Sometimes, for our own well-being and spiritual growth, we must make the difficult decision to remove certain people from our lives. Today, we’ll turn to the Bible for guidance on when and how to take this step.
These verses provide insight into the importance of surrounding ourselves with positive influences and making tough choices for our own betterment.
What Does the Bible Say About Removing People From Your Life?
In the Bible, we are encouraged to be mindful of the company we keep and the impact it has on our lives. This doesn’t necessarily mean removing people from our lives entirely, but it does imply being discerning about the influence certain individuals have on us. In 1 Corinthians 15:33, we are warned that “bad company corrupts good character.” This verse emphasizes the idea that the people we surround ourselves with can have a significant impact on our behavior and beliefs.
At the same time, the Bible also teaches us about forgiveness and reconciliation. In Matthew 18:15, Jesus instructs us on how to handle conflicts within the community of believers, emphasizing the importance of seeking resolution and restoration in our relationships.
So, while the Bible acknowledges the potential negative influence of certain individuals and the need for healthy boundaries, it also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, reconciliation, and seeking to restore broken relationships. Ultimately, our goal is to reflect the love and grace of God in our interactions with others, even as we strive to protect our own well-being.
Also Study: Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God
Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with wise and godly people. It cautions us that if we continuously associate with foolish individuals, we may be influenced by their negative behaviors or beliefs and suffer harm as a result.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
Here, the apostle Paul warns the Corinthians about the corrupting influence of bad company. He reminds them that maintaining good character is crucial, and one way to do so is by choosing our companions wisely.
Proverbs 22:24-25
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.”
This verse advises against befriending individuals who have a quick temper. It warns us that associating with such people may lead us to adopt their anger and become trapped in destructive patterns.
Psalm 1:1-2
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.”
This psalm highlights the value of avoiding the company of the wicked, sinners, and mockers. Instead, it encourages us to find joy in God’s Word, to meditate on it, and to align our lives with its teachings.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This verse speaks to the power of positive and mutually beneficial relationships. Just as iron can be sharpened by another piece of iron, we can grow and develop in our faith when we are surrounded by other like-minded believers.
1 Kings 12:8
“But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him.”
In this passage, King Rehoboam’s poor decision-making highlights the potential consequences of neglecting wise counsel. It serves as a reminder that seeking advice from those who are older and wiser can help us make better choices in our relationships.
Colossians 3:9-10
“Do not lie to each other since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”
Here, Paul instructs the Colossians to practice honesty in their interactions with one another. He emphasizes the transformation that occurs when we embrace Christ and strive to live according to His example.
Proverbs 18:24
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
This verse highlights the importance of cultivating reliable and genuine friendships. It warns against the dangers of surrounding oneself with unreliable individuals and emphasizes the blessing of having a loyal friend.
Proverbs 27:6
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
This proverb acknowledges the importance of honest feedback from close friends. It contrasts sincere friendship, even if it involves constructive criticism, with the insincere flattery of an enemy.
2 Corinthians 6:14
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”
In this verse, Paul cautions against entering into close relationships or partnerships with unbelievers. He emphasizes the incompatibility between righteousness and wickedness, light and darkness.
Proverbs 19:27
“Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.”
This verse reminds us of the danger of rejecting wise instruction and counsel. It warns that without seeking knowledge and learning from others, we may unknowingly wander away from the truth.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Paul’s exhortation to the Thessalonians encourages them to support and uplift one another. It reminds us of the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who motivate and inspire us on our journey of faith.
Proverbs 27:9
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”
This proverb speaks to the value of genuine friendship and receiving heartfelt advice. It highlights the joy and blessings that result from having friends who offer wise and sincere guidance.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Here, the writer of Hebrews emphasizes the importance of regular fellowship and encouragement among believers. It encourages us to motivate and inspire one another to love and perform acts of kindness, especially as we anticipate the return of Christ.
Psalm 101:7
“No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house; no one who speaks falsely will stand in my presence.”
This psalm affirms the commitment to maintain integrity in our relationships. It declares a resolve to distance oneself from those who engage in deceitful and false speech.
Proverbs 12:26
“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of discernment in choosing our friends. It cautions that associating with wicked individuals can lead us away from righteousness.
Proverbs 16:28
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
This proverb warns against the destructive effects of gossip and the harm it can cause to close relationships. It encourages us to avoid being drawn into or spreading gossip.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises their neighbor sins, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.”
This verse highlights the importance of treating our neighbors with kindness and compassion. It reminds us that neglecting or despising others is a sinful attitude, while showing love to those in need brings blessings.
Proverbs 27:10
“Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family, and do not go to your relative’s house when disaster strikes you—better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away.”
This proverb emphasizes the value of true friendship and the support that comes from nearby neighbors. It reminds us not to abandon our friends in times of trouble, as the presence and assistance of a close friend can be more helpful than a distant relative.
Proverbs 12:26
“A righteous person is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”
This verse highlights the importance of being discerning and cautious in choosing our friends. It emphasizes that the companions we keep can influence our path, either leading us closer to righteousness or astray.
Proverbs 22:11
“One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend.”
This proverb underscores the importance of having a pure heart and speaking with grace. It reveals that a person who possesses these virtues can find favor and friendship with others, even those in positions of authority.
James 2:14-17
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
This passage from James challenges us to examine the authenticity of our faith. It underscores the importance of aligning our actions with our beliefs and emphasizes that true faith is demonstrated through deeds.
Titus 3:10-11
“Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.”
These verses instruct us on how to deal with individuals who persistently cause divisions within the church. It advises a two-step approach of warning and then distancing ourselves from those who sow discord among believers.
Proverbs 13:20
“He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
This verse highlights the benefits of associating with wise individuals. It emphasizes that spending time with wise people can inspire us to gain wisdom, while associating with fools can lead to harm.
Proverbs 18:24
“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
This proverb reminds us of the significance of having loyal and genuine friends. It suggests that having a small circle of trustworthy companions is more valuable than having numerous acquaintances.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
These words of Peter remind us of the importance of love in our relationships. It encourages us to demonstrate deep love for one another, as it has the power to cover and forgive the faults and shortcomings of others.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This well-known proverb speaks to the impact of positive and mutually edifying relationships. It suggests that, just as iron sharpens iron, we can sharpen one another’s character, skills, and faith when we interact and build each other up.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I come before you with a heavy heart, seeking your guidance and wisdom in my relationships. Lord, you know the struggles I am facing, and you see the people who may be causing turmoil in my life.
Help me, Lord, to discern your will and purpose for these relationships. Grant me the wisdom to make decisions that are in accordance with your plan for my life. If there are people who are toxic or harmful to me, Lord, I pray that you would provide me with the strength and courage to distance myself from them in a loving and respectful way.
Please, Lord, fill my heart with your love and compassion, that I may respond to others with kindness and forgiveness, even in difficult circumstances. May your Holy Spirit guide me in all my interactions and help me to be a source of positivity and encouragement to those around me.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.