Proverbs 14:25 – The Righteous Have an Anchored Confidence
A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful.
Proverbs 26:24-26 – Deception Hides Itself
People may cover their hatred with pleasant words, but they’re deceiving you. They pretend to be kind, but don’t believe them. Their hearts are filled with many evils. While their hatred may be concealed by trickery, their wrongdoing will be revealed in public.
Psalm 55:21 – Betrayal Comes from Within
His words were smooth as butter, but his heart was at war. His words were as soothing as lotion, but underneath were daggers ready to inflict wounds.
Proverbs 26:23 – Gossip Corrupts
Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart.
Matthew 7:15 – Beware of False Prophets
Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
Proverbs 25:18 – Trusting the Unreliable
Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor.
Proverbs 29:5 – Flattery for Personal Gain
A flatterer can cause you to stumble, and a sly manipulator will try to trip you up.
Colossians 2:8 – Be Guarded against Empty Deception
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.
Proverbs 12:22 – Lying Lips are an Abomination
The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.
Proverbs 20:19 – Don’t Entangle Yourself in Gossip
A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.
2 Corinthians 11:3 – Protect Your Mind from Deception
But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
Proverbs 10:18 – Spreading Lies Brings Destruction
Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.
Proverbs 16:28 – Deceitful Whisperers
A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.
Also Read: 40 Bible Verses about Everything Will Be OK
Ephesians 4:29 – Speak Truth, Not Manipulation
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Proverbs 6:16-19 – The Lord Hates Deception
There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.
1 Timothy 6:5 – Avoid False Teaching
and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
Proverbs 6:12-15 – Avoid the Paths of the Wicked
A troublemaker and a villain, who goes about with a corrupt mouth, who winks maliciously with his eye, signals with his feet and motions with his fingers, who plots evil with deceit in his heart— he always stirs up conflict. Therefore, disaster will overtake him in an instant; he will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.
Proverbs 12:19 – Truthful Words are Established
Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
Proverbs 26:28 – The Dangerous Flattery
A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin.
2 Corinthians 11:14 – Beware of Satan’s Deception
And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
Proverbs 25:9 – Seek Out the Truth
Argue your case with your neighbor, and do not reveal another’s secret,
Proverbs 15:4 – Honest Words Bring Healing
The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.
1 Peter 3:10 – Speak Truth and Seek Peace
For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.
Exodus 20:16 – Do Not Bear False Witness
You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
Psalm 101:7 – Deception and Falsehood have No Place
No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence.
Proverbs 16:6 – Love and Faithfulness Deters Evil
Through love and faithfulness, sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord, evil is avoided.
Proverbs 15:1 – Gentle Words Can Deter Manipulation
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Romans 16:18 – Avoid Those Who Cause Division
For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the minds of naive people.
Proverbs 29:11 – A Fool’s Temper Reveals Their True Intentions
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.
Colossians 3:9 – Discard Deception from Your Speech
Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.
Proverbs 14:5 – Honest Witnesses Speak the Truth
Each person’s heart is deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.
1 Corinthians 15:33 – Choose Your Company Wisely
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
Proverbs 26:20 – Gossip Sparks Conflict
Without wood, a fire goes out; without a gossip, quarrels cease.
1 John 1:6 – Walk in the Light, Not Deception
If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.
Proverbs 17:4 – Wrongdoers Listen to Wicked Lips
Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander.
Matthew 5:37 – Let Your Yes Be Yes
All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
Proverbs 10:9 – Honesty Brings Security
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.
Psalm 52:2 – Deception Works for a Time
You who practice deceit, your tongue plots destruction; it is like a sharpened razor.
Proverbs 11:9 – Through Integrity, Manipulation is Destroyed
With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape.
John 8:44 – The Devil is the Father of Lies
You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Proverbs 28:23 – Confront Deceptive Behavior
Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue.
James 1:26 – Guard Your Tongue from Deception
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.
Proverbs 12:17 – Stick to the Truth
An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies.
1 Timothy 4:1 – Beware of Deceptive Spirits
The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.
Proverbs 22:14 – The Mouth of an Immoral Woman
The mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit; a man who is under the Lord’s wrath falls into it.
Proverbs 6:13 – Warning Against Wickedness
Winking with eye, shuffling foot, pointing fingers, scheming mischief and sin,
What Does the Bible Say About Manipulative People?
As we explore the Bible’s perspective on manipulative people, we discover that it offers profound insights and guidance on this complex issue. Manipulation, by its nature, involves deceit and selfish ambition, and these are themes the Bible addresses with clarity.
In the Old Testament, we see various examples of manipulative behavior and its consequences. One such instance is the story of Jacob and Esau. Jacob deceived his father, Isaac, to receive the blessing meant for Esau (Genesis 27). This act of manipulation led to a long-standing conflict between the brothers and eventual separation within the family.
Proverbs provides wisdom for us regarding manipulation. It warns against smooth talkers and deceitful people who use flattering words to deceive others (Proverbs 26:24-26). Manipulative individuals often use charm and persuasive speech to achieve their selfish goals, but the Bible encourages us to discern and recognize such tactics.
The New Testament also addresses this issue. Jesus warns us to beware of false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing but are inwardly ravenous wolves (Matthew 7:15). These manipulative individuals may appear harmless or even benevolent on the surface, but their true intentions are harmful and deceitful.
Paul’s letters provide further guidance. In his letter to the Romans, Paul advises us to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil (Romans 16:19). He also warns the Corinthians about the danger of being led astray by those who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ but are deceitful workers (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).
The overarching message is clear: we must be vigilant and discerning in our interactions with others, always aligning our actions and judgments with the principles of truth and integrity. Our trust should be rooted in God, seeking His wisdom in dealing with manipulative individuals.
By understanding these biblical principles and reflecting on these stories and teachings, we can better navigate our relationships and protect ourselves and others from the harmful effects of manipulation. The Bible ultimately calls us to embody truth, integrity, and love in all our dealings, fostering healthy and honest relationships.