Boundaries are essential for healthy relationships, and the Bible provides guidance on setting them. Today, we’ll learn what Scripture says about creating safe and godly connections with others.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Staying Single
What Does The Bible Say About Boundaries In Relationships
Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries in relationships, particularly when it comes to guarding our hearts. It reminds us that our actions and decisions are influenced by the condition of our hearts, and we need to protect ourselves from potential harm.
Establishing healthy boundaries allows us to maintain emotional and spiritual well-being, preventing us from being taken advantage of or becoming entangled in harmful relationships.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
This verse warns us about the influence of the people we surround ourselves with. It reminds us to be cautious and discerning in choosing our relationships, as those who have a negative influence can lead us astray and compromise our character.
Setting boundaries in relationships involves being mindful of the impact others have on our lives, and making the intentional decision to distance ourselves from those who may hinder our growth and spiritual well-being.
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
This verse implies the importance of seeking relationships with those who possess wisdom and understanding. It encourages us to surround ourselves with people who will positively contribute to our lives, as associating with foolish individuals can lead to negative consequences.
Establishing boundaries in relationships means intentionally choosing to align ourselves with those who will challenge and inspire us to grow in wisdom and righteousness.
Matthew 22:37-39
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
This verse highlights the importance of loving God above all else and extending that love to our neighbors. It lays the foundation for establishing healthy boundaries in relationships.
By prioritizing our love for God, we ensure that our relationships, including our boundaries, are rooted in a genuine desire for His will and His glory. This includes treating others with love, respect, and empathy while maintaining healthy limits in our interactions.
Proverbs 14:7
“Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.”
This verse serves as a reminder to distance ourselves from those who lack wisdom and understanding. It urges us to exercise discernment and caution in choosing whom we associate with.
Establishing boundaries in relationships entails recognizing and avoiding individuals whose words and actions may hinder our personal growth and spiritual journey.
1 Corinthians 6:18
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.”
This verse emphasizes the need for boundaries specifically in the context of sexual relationships. It urges us to flee from sexual immorality and urges us to maintain purity in our actions and choices.
Setting boundaries in relationships involves upholding biblical principles and following God’s design for sexual purity.
Proverbs 12:26
“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”
This verse highlights the importance of carefully selecting our friends and companions. It reminds us that the company we keep can either lead us closer to righteousness or drag us away from it.
Establishing boundaries in relationships involves being intentional about the people we allow into our inner circle, ensuring they align with our values and encourage us in our walk with God.
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22
“But test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.”
This verse encourages us to exercise discernment and evaluate everything against the truth of God’s Word. It reminds us to actively discern what is good and abstain from anything that leads us toward evil.
Setting boundaries in relationships means staying alert and testing the counsel, advice, and behavior of others against the teachings of Scripture to ensure that we remain on the path of righteousness.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This verse highlights the potential for positive growth and influence in our relationships. It underscores the importance of engaging with individuals who challenge and encourage us to become better versions of ourselves.
Establishing boundaries in relationships includes seeking out companions who help us grow spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally, ultimately sharpening us and drawing us closer to God.
Psalm 1:1-3
“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. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of choosing our associations wisely. It depicts the blessings that come from avoiding the influence of the wicked and instead delighting in God’s law and truth.
Setting boundaries in relationships means intentionally distancing ourselves from those who embrace sin and negativity, and instead immersing ourselves in the truth of God’s Word.
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 provides a cautionary reminder to avoid becoming entangled with individuals who have anger issues. It urges us to exercise discernment and recognize the potential negative impact they can have on our own behavior and mindset.
Establishing boundaries in relationships involves recognizing and avoiding associations with those who have hot tempers, protecting ourselves from potential harm and negative influence.
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?”
This verse warns against entering into close partnerships or relationships with unbelievers, highlighting the vast differences between righteousness and wickedness, light and darkness.
Setting boundaries in relationships involves being mindful of the spiritual foundation of our associations, ensuring that we align ourselves with those who share our faith and values.
