5972 unkindness

Unsympathetic or cruel behaviour. It is contrary to God’s character and is condemned in Scripture.

Unkindness condemned

In general terms Pr 11:17 See also Pr 17:5; Pr 25:20; Eph 4:31-32

Treatment of enemies Mt 5:43-44 See also Ex 23:4-5; Pr 25:21; Lk 6:27-28,35; Ro 12:14

Treatment of the poor Pr 14:31; 1Jn 3:17 See also Dt 15:7; Dt 24:14; Pr 21:13; Isa 3:15; Isa 10:1-2; Eze 22:29; Zec 7:10

Treatment of animals Pr 12:10 See also Lev 22:28; Dt 22:6; Dt 25:4; Lk 13:15; Lk 14:5

Inhospitality condemned 1Pe 4:9 See also Dt 23:4; Mt 25:41-43; Lk 9:52-53; Heb 13:2; 3Jn 10

Some examples of unkindness

1Sa 11:2; 2Sa 12:4; 2Ki 25:7; Ne 5:5-6; Job 24:2-12; Ps 35:15; Ps 69:20-21; Ps 109:16; Eze 34:4; Am 1:11; Am 5:11; Jas 2:15-16

God’s kindness as a model for believers

Ru 2:20; Ezr 9:9; Isa 63:7; Ac 14:17; Ro 2:4; Ro 11:22; Eph 2:7

See also