A “stumbling block” is a biblical metaphor for an obstacle that leads a person to sin or apostasy. Being a stumbling block to others and suffering the repercussions that come with it is something against which the Bible provides multiple warnings.
In this piece, we’ll look at many key Bible passages that address the topic of stumbling stones and the lessons we may gain from them. To avoid being a stumbling block to others, we will look at what the Bible has to say about the perils of doing so, the value of taking accountability for one’s actions, and the significance of showing love and compassion.
Stumbling Block Verses in the Bible
Romans 14:13
The most important lesson from Romans 14:13 is that Christians should not condemn or pass judgment on one another, especially in matters of opinion or personal conviction, such as food restrictions or the observance of certain days or ceremonies. Instead, believers should avoid placing barriers or stumbling blocks in the path of their fellow believers.
The scripture stresses out the importance of yielding one’s personal rights for the sake of others, as well as considering the impact of one’s actions on others and the need to avoid causing others to stumble in their faith.
1 Corinthians 8:9
In the context of 1 Corinthians, some believers were eating food sacrificed to idols because they reasoned that since they knew idols were worthless and there is only one God, they could do so without guilt. Paul warns, nonetheless, that they must not let their freedom make others stumble. If their actions might lead other believers to sin against their conscience, they should refrain from doing so.
1 Corinthians 1:23
But we preach Christ crucified: We, who are Christ’s ministers, come and preach to them that there was one crucified at Jerusalem who is the Saviour of the world and who was not sacrificed for his own sins, but for the sins of his people.
A stumbling block for the Jews: The Jews stumble over this in their search for a Messiah who should be a great temporal prince; and in addition, this is a stumbling block for the Jews.
Romans 11:9
“In this verse David said, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling block, and a compensation unto them.
This text’s most essential lesson is that God’s blessings can become a trap for disobedient people. Even if God has blessed them, those who reject the gospel will be held accountable.
James 3:2
James 3:2 emphasizes the importance of controlling one’s temper and speaking only when necessary. James stresses the importance of being attentive of one’s words, saying that they can be utilized for either good or evil. He further infers that whomever masters the tongue will likewise master the body. One of the signs of maturity and self-control and spiritual perfection is the ability to control one’s tongue, and this verse serves as a reminder of this fact and of the importance of being careful with one’s words.
James 4:11-12
The most significant lesson from this verse is that it is not in our place to speak or act in a judgmental or critical manner toward another.
James talked about how important it is to be humble, treat others with respect, and not be quick to criticize or say bad things about our Christian brothers and sisters.
1 John 2:10
This verse stresses the significance of loving one’s fellow Christians and the link between doing so and remaining in the light. The light is a metaphor for holiness and proximity to God; it is a promise that comes true for those who love their Christian brothers and sisters. If you love people, you won’t want them to fail, according to this scripture.
In other word, loving others and not wanting to see them waver in their faith is vital to a righteous and faithful life in Christ.
Proverbs 4:11-12
It is clear from Proverbs 4:11-12 that one must seek out knowledge and intelligence and steer clear of evil. Here’s what the verses say: “I show you the correct path and help you stay on it. You won’t have any trouble keeping your balance whether strolling or running.”
Leviticus 19:14
The moral of Leviticus 19:14 is that one should not mislead or mistreat their neighbor, but rather should act fairly and justly toward them. It says in the Bible, “You must not curse the deaf, nor shall you throw a stumbling block before the blind, but shall fear your God: I am the Lord.”
Matthew 18:5-7
Jesus says that anyone who causes one of these little ones to stumble, it would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck.
The most important thing we can learn from this chapter is to look out for and defend the weak and the young. Jesus says that whomever welcomes children and the vulnerable welcomes him, emphasizing the necessity of doing so. A heavy millstone should be hung around the necks of those who cause these children to sin, and they should be cast into the deepest part of the sea to perish.
Luke 17:1-2
The passage’s fundamental message is that we should always consider the impact of our words and deeds on others, especially on the most defenseless among us. There will always be conditions and temptations that can lead people astray, Jesus says; but we must accept responsibility for our actions and be careful not to be the cause of the wrongdoing of others. He adds that anyone causes another person to sin should be thrown into the sea with a millstone fastened around his neck as an illustration of the gravity of the situation.