Question: Dr. Tony, where is the Golden Rule found in the Bible? I know that we’re supposed to live by the Golden Rule, but I want to be sure I know exactly what it says.

Answer:

The “Golden Rule” is the name given to a teaching Jesus instructed in His Sermon on the Mount. The exact words “Golden Rule” are not found in Scripture. Bible translation organizations later added these titles to make Bible study a little easier. The title “Golden Rule” began to be ascribed to this teaching of Jesus during the 16th–17th centuries.

The Golden Rule is the moral principle of treating other people as one’s self would prefer to be treated. One of Jesus’ most famous and impactful teachings, the Golden Rule, can be found in the Bible verses Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31.

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31

Jesus brilliantly summarizes a single principle, taken from Leviticus 19:18: “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.”  We see the implication that humans are naturally lovers of self, and the command uses that human flaw as a place to start in how to treat others.

People globally demand respect, love, and appreciation, whether they deserve it or not. The Lord understood this desire and used it to encourage and promote godly behavior. Do you want to be shown honor? Then honor others. Do you desire a kind word? Then speak words of kindness to others. “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).