Spite

The malicious desire to retaliate in words or action. It may be in response to good or evil. Believers are to rid themselves of any such vindictive spirit.

Examples of people acting out of spite

In response to good

1 Kings 19:1–2 Jezebel; 2 Chronicles 16:10 Asa, king of Judah; Esther 3:6 Haman; Matthew 14:3–12 parallel Mark 6:17–29 Herodias; John 12:10 the chief priests; Acts 7:54, Acts 7:57–58

In response to evil

Psalm 140:3 See also Genesis 27:41 EsauGenesis 37:4, Genesis 37:8, Genesis 37:11, Genesis 37:18–27 Ezekiel 25:15 the Philistines; Acts 23:12–15 some Jews

They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah

Spite has no place in the lives of believers

Believers are to rid themselves of all spitefulness

Ephesians 4:31 See also 1 Corinthians 5:8; Colossians 3:8; 1 Peter 2:1

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice.

As a result believers are enabled not to retaliate against others

Leviticus 19:18 See also Proverbs 20:22, Proverbs 24:29; Matthew 5:38–40; Romans 12:17, Romans 12:19–21; 1 Thessalonians 5:15; 1 Peter 2:21–23, 1 Peter 3:9

Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.