12 Bible Verses About Toxic Relationships

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
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Bible verses about toxic relationships

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about toxic relationships:

1. Proverbs 22:24-25 – “Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.”
2. 1 Corinthians 15:33 – “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”
3. Proverbs 13:20 – “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”
4. Proverbs 14:7 – “Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.”
5. Proverbs 22:24-25 – “Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.”
6. 2 Corinthians 6:14 – “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”

7. Proverbs 12:26 – “The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.”
8. Proverbs 18:24 – “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”
9. Proverbs 27:17 – “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”
10. 1 Corinthians 5:11 – “But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.”
11. 1 Corinthians 15:33 – “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”
12. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 – “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

What does the bible say about toxic relationships?

The Bible emphasizes the importance of healthy relationships and warns against toxic ones.

It teaches that relationships should be based on love, respect, and mutual support.

Toxic relationships, characterized by abuse, manipulation, and negativity, are not in line with God’s plan for us.

The Bible encourages us to surround ourselves with positive influences and to avoid relationships that hinder our spiritual growth and well-being.

It also emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and seeking help if we find ourselves in toxic relationships.

Ultimately, the Bible teaches us to prioritize our mental, emotional, and spiritual health in all our relationships.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about toxic relationships?

1. 1 Corinthians 13 – This chapter discusses the importance of love in relationships and how love should not be envious, boastful, or proud. It emphasizes the qualities of love that are necessary for healthy relationships and contrasts them with toxic behaviors.

2. Proverbs 22 – This chapter contains wisdom on the importance of choosing the right kind of friends and relationships. It warns against associating with people who are quick-tempered, deceitful, or manipulative, as these traits can lead to toxic relationships.

3. Ephesians 5 – This chapter discusses the importance of mutual respect and submission in relationships. It emphasizes the need for honesty, communication, and forgiveness in order to maintain healthy and non-toxic relationships.

4. Galatians 5 – This chapter talks about the fruits of the Spirit, which include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are essential for building and maintaining healthy relationships and can help individuals recognize and avoid toxic behaviors.

Ideas and concepts related to toxic relationships that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.’

1. Unhealthy attachments: In the Bible, there are warnings against forming unhealthy attachments or idolizing relationships over God. This can lead to toxic relationships where one person becomes overly dependent on the other, leading to manipulation and control.

2. Lack of boundaries: The Bible teaches the importance of setting boundaries in relationships to maintain healthy dynamics. Toxic relationships often involve blurred or nonexistent boundaries, leading to emotional or physical harm.

3. Forgiveness and reconciliation: The Bible emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in relationships. However, in toxic relationships, forgiveness can be used as a tool for manipulation or to enable abusive behavior.

4. Love and respect: The Bible teaches that love and respect are essential components of healthy relationships. In toxic relationships, there may be a lack of genuine love and respect, leading to emotional abuse, manipulation, and control.

5. Self-care and self-worth: The Bible teaches that individuals are valuable and worthy of love and respect. In toxic relationships, individuals may struggle with low self-worth and neglect their own well-being in favor of pleasing the other person.

Overall, the concepts related to toxic relationships in the Bible emphasize the importance of healthy boundaries, mutual respect, forgiveness, and self-care. By following these principles, individuals can avoid or overcome toxic relationships and cultivate healthy, fulfilling connections with others.

Evelyn Johnson - Bible Verses
Written by Evelyn Johnson


Evelyn Johnson is a theologian, Bible expert, and the founder of EncouragingBibleVerses.org, a trusted resource for uplifting and empowering Bible verses.

With a Master's degree in Divinity, Evelyn is dedicated to studying and interpreting the Bible. Her website features curated collections of verses on various topics, along with insightful commentary and practical tips for everyday life.

Evelyn is also a sought-after speaker and author on matters of faith and spirituality. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and volunteering in her local church and community.

Learn more about her and read her other articles here.