Bible verses about kindness
Colossians 3:12, Micah 6:8 and Luke 10:33-34 are the verses to start with for kindness. They list it as something to wear each day, place it beside justice and humility, and show it costing the Samaritan time and money. All twelve verses are below in full.
Free to read, no account. Last updated November 9, 2026. Scripture: King James Version and World English Bible (public domain).
1.Colossians 3:12
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
In the World English Bible
Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance;
Dress yourself in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. A wardrobe list for the day.
2.Micah 6:8
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
In the World English Bible
He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does the LORD require of you, but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
Three things asked of people: act fairly, love mercy, walk humbly. Kindness sits right in the middle.
3.Luke 10:33-34
But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
In the World English Bible
But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled, came where he was. When he saw him, he was moved with compassion, came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. He set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
The Samaritan stops where others walked by. Bandages, oil and an inn bill: kindness with a cost.
4.Proverbs 19:17
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
In the World English Bible
He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD; he will reward him.
Being kind to the poor is described as lending to the Lord, with repayment on his terms.
5.Proverbs 11:17
The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
In the World English Bible
The merciful man does good to his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.
Kind people do themselves good too, and cruel ones hurt themselves. A cause and effect proverb.
6.Proverbs 3:3-4
Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
In the World English Bible
Don’t let kindness and truth forsake you. Bind them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor, and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
Kindness and truth are meant to be kept close, almost like jewelry worn around the neck.
7.Galatians 6:9-10
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
In the World English Bible
Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season if we don’t give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let’s do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.
Do good when there's a chance, and start with those closest to you. Good for when kindness feels tiring.
8.Luke 6:35-36
But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
In the World English Bible
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil. “Therefore be merciful, even as your Father is also merciful.
Be kind to people who won't repay you, even those who are rude. Jesus points to the Father's merciful example.
9.Matthew 25:40
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
In the World English Bible
“The King will answer them, ‘Most certainly I tell you, because you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
Jesus says what you do for the least of people counts as done for him. Small acts carry weight.
10.1 Thessalonians 5:15
See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
In the World English Bible
See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good for one another and for all.
Don't pay back wrong with wrong. Chase after what's good for everyone.
11.Proverbs 14:21
He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
In the World English Bible
He who despises his neighbor sins, but he who has pity on the poor is blessed.
Looking down on a neighbor is a mistake, and helping the poor brings happiness.
12.Hebrews 13:2
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
In the World English Bible
Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it.
Welcome strangers, says the writer, since some people have hosted more than they knew.
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Read today's verseQuestions
What is a good Bible verse about kindness?
Colossians 3:12 is a good place to start. Dress yourself in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. A wardrobe list for the day.
What does the Bible say about being kind to others?
Colossians 3:12 lists kindness among the things to put on daily, and Micah 6:8 puts mercy next to justice. Luke 10:33-34 shows kindness with a real cost. Matthew 25:40 says small acts toward people in need matter.
Does being kind ever get tiring?
Galatians 6:9-10 speaks directly to that, encouraging people to keep doing good. Proverbs 11:17 and Proverbs 19:17 describe kindness as worthwhile. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 keeps it practical: don't repay wrong with wrong.
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Made by Lamplight, a small Sarvixo product. Notes on each verse are ours, written with AI tools and checked against the passage. The verses are printed exactly as published.