The Best 50+ Bible Verses About Manipulation

Manipulation is a tricky subject. It can be subtle or blatant, but it always aims to control or influence others unfairly.

This article offers 50 Bible verses that address manipulation. These verses provide wisdom and guidance on recognizing and dealing with manipulative behavior.

50 Bible Verses About Manipulation

10 Bible Verses on Spiritual Manipulation

• "You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump." — Galatians 5:7-9
• "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works." — 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
• "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world." — 1 John 4:1
• "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." — Matthew 7:15
• "Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience." — Ephesians 5:6
• "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." — Colossians 2:8
• "But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived." — 2 Timothy 3:13
• "Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons." — 1 Timothy 4:1
• "For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ." — Jude 1:4
• "For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves." — Acts 20:29-30

10 Bible Verses on Emotional Manipulation

• "There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health." — Proverbs 12:18
• "A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow." — Proverbs 25:18
• "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." — Ephesians 4:29
• "So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath." — James 1:19
• "But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth." — Colossians 3:8
• "A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends." — Proverbs 16:28
• "Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul." — Proverbs 22:24-25
• "Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing." — 1 Thessalonians 5:11
• "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep." — Romans 12:15
• "Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." — Galatians 6:2

10 Bible Verses on Deceptive Manipulation

• "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight." — Proverbs 12:22
• "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" — Jeremiah 17:9
• "For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect." — Matthew 24:24
• "But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction." — 2 Peter 2:1
• "You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it." — John 8:44
• "He who hates, disguises it with his lips, and lays up deceit within himself; when he speaks kindly, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart; though his hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness will be revealed before the assembly." — Proverbs 26:24-26
• "But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." — Revelation 21:8
• "I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth." — 1 John 2:21
• "Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’" — Matthew 15:7-9
• "For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain." — Titus 1:10-11

10 Bible Verses on Relational Manipulation

• "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." — Proverbs 27:6
• "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up." — Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
• "Do not be deceived: 'Evil company corrupts good habits.'" — 1 Corinthians 15:33
• "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?" — 2 Corinthians 6:14
• "For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." — Galatians 5:13
• "Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." — Ephesians 4:3
• "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself." — Philippians 2:3
• "Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another." — Romans 14:19
• "And above all things have fervent love for one another, for 'love will cover a multitude of sins.'" — 1 Peter 4:8
• "Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." — Colossians 3:13

10 Bible Verses on Coercive Manipulation

• "You shall not circulate a false report. Do not put your hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness." — Exodus 23:1
• "If a false witness rises against any man to testify against him of wrongdoing, then both men in the controversy shall stand before the Lord, before the priests and the judges who serve in those days. And the judges shall make careful inquiry, and indeed, if the witness is a false witness, who has testified falsely against his brother, then you shall do to him as he thought to have done to his brother; so you shall put away the evil from among you." — Deuteronomy 19:16-19
• "But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one." — Matthew 5:37
• "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much." — Luke 16:10
• "Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." — Romans 13:10
• "But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts." — 1 Thessalonians 2:4
• "But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God." — 2 Corinthians 4:2
• "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" — Hebrews 13:5
• "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." — James 4:7
• "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world." — 1 Peter 5:8-9

What Does the Bible Say About Manipulation

Manipulation is a complex issue that the Bible addresses in various ways. The verses we've shared highlight different forms of manipulation, from spiritual to emotional, and offer guidance on how to recognize and deal with it. These teachings can help us navigate our relationships and interactions with others more wisely.

Spiritual manipulation is a significant concern in the Bible. Verses like Galatians 5:7-9 and 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 warn us about false prophets and deceitful workers. These scriptures remind us to stay vigilant and test the spirits to ensure we are following God's truth, not being led astray by those who seek to deceive.

Emotional manipulation is another theme the Bible addresses. Proverbs 12:18 and Ephesians 4:29 encourage us to speak words that promote health and grace. By being mindful of our words and actions, we can avoid causing harm and instead build each other up, fostering a more supportive and loving community.

Deceptive manipulation is condemned in the Bible. Proverbs 12:22 and Jeremiah 17:9 highlight the dangers of lying and deceit. These verses call us to be truthful and honest in our dealings, as deceit can lead to destructive outcomes and harm our relationships with others.

Relational manipulation is also discussed in the scriptures. Verses like Proverbs 27:6 and Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 emphasize the importance of genuine friendships and partnerships. By surrounding ourselves with trustworthy and supportive individuals, we can create a positive environment that encourages growth and mutual respect.

How to Apply These Bible Verses About Manipulation

Applying the Bible's teachings on manipulation to daily life is crucial for fostering healthy relationships and personal growth. These verses offer practical wisdom that can guide our actions and interactions.

• Start your day with a prayer asking for discernment and wisdom to recognize manipulative behaviors.
• Practice honesty in all your dealings. Avoid lying or deceit, even in small matters.
• Surround yourself with trustworthy friends who encourage and support you.
• Be mindful of your words. Speak with kindness and aim to build others up.
• Stay vigilant against false teachings by regularly studying the Bible and seeking God's truth.
• Engage in community activities that promote mutual respect and understanding.

Remember, God is always with you, guiding and strengthening you. By living out these principles, you can experience the transformative power of faith in your life.

For more prayers and Bible verses, visit PrayersFor or try our Bible Verse Generator to deepen your understanding and faith.