Manipulators use their skills, behaviors, or tactics to control, influence, or exploit others for their benefit.
They are often skilled at using emotional and psychological tactics to get what they want from other people. They may engage in manipulation in various contexts, such as personal relationships, work settings, or even politics.
Some common tactics that manipulators use include lying, guilt-tripping, gaslighting, emotional blackmail, and creating a sense of obligation or dependency. Manipulators may also use flattery or charm to get people to do what they want.
It’s essential to be aware of manipulative behavior and to set boundaries with manipulators.
Sometimes, it may be necessary to cut off contact with a manipulative individual for one’s well-being. If you struggle with manipulative behavior from someone in your life, seeking support from a therapist or trusted friend can be helpful.
Contents
27 Bible Verses On How to Deal With Manipulators Biblically
1. Proverbs 12:22
Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.” Speak truth and act with integrity.
2. Proverbs 26:24-25
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.” Don’t trust manipulators who use flattery to get what they want.
3. Matthew 10:16
Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” Be wise and discerning, but also gentle and innocent.
4. James 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Resist the temptation to be manipulated and rely on God for strength.
5. Proverbs 19:22
What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar.” Value honesty and faithfulness over wealth or power.
6. Romans 12:9
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” Hold fast to what is good and reject what is manipulative or deceitful.
7. Ephesians 4:25
Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” Speak truthfully and hold others accountable to do the same.
8. Psalm 55:21
His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.” Beware of those who speak kindly but have malicious intentions.
9. Proverbs 1:10
My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.” Don’t let manipulators draw you into sinful behavior.
10. Proverbs 22:24-25
Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.” Be cautious in your relationships and don’t allow yourself to be drawn into manipulative behavior.
What does the Bible Say about Manipulators
11. Leviticus 25:17
Do not take advantage of each other, but fear your God. I am the LORD your God.
12. 1 Thessalonians 4:6
And that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before.
13. 2 Corinthians 11:14
And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
14. Galatians 1:8-9
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
15. Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.
16. Romans 16:18
Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people.
17. 2 Peter 2:1
But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
18. Luke 16:15
He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.
19. Ephesians 6:16-17
In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
20. 2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.
What does the bible say about dealing with manipulators
21. 1 Thessalonians 4:6
And that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you.
22. Acts 20:30
And from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.
23. Proverbs 21:6
The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death.
24. 2 Corinthians 11:14
No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
25. Matthew 24:4
And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you.
25. Matthew 7:15
Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
26. 1 Timothy 4:1
But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,
How Do Manipulators Behave
Manipulators use tactics to influence, control, or exploit others for their gain. They often exhibit particular behavioral patterns, including:
- Charm and Flattery: Manipulators often use charm and flattery to gain the trust and admiration of their targets. They may shower their targets with compliments or lavish gifts to make them feel special.
- Guilt-Tripping: Manipulators may use guilt as a way to control their targets. They may play the victim or use emotional blackmail to make their targets feel guilty or responsible for their actions.
- Gaslighting: Manipulators may use gaslighting to make their targets doubt their perception of reality. They may distort the truth, deny their behavior, or make false accusations to confuse or disorient their targets.
- Playing the Victim: Manipulators may use a victim mentality to gain sympathy and support from others. They may exaggerate or fabricate their problems to elicit emotional responses from their targets.
- Passive-Aggressiveness: Manipulators may indirectly use passive-aggressive behavior to express their anger or frustration. They may use sarcasm, subtle insults, or backhanded compliments to undermine their targets.
- Control and Dominance: Manipulators may seek to control their targets through various means, such as micromanagement, intimidation, or threats. They may try to dominate conversations or make all the decisions to assert their power over others.
How To Handle Manipulators
Handling manipulators can be challenging, but several strategies can help protect yourself and reduce the impact of their behavior:
- Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries and communicate them assertively. Let manipulators know what behaviors are unacceptable and what consequences will follow if they continue.
- Maintain Distance: Limit your interactions with manipulators and avoid getting too emotionally invested in their games. Keep conversations brief and focused on practical matters.
- Stay Objective: Keep a clear and objective perspective on the situation. Don’t get drawn into their drama or emotional manipulation.
- Seek Support: Seek support from trusted friends, family, or a therapist who can provide an outside perspective and emotional support.
- Stay Calm: Manipulators may try to provoke you or push your buttons. Stay calm, composed, and focused on the facts. Avoid reacting emotionally or impulsively.
- Don’t Play Their Game: Manipulators thrive on attention and drama. Don’t engage in their games or try to outmaneuver them. Instead, stay true to your values and priorities.
What Do Manipulators want?
Some common reasons why manipulators engage in such behavior include:
- Power and control over others
- Self-esteem
- Personal gain, such as material benefits
- Insecurity: They may manipulate others to prevent rejection, abandonment, or other fears.
- Entertainment: Some people may manipulate others for fun or amusement without considering the consequences of their actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you outsmart a manipulator?
Anything they say or do, ignore it.
Correcting them only makes you fall into their trap even more.
Delete them from your life Immediately.
If you can’t immediately delete them—for example, if they’re your boss, a coworker, or a relative—agree with what they say and then go off on your own.
Don’t try to fit in
Continue to reinvent yourself. Consistency isn’t necessarily good or associated with success.
Get a stronger sense of direction.
Because so many individuals are unaware of their goals, manipulators continue to prosper in modern society.
Those who manipulate you want you to be reliable to use you to advance their objectives.
They want you to report to work for them starting at 9 a.m. every day and receive minimum wage. They want you to tidy the house, arrive home on time, and leave them feeling good about themselves.
Be accountable to yourself.
Shame on someone if they manage to trick you once. You’re an idiot if someone manages to trick you ten times.
Stop allowing manipulators to take advantage of you. Do not serve as a punching bag. You’re only making yourself look horrible, and nobody feels sorry.
Say no to those who mistreat you if you have enough self-awareness and respect for yourself to do so.
2. How do you deal with a manipulative spirit?
The message is that Christians should be aware of spiritual manipulation and follow the example of the Bereans in Acts 17:11, who examined the Scriptures to verify Paul’s preaching. Paul did not take offense because he knew his preaching was based on Scripture.
All teaching and preaching must be held up to the light of God’s Word before acceptance. Any religious group that prevents independent research or challenges leadership must have something to hide.
Christians should be wise as snakes and innocent as doves, following the gentle and humble ex
ample of Jesus.
