50 Bible Verses about Manipulation

Manipulation, the act of controlling or influencing others in an unfair or deceitful way, is a topic the Bible addresses with stern warnings and ethical guidance. This collection of verses explores the nature of manipulation, its consequences, and the call for integrity and honesty in our interactions with others.

In Proverbs 26:24-25, the scripture warns of the deceiver’s nature: “Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart; when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart.” This verse underlines the harm caused by deceitful manipulation and the importance of being wary of insincere words.

The Bible emphasizes the value of sincerity and truthfulness, contrasting them with the destructive nature of manipulation and deceit. In Ephesians 4:25, the Apostle Paul advises, “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” This verse encourages honesty in our dealings with others, recognizing the interconnectedness of our relationships.

These verses guide us to reflect on our actions and motivations, urging us to avoid manipulative behaviors and to cultivate relationships based on respect and truth. They remind us that while manipulation may offer temporary gains, it ultimately leads to distrust and brokenness. In James 3:16, the scripture points out, “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” Let this collection of scriptures inspire you to seek honesty and integrity in your interactions, and to influence others through positive, sincere, and respectful means.

50 Bible Verses about Manipulation

Warnings Against Manipulation

1. “A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.” – Proverbs 16:28
2. “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.” – Colossians 3:9
3. “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 11:13
4. “But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the proceeds of the land?’” – Acts 5:3
5. “Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of falsehood, who draw sin as with cart ropes.” – Isaiah 5:18
6. “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” – Ephesians 4:25
7. “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” – Matthew 7:15
8. “For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul, and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the Lord.” – Psalm 10:3
9. “For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy.” – 2 Timothy 3:2
10. “And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” – 2 Corinthians 11:14

Consequences of Manipulative Behavior

11. “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.” – Proverbs 10:9
12. “An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous escapes from trouble.” – Proverbs 12:13
13. “Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, ‘I am only joking!’” – Proverbs 26:18-19
14. “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.” – Proverbs 11:3
15. “A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish.” – Proverbs 19:9
16. “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” – Matthew 16:26
17. “But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.” – Revelation 22:15
18. “You destroy those who speak lies; the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.” – Psalm 5:6
19. “He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.” – Proverbs 10:18
20. “The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.” – Proverbs 21:6

Avoiding Deceptive Influence

21. “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.” – Ephesians 5:6
22. “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” – Colossians 2:8
23. “If a man says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar: for he that loves not his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?” – 1 John 4:20
24. “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18
25. “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’” – 1 Corinthians 15:33
26. “The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.” – Proverbs 14:15
27. “I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 11:3
28. *“But test everything; hold fast what is good.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:21
29. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” – Galatians 6:7
30. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” – 1 John 4:1

Speaking Truth in Love

31. “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” – Ephesians 4:15
32. “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” – Ephesians 4:15
33. “Therefore, putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.” – Ephesians 4:25
34. “Let each of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” – Ephesians 4:25
35. “These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace.” – Zechariah 8:16
36. “The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.” – Proverbs 10:32
37. “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.” – Proverbs 12:22
38. “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” – Proverbs 12:22
39. “A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful.” – Proverbs 14:25
40. “An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies.” – Proverbs 12:17

Integrity and Honesty

41. “Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.” – Proverbs 28:6
42. “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.” – Proverbs 10:9
43. “The righteous who walks in his integrity— blessed are his children after him!” – Proverbs 20:7
44. “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.” – Proverbs 22:1
45. “So you shall purge the evil from your midst, and all Israel shall hear, and fear.” – Deuteronomy 13:11
46. “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.” – Proverbs 11:1
47. “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.” – Proverbs 12:22
48. “You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another.” – Leviticus 19:11
49. “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” – Ephesians 4:25
50. “Provide things honest in the sight of all men.” – Romans 12:17

Conclusion

These Bible verses about manipulation highlight the importance of integrity, honesty, and speaking truthfully in our interactions with others. The scriptures warn against deceptive and manipulative behaviors, emphasizing the consequences they bring both to the individual and those around them.

They encourage believers to pursue a life of transparency and integrity, reminding us that God values truthfulness and righteousness. In a world where manipulation can be prevalent, these verses serve as a guide for maintaining godly character, resisting the temptation to manipulate, and influencing others positively through our words and actions. Ultimately, they call us to reflect the truth and love of Christ in all our relationships and endeavors.