Experiencing being taken advantage of can be deeply hurtful and unsettling. The Bible acknowledges the pain of such situations and offers guidance on how to respond with grace, wisdom, and resilience. Join us as we explore Bible verses that shed light on dealing with being taken advantage of, providing insights into forgiveness, boundaries, and finding strength in our faith.
Bible Verses About Being Taken Advantage of
Psalm 10:14
“But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.”
In this verse, the psalmist acknowledges that even when people are taken advantage of and oppressed by others, God sees their pain and is their ultimate helper. It reminds us that we can find comfort and strength in God’s presence, knowing that He cares for those who are vulnerable and mistreated.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and generosity. Taking advantage of others goes against God’s desire for His people to love their neighbors as themselves. It highlights the blessings that come to those who show compassion and extend a helping hand to those in need.
Isaiah 10:2
“Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees, and the writers who keep writing oppression.”
The prophet Isaiah denounces those who enact unjust laws and exploit the vulnerable. This verse serves as a reminder that God’s justice will ultimately prevail, and those who take advantage of others will face consequences for their actions.
Jeremiah 22:13
“Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms by injustice, who makes his neighbor serve him for nothing and does not give him his wages.”
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah rebukes those who build their wealth and prosperity through unfair and dishonest means. It highlights the injustice of withholding fair wages from those who work diligently and the negative consequences that result from such actions.
Matthew 5:42
“Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.”
Jesus’ words in this verse challenge His followers to display generosity and kindness even in the face of being taken advantage of. It encourages believers to have a heart of compassion and to be willing to help others, trusting God to provide and protect.
Luke 6:30
“Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back.”
Similar to Matthew 5:42, this verse calls for a generous and selfless attitude towards those who seek help, even if it means sacrificing personal possessions or resources. It reflects the teachings of Jesus, who demonstrated a willingness to give without expecting anything in return.
Romans 12:17
“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.”
As followers of Christ, we are called to rise above the temptation to seek revenge or retaliate when we are taken advantage of. Instead, this verse reminds us to pursue righteousness and honor, even in difficult situations, trusting God to handle matters of justice.
Ephesians 4:28
“Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.”
This verse addresses the transformation that should take place in the life of a person who once engaged in dishonest practices. Rather than exploiting others, the transformed individual is called to engage in honest labor and use their resources to help those in need.
Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.”
This passage encourages believers to cultivate a humble and selfless attitude, prioritizing the needs and interests of others above their own. It teaches that true fulfillment comes from serving others rather than taking advantage of them.
Colossians 4:1
“Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.”
This verse speaks to the responsibility of those in positions of authority to treat their subordinates with justice and fairness. It reminds them that they are accountable to a higher authority, God, who expects them to exhibit integrity and compassion.
James 5:4
“Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.”
This verse serves as a stern warning to those who unjustly withhold wages from their workers. It emphasizes that God hears the cries of the oppressed and holds accountable those who take advantage of others, particularly those who rely on fair compensation for their livelihood.
1 Peter 5:2-3
“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.”
This verse addresses leaders within the Christian community, urging them to shepherd with a genuine heart, free from selfish motives or a desire for personal gain. It emphasizes the importance of servant leadership and setting a positive example for others to follow.
1 John 3:17-18
“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”
This passage highlights the practical aspect of love, urging believers not to merely express love verbally but to demonstrate it through their actions. It challenges us to show compassion and support to those who are in need, refusing to turn a blind eye to their struggles.
Proverbs 22:22-23
“Do not rob the poor, because he is poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate, for the Lord will plead their cause and rob of life those who rob them.”
These verses emphasize God’s concern for the poor and vulnerable. They serve as a warning to those who exploit or mistreat the less fortunate, assuring that God will intervene on behalf of the oppressed and bring justice to those who have taken advantage of others.
Isaiah 58:6-7
“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?”
These verses emphasize that true worship and devotion to God extend beyond religious rituals. They call for active compassion and care for those who are oppressed, hungry, homeless, and in need. Taking advantage of others is contrary to the heart of God, who desires His people to engage in acts of mercy and justice.
Luke 10:30-37
“Jesus replied, ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance, a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?’ He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘You go, and do likewise.'”
The parable of the Good Samaritan exemplifies the importance of showing compassion and helping those who are in desperate need. It teaches that genuine love and care should extend beyond social barriers or personal gain. Taking advantage of others contradicts the selfless actions that Jesus encourages His followers to emulate.
Micah 6:8
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
This verse encapsulates the heart of God’s desire for His people. It emphasizes the importance of justice, kindness, and humility. Taking advantage of others goes against these principles and fails to align with the character and expectations of God.
Proverbs 3:27
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to do it.”
This proverb admonishes us not to withhold help or support from those who deserve it and are in need. Taking advantage of others by withholding what rightfully belongs to them reflects a lack of generosity and empathy, contrary to the wisdom found in Proverbs.
Matthew 20:26-28
“But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Jesus teaches His disciples about the importance of servant leadership and selflessness. Taking advantage of others contradicts the example set by Jesus, who demonstrated humility and sacrificial love throughout His ministry.
Also Read: 32 Bible Verses About Accomplishment (With Commentary)
Luke 14:12-14
“He said also to the man who had invited him, ‘When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.'”
Jesus challenges the notion of seeking personal gain or advantage in acts of kindness or hospitality. He encourages His followers to extend generosity to those who cannot reciprocate, acknowledging that true blessings come from a selfless and compassionate heart.
Galatians 6:10
“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
This verse reminds believers to seize every opportunity to do good to others, extending kindness and support to everyone. It emphasizes the importance of caring for fellow believers as well, fostering a community of love and support.
James 2:15-16
“If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?”
James addresses the danger of empty words and hollow gestures without genuine action. Taking advantage of others by offering mere lip service without meeting their practical needs is a hollow and unloving response.
Proverbs 28:27
“Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.”
This proverb emphasizes the blessings that come from generous giving and the negative consequences of turning a blind eye to the needs of the poor. It serves as a reminder that taking advantage of others, particularly the less fortunate, will ultimately lead to unfavorable outcomes.
Isaiah 1:17
“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.”
This verse highlights the importance of seeking justice and standing against oppression. It calls believers to act on behalf of the marginalized and vulnerable, advocating for their rights and well-being. Taking advantage of others contradicts the call to correct oppression and pursue justice.
Matthew 25:40
“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'”
Jesus teaches that acts of kindness and compassion towards the marginalized and needy are regarded as acts done unto Him. Taking advantage of others contradicts the heart of Christ, who identifies Himself with those who are oppressed and in need.
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”
This proverb highlights the faithfulness of God to reward those who display generosity towards the poor and disadvantaged. It reminds us that taking advantage of others is contrary to God’s desire for us to be generous and compassionate, promising His provision and blessings in return.