Does the Bible say anything about political correctness?

from the old testament

• Scripture values careful speech, but it links that care to love for truth rather than fear of others. Proverbs highlights the value of kind and measured words: “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body” (Proverbs 16:24). It does not suggest flattery, but rather using language that does not hurt others.
• Therefore, wise speech starts with restraint. David prayed, “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” (Psalm 141:3). That prayer recognizes how easily words can cause harm and how much we need the LORD’s help to control them, even when speaking the truth.
• Israel’s history also demonstrates the danger of hiding the truth to please people. Isaiah recorded people who told God’s messengers, “Do not prophesy to us what is right; speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions” (Isaiah 30:10). That desire for “smooth” speech was simply pretending that nothing bad was going to happen. It made people feel good just before God sent them reality: painful judgment for their sin (Jeremiah 6:14).

from the new testament

• Jesus showed how believers should blend graceful speech with truth. John wrote that He came “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Jesus often spoke kindly to the hurting, as when He told the weary, “Come to me … and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28-29), while also correcting hypocrisy and sin without hesitation, calling out the Pharisees as “blind guides” (Matthew 23:24). His example teaches that kindness does not mean compromise. Believers can avoid intentionally offensive speech while also never hiding the truth by twisting it to prevent hurting others.
• Paul urged believers to “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6), meaning that what Christians should be both pleasant and purposeful. He added that their words should “give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29). However, Paul also warned against using flattery or manipulation to gain approval (1 Thessalonians 2:4-5). Ultimately, the Christian’s aim is to build others up while pointing them to Christ.
• Because Christ’s message exposes sin, it will sometimes offend. Paul admitted, “We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles” (1 Corinthians 1:23). Jesus said plainly, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18).
• Still, believers are called to speak the truth “in love” (Ephesians 4:15) and to share their hope “with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). The goal is for any offense to arise from the gospel itself, not from careless or harsh words.

implications for today

Being “politically correct” can sometimes reflect genuine kindness when it doesn't compromise the truth. Wisdom involves knowing which conversations are truly important. The goal isn't to win debates over pronouns or politics but to point others to Christ. The gospel has the power to change hearts. The message of sin and salvation is naturally confrontational, but it should be the Gospel that offends, not careless words or prideful tone. Before speaking, consider whether your words serve others’ and honor the Lord, or if they're meant to make a point at others’ expense.

At times, faithfulness to Jesus will result in rejection no matter how kindly the message is delivered. When that happens, let the offense stem from the truth itself, not from unnecessary harshness in your delivery (1 Corinthians 1:23). Aim for peace whenever possible, but never at the expense of diluting God's Word. Speak with gentleness and conviction, remembering that truth without love can wound, and love without truth can deceive. When you hold both together, you reflect Christ's heart and provide others with a clear view of the gospel that can rescue them.