Dealing with negative people can be draining and disheartening. However, the Bible offers guidance on how to navigate such relationships with wisdom, grace, and resilience.
Join us as we explore empowering verses that shed light on dealing with negative individuals while maintaining a positive outlook and a spirit of love.
Discover practical insights and divine wisdom that will equip you to handle these challenging dynamics with strength and grace. Get ready to rise above negativity and create a positive impact in your interactions with negative people.
Also Read: Bible Verses About The Lord Rebuke Satan
Bible Verses About Negative People
Proverbs 29:22
An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.
This verse warns about the danger of being around people who are angry or hot-tempered. They can easily cause conflicts and lead others into sinful behavior.
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.
Similar to the previous verse, we are warned against befriending people who have issues with anger. The concern is that if we spend too much time with them, we may eventually take on their negative behavior.
Proverbs 17:5
Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.
This verse points out how those who take pleasure in mocking individuals or groups who are less fortunate are ultimately revealing their own contempt for God. Such behavior will ultimately lead to punishment.
1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
This New Testament verse serves as a warning about the corrupting influence of negative people. Even if we start out with good intentions, prolonged exposure to negativity can damage our character over time.
Proverbs 14:7
Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.
The book of Proverbs has many verses about negative people, likely because avoiding them is an important part of living a wise and righteous life. This verse advises us to stay away from foolish people because they won’t have anything worthwhile to teach us.
Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.
This verse reminds us of the destructive power of hatred and emphasizes the importance of showing love and forgiveness to those who have wronged us. It’s a reminder that we can combat negative behavior with positive attitudes and actions.
Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
This verse reminds us that we have the power to diffuse tense or negative situations with our words. Responding with kindness and understanding can be a powerful way to combat negativity.
Proverbs 27:6
Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
Unfortunately, not all negative people are strangers or acquaintances. Sometimes, even those we consider friends can harm us with their words or actions. This verse reminds us that true friends may occasionally say things that hurt us, but their intentions are ultimately good. Enemies, on the other hand, may seem sweet and supportive, but their true motives are selfish.
2 Timothy 3:2-5
People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
This passage provides a long list of negative behaviors and attitudes to watch out for. It also emphasizes that we should avoid people who exhibit these characteristics, even if they claim to be religious or spiritual.
Proverbs 6:12-15
A troublemaker and a villain, who goes about with a corrupt mouth, who winks maliciously with his eye, signals with his feet and motions with his fingers, who plots evil with deceit in his heart—he always stirs up conflict. Therefore, disaster will overtake him in an instant; he will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.
This passage describes a particularly negative individual who is actively plotting evil and causing trouble for others. It emphasizes the inevitability of their downfall and punishment.
Galatians 5:19-21
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
These verses from Galatians list many negative behaviors that can damage our relationship with God and with others. They serve as a warning to avoid these behaviors and attitudes as much as possible.
Proverbs 18:2
Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.
This verse highlights the tendency of negative people to always want to be heard and to speak without really listening. It’s a reminder to seek out people who are willing to listen and learn, rather than just talk about themselves.
1 Corinthians 5:9-11
I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.
This passage reminds us that we have a responsibility to avoid associating with people who claim to be religious, but exhibit negative behaviors that are contrary to the teachings of Christ.
Proverbs 12:18
The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
This verse emphasizes the power of our words to either hurt or heal those around us. It’s a reminder to be mindful of what we say and how we say it, especially around people who tend to be negative or hurtful.
Proverbs 29:27
The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.
This verse highlights the fundamental difference in values between people who are righteous and those who are wicked. While it’s tempting to want to bridge the gap and find common ground with negative people, there are times when we simply must recognize that we have fundamentally different beliefs.
James 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
This verse reminds us that our attitudes and behaviors have consequences. When we exhibit pride, negativity, or other negative traits, we are working against God’s will for us. By contrast, when we are humble and positive, we open ourselves up to more of God’s grace and favor.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
This verse reminds us to focus on positive and uplifting thoughts and behaviors. By actively seeking out what is good and pure, we can protect ourselves from the corrupting influence of negative people and attitudes.
Matthew 18:15-17
If your brother or sister sins against you, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
While we are called to love and treat others with kindness, this passage reminds us that there are times when we must confront negative behavior. When someone has done us wrong or caused harm, we shouldn’t simply tolerate it and continue to engage with them as if nothing happened. Instead, we have a responsibility to bring the matter to their attention and seek reconciliation, even if it means distancing ourselves from them.
What does the Bible say About Negative People?
The Bible provides guidance on how to deal with negative people and their attitudes. While it may not explicitly address the term “negative people,” several passages offer wisdom and insights into handling difficult individuals and cultivating a positive mindset in ourselves.
- Avoiding bad company: Proverbs 13:20 (NIV) advises, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” This passage suggests the importance of surrounding ourselves with positive influences and avoiding the company of those who may lead us astray or influence us negatively.
- Guarding our speech: Proverbs 21:23 (NIV) states, “Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.” This verse reminds us to be mindful of our words and avoid engaging in gossip, slander, or negative speech, even when dealing with negative people.
- Responding with kindness: In Luke 6:27-28 (NIV), Jesus teaches, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Responding to negativity with kindness and prayer demonstrates love and compassion, promoting a positive atmosphere.
- Focusing on the positive: Philippians 4:8 (NIV) encourages believers to focus their thoughts on “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable.” By concentrating on positive aspects, we can maintain a hopeful perspective amidst negativity.
- Seeking wise counsel: Proverbs 12:15 (NIV) states, “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” When dealing with negativity, seeking counsel from wise and mature individuals can provide valuable insights and solutions.
- Forgiveness and reconciliation: Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV) emphasizes the importance of forgiveness: “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'” Being forgiving helps break the cycle of negativity and fosters reconciliation.
- Focusing on personal growth: Galatians 6:4-5 (NIV) advises, “Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.” This verse reminds us to focus on our growth and not get bogged down by negative comparisons with others.
While the Bible acknowledges the reality of negative people, it encourages believers to respond with love, wisdom, and positive virtues, ultimately promoting harmony and personal growth.