1 Peter 5:8
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
This verse serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and aware of the spiritual battle we face. It cautions us against naively placing ourselves in situations or relationships that may make us vulnerable to the schemes of the enemy.
Establishing boundaries in relationships involves being discerning and avoiding circumstances that may compromise our spiritual well-being and expose us to the enemy’s attacks.
1 Corinthians 5:11
“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 verse instructs us to distance ourselves from those who claim to be believers but engage in unrepentant sinful behavior. It emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries with individuals whose lifestyle contradicts the teachings of Scripture.
Setting boundaries in relationships involves exercising caution and avoiding close associations with those who claim to be Christians but consistently live in a manner contrary to God’s Word.
Proverbs 24:21-22
“Fear the Lord and the king, my son, and do not join with rebellious officials, for those two will send sudden destruction on them, and who knows what calamities they can bring?”
This verse encourages us to avoid aligning ourselves with rebellious and corrupt individuals, as it can lead to unforeseen consequences and calamities.
Establishing boundaries in relationships involves recognizing the importance of aligning ourselves with people of integrity and avoiding associations that can lead us away from righteousness.
1 Corinthians 10:12-13
“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
This passage reminds us of our vulnerability to temptation and encourages us to be cautious. It assures us of God’s faithfulness in providing a way out when we are faced with temptation.
Setting boundaries in relationships involves staying alert and relying on God’s strength to resist temptation, ensuring that our associations do not lead us into compromising situations.
Proverbs 4:14-15
“Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.”
This verse advises us to steer clear of the path of the wicked and to refrain from aligning with evildoers. It emphasizes the importance of actively avoiding situations and relationships that may lead us astray.
Establishing boundaries in relationships involves making deliberate choices to turn away from evil and instead pursue righteousness in all our interactions.
1 Timothy 5:22
“Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.”
This verse advises caution in appointing leaders or entering into close partnerships too quickly. It reminds us not to become entangled in the sins and temptations of others.
Setting boundaries in relationships involves exercising discernment and guarding ourselves against compromising situations, ensuring that we maintain our purity and integrity.
Proverbs 19:27
“Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.”
This verse warns against disregarding wise instruction and the pursuit of knowledge. It implies that neglecting guidance can lead to wandering from the truth.
Establishing boundaries in relationships involves actively seeking wisdom, being open to correction, and surrounding ourselves with individuals who offer godly counsel.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
This verse reminds us of the influence that our associations can have on our character. It cautions against aligning ourselves with individuals who may corrupt our moral values.
Setting boundaries in relationships involves being discerning and choosing companions who will contribute positively to our spiritual growth and overall character development.
Proverbs 11:14
“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.”
This verse highlights the importance of seeking counsel and guidance from multiple sources. It implies that wise advice and diverse perspectives lead to success.
Establishing boundaries in relationships involves recognizing the value of seeking counsel and surrounding ourselves with trusted advisors who can provide sound 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.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of community and the influence it has on our spiritual journey. It encourages us to come together to encourage and motivate one another.
Setting boundaries in relationships involves actively participating in a supportive Christian community that fosters spiritual growth and accountability.
Proverbs 9:9
“Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.”
This verse highlights the value of seeking knowledge and instruction from the wise and righteous. It suggests that learning and growth are ongoing processes.
Establishing boundaries in relationships involves humbly receiving wisdom and correction from trusted individuals who can contribute to our spiritual and personal development.
1 Peter 3:15
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
This verse encourages us to be ready to share our faith with others and provide a reason for the hope that we possess. It emphasizes the importance of doing so with gentleness and respect.
Setting boundaries in relationships involves being prepared to confidently and kindly express our Christian beliefs, while also respecting the beliefs and boundaries of others.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
This verse urges us to trust in the Lord completely and surrender our own understanding. It assures us that when we submit to God in all areas of our lives, He will guide and direct our paths.
Establishing boundaries in relationships involves relying on God’s wisdom and guidance, allowing Him to lead us in forming healthy and edifying connections with others.