Types of People the Bible Warns Us to Avoid

The Bible serves as a guidebook for believers, offering wisdom and insight on how to live a godly and fulfilling life. Along with its teachings on love, compassion, and forgiveness, there are people the Bible warns us to avoid and distance ourselves from. As Christians, we need to be intentional with whom we allow access into our everyday life. 1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” These cautionary words are intended to protect our faith, foster godly relationships, and promote spiritual maturity, wisdom, and growth. In this article, we will explore some of the types of people the Bible warns us to stay away from and the reasons behind these admonitions.

1. The Deceptive and Manipulative:

The Bible warns against associating with individuals who are deceptive and manipulative. Proverbs 6:12-15 describes them as “worthless and wicked” people who continually scheme and deceive others. Their intentions are rooted in selfishness and self-gain, leading them to manipulate and exploit those around them. Being close to such individuals can endanger our well-being, trust, and our spiritual growth. Proverbs 20:19 cautions against associating with those who are deceitful and spread lies. These individuals tend to distort the truth, spread lies, and engage in deceitful practices. Their influence can lead us astray, erode our trust in others, plant seeds of bitterness, and hinder our ability to discern God’s truth. By staying away from such individuals, we protect ourselves from their harmful intentions, thwart the enemy’s use of them in our lives, and maintain our integrity. We should exercise discernment and avoid those who habitually engage in dishonest practices.

Proverbs 6:16-19: “These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.”

Proverbs 26:28  A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, And a flattering mouth works ruin.

This verse reminds us of God’s standards for righteous living and urges us to avoid taking part in or endorsing ungodly behaviors. They highlight the importance of walking in trustworthiness, repentance, godly living, and a transformed life in Christ. Manipulation and deception are in complete opposition to the character of God. Individuals who use intimidation, manipulation, and deception to control people or situations are operating in low-level witchcraft. God has given all of His creation free will, offering all of mankind the truth, and allowing each person the right to receive or reject it. Anyone who actively participates in these kinds of behaviors should be avoided. The fruit of their works will be rotten, and it will bring forth confusion, distrust, strife, and betrayal. We have to be discerning of the intentions of the enemy through people we allow to have access to us. We know that Jesus clearly states, that Satan is the father of lies and those who regularly operate in deceit and manipulation are of their father the devil.

2. The Foolish and Unwise:

Scripture advises us to exercise caution around those who lack wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 14:7 advises staying away from fools who lack wisdom and understanding. Foolish individuals often make unwise choices and disregard the principles of God’s Word. Their influence can lead us into compromising situations, promote sinful behavior, and hinder our spiritual growth. By surrounding ourselves with wise and discerning individuals, we are more likely to make godly choices and experience personal growth. We should seek companions who are wise and pursue godly understanding. Proverbs 13:20 teaches that “whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Associating with those who are foolish and unwise can negatively impact our decision-making, lead us into ungodly practices, and lead us off the narrow path in which God ordains our steps.

Proverbs 26:11: “As a dog returns to his own vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.”

This verse uses a vivid analogy to illustrate the tendency of fools to repeat their foolish behavior. It serves as a warning about the repetitive nature of folly and the importance of breaking free from foolish patterns. There is a difference between falling into sin and living a life of practicing sin. Fools do not obtain the wisdom to recognize the detriments of their own folly, therefore they cannot perceive how their choices affect not only their life but the lives of those around them.

Proverbs 1:7: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

This verse highlights the importance of fearing the Lord and seeking wisdom. It contrasts fools, who disregard wisdom and instruction, with those who revere God and recognize the value of the knowledge of God. There is no way around it, you cannot follow Christ Jesus if you are not willing to be transformed, corrected, pruned, and renewed. The Holy Spirit cannot minister to an individual who remains unteachable and unwilling to submit to the wisdom, instruction, and conviction He so graciously gives. A reverent fear of The Lord is evidence of being a born-again believer in Christ Jesus. When an individual receives the revelation of Jesus Christ and the righteous holiness of God there will be an awe-inspiring fear of The Lord.

3. The Contentious and Divisive:

The Bible encourages us to stay away from people who are consistently argumentative, contentious, and prone to strife. Proverbs 22:10 warns that “a scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.” These individuals thrive on conflict, often seeking to sow discord and division. Their constant need for confrontation can drain our energy, damage our relationships, and distract us from our purpose in Christ. By maintaining healthy boundaries and avoiding unnecessary conflicts, we create an environment conducive to love, understanding, and spiritual growth. Engaging with them can undermine unity, hinder personal growth, and damage relationships. It is important to foster an environment of peace and pursue healthy relationships based on love and understanding.

4. The Immoral and Ungodly:

1 Corinthians 5:9-11 urges believers to avoid close association with individuals who persist in unrepentant sinful lifestyles, who persistently walk in ungodliness. While we should show love and compassion to all people, the Bible advises us to separate from those who claim to be believers, but habitually engage in immoral practices. This separation serves as a disciplinary measure, promoting personal holiness and protecting the integrity of the Christian community. Associating closely with individuals who engage in lifestyles contrary to God’s commands can negatively influence our behavior, compromise our values, and weaken our commitment to Christ1 Corinthians 5:9-11 reminds us not to associate closely with those who claim to be believers but continue to engage in lifestyles contrary to the teachings of Christ.

Galatians 5:19-21: “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

This passage lists various immoral behaviors and emphasizes that those who regularly practice such behaviors will not inherit the kingdom of God.

5. The False Teachers and Heretics:

The Bible warns us about false teachers and those who spread heretical doctrines within the church. 2 Peter 2:1-3 and Jude 1:3-4 highlight the dangers of those who distort the truth of the Gospel and lead others astray. Their teachings distort the foundational principles of Christianity, misrepresenting the character and nature of God. Associating with such individuals can confuse our understanding of God’s Word, weaken our faith, and lead us astray. It is vital to exercise discernment and seek out teachers who adhere to sound doctrine and faithfully demonstrate the truths of Scripture.

Titus 3:10-11: “Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.”

These verses instruct believers to reject and avoid divisive individuals, promoting false teachings that create division within the church. It emphasizes the detrimental effect of such individuals and encourages a firm response against their influence.

Galatians 1:8-9: “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.”

This passage emphasizes the seriousness of preaching a false gospel. It declares that those who proclaim a distorted or different gospel from the one taught by the apostles should be considered accursed.

As followers of Christ, we are called to navigate our relationships with wisdom, discernment, and love. The Bible provides warnings about certain types of people who can negatively impact our faith, relationships, and our fulfillment of God’s calling. By being aware of the deceptive, foolish, contentious, immoral, and false, we can guard our hearts and protect our faith. Ultimately, the Bible encourages us to be discerning and intentional in our relationships. While we should demonstrate love and compassion to all people, we are also called to protect our faith, foster healthy relationships, and prioritize spiritual growth. By heeding the warnings and seeking godly connections, we create an environment that cultivates spiritual maturity, enables us to be effective witnesses for Christ, and brings glory to God. However, it is important to remember that our ultimate goal is not to isolate ourselves, but to engage with the world around us, showing God’s love, and being a witness for Christ. This is where wisdom and discernment will guide us into setting boundaries from toxic people and relationship dynamics. Let us seek guidance from Scripture and the Holy Spirit to discern healthy relationships and strive for godly connections.