What Does the Bible Say About Dealing With Toxic People?

Toxic relationships—whether at work, in our families, or even within the church—can leave us feeling emotionally drained, spiritually conflicted, and uncertain about how to respond.

While modern psychology gives us tools like boundaries and self-care, many still ask: What does the Bible actually say about handling toxic people? Is cutting people off biblical? Or are we always called to turn the other cheek, no matter the cost?

The Bible doesn’t shy away from difficult people, and neither should we. Scripture provides us with practical, faith-based guidance for identifying toxic behavior, protecting our well-being, and walking in love without enabling harm.

In this article, you’ll discover how to approach toxic relationships through a biblical lens.

You’ll learn:

• How the Bible defines toxic behavior and how it differs from normal conflict
• Examples of how Jesus and Paul dealt with harmful people
• Biblical principles for setting boundaries without bitterness
• When to walk away and when to stay rooted in love
• How to guard your spiritual and emotional health while keeping Christ at the center

Let’s start by understanding how the Bible defines toxic people.

How the Bible defines toxic behavior

The Bible may not use the modern term “toxic,” but it paints clear pictures of behaviors that destroy peace, twist truth, and harm others.

Toxicity often manifests as:

• Pride that refuses correction (Proverbs 16:18)
• Envy and jealousy that breeds resentment (James 3:16)
• Lying and deceit that break trust (Proverbs 6:16-19)
• Strife and division sown deliberately (Romans 16:17)
• Unrepentant anger that leads to destruction (Proverbs 29:22)
• Manipulation and narcissism, where people serve their own interests at the expense of others (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

Toxic people often resist repentance, refuse humility, and manipulate spiritual concepts like grace to avoid justice. The Bible warns us to watch out for such patterns and, importantly, to guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23).

Once we recognize toxic traits through biblical discernment, the next step is to examine how Jesus and the early church leaders actually responded to harmful individuals.

Examples of how Jesus and Paul dealt with harmful people

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Jesus, full of truth and grace, showed us that love doesn’t mean enabling abuse. When faced with Pharisees’ hypocrisy and pride, He boldly called them out as “whitewashed tombs” (Matthew 23:27). He didn’t tolerate deceit or spiritual manipulation.

Similarly, Paul confronted harmful behavior directly. In his letters, he called out those spreading division and false teaching (Galatians 2:11-14), and even urged church discipline when people were unrepentantly harming the community (1 Corinthians 5:11-13).

Both Jesus and Paul demonstrate that forgiveness doesn’t mean remaining silent in the face of sin or injustice. Instead, they held people accountable while keeping their own hearts anchored in love.

Now that we’ve seen biblical figures model strength and clarity, how do we practically apply this wisdom when setting personal boundaries?

Biblical principles for setting boundaries without bitterness

Boundaries are not unbiblical; they’re essential.

Even Jesus often withdrew from crowds (Luke 5:16) and didn’t entrust Himself to everyone (John 2:24). He understood that discernment is vital when navigating relationships.

Setting boundaries might include:

• Limiting time with those who are verbally or emotionally abusive
• Stepping back from relationships where lying and deceit are persistent
• Refusing to be unequally yoked with those who habitually reject God’s ways (2 Corinthians 6:14)

The goal isn’t avoidance out of bitterness, but healthy separation for restoration and protection. We are called to love our enemies (Luke 6:27), but love is not the same as tolerating sin. Boundaries make room for healing, both yours and theirs.

But even with boundaries in place, there comes a time to decide: do I stay, or do I walk away?

When to walk away and when to stay rooted in love

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There are moments when walking away is not only allowed but also wise. Proverbs 22:24-25 warns, “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”(NKJV).

Sometimes, peacemaking looks like distance. When a relationship becomes chronically abusive, toxic, or spiritually dangerous, separation may be the path of wisdom.

However, Scripture also calls us to be ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). If the person demonstrates genuine repentance, humility, and a willingness to rebuild trust, staying and working through the process in love may reflect God’s redeeming nature.

Use prayer and godly counsel to determine which path reflects righteousness in your situation.

Whether you stay or go, one thing remains true: you must take care of your own well-being and spiritual health.

How to guard your spiritual and emotional health while keeping Christ at the center

Dealing with toxic people takes a toll. That’s why Scripture urges us to stay anchored through:

• Prayer–to stay close to God (Philippians 4:6-7)
• Forgiveness—not to excuse the behavior, but to free ourselves from the grip of bitterness (Colossians 3:13)
• Grace for ourselves, recognising we too are growing
• Truth of Scripture—standing firm in God’s Word to avoid being swayed by manipulation or guilt
• Surrounding yourself with wise counsel and community (Proverbs 13:20)

Toxic people thrive in chaos and confusion. But as you stay grounded in Christ’s righteousness, you’ll respond with clarity, peace, and courage—not fear or reactivity.

Finding freedom and wisdom in Christ

The Bible doesn’t call us to suffer silently under abuse, nor does it give us a blank check to cut people off without reflection. Instead, it gives us the tools of discernment, humility, peacemaking, and truth, enabling us to navigate complex relationships with grace and strength.

Some relationships will be restored through repentance and reconciliation. Others will require boundaries or separation. But in every case, Scripture points us toward healing, not hate, toward truth, not toxicity.

Ready to grow wiser in your relationships?

Explore more life-changing biblical insights in the Relationships Section of Hope for Africa. There, you’ll find spiritually grounded answers to some of life’s most pressing relational questions—rooted in truth, empathy, and biblical wisdom.

To get you started, here are three carefully selected reads that complement today’s message:

• Secrets to Cultivating Healthy Relationships – Discover how to build lasting, God-honouring connections. This article is Perfect for Anyone looking to move beyond surface-level connections to build relationships rooted in righteousness, grace, and mutual growth.
• Interacting With Strangers: Balancing Kindness and Discernment – How do we love our neighbour while protecting our peace? This piece is Perfect for professionals, parents, or anyone who interacts with new people regularly and wants to honour God while staying emotionally wise and spiritually protected.
• How to Set Healthy Boundaries – Protect your peace without compromising your witness. This guide is ideal for those who feel stretched thin or guilty about distancing themselves from toxic people, and who want to establish boundaries that reflect both truth and compassion.

Visit the Relationships Section now to continue your journey toward healthier, holier relationships. Each article is designed to equip you with biblical tools, encourage you with hope, and empower you to love wisely, all while maintaining your identity.