue can also lead to cruel speech, while Proverbs cautions against associating with those who are hot-tempered, lest one learn their ways.
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For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness.
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.
Do not make friends with an angry man, and do not associate with a hot-tempered man, or you may learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.
or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith.
And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:
You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies.
In the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will shatter all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, but will itself stand forever.