Ending relationships can be difficult, but there are times when cutting ties may be necessary. Does the Bible offer guidance on this? Scripture speaks about reconciliation, forgiveness, but also boundaries. Let’s take a look at what the Bible says about when and how to distance yourself from others.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About The Internet
What Does The Bible Say About Cutting People Off
Matthew 18:15-17
“If your brother or sister sins, 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.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of addressing conflicts and sinful behavior within the community of believers. It encourages a step-by-step approach to reconciliation, with the ultimate goal of restoration. However, if someone persistently refuses to acknowledge their wrongdoing and make amends, there may be a need to separate from them in order to maintain the integrity of the community and protect others from harm.
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 forming close relationships with individuals prone to anger and quick-tempered behavior. Associating with such people can negatively influence one’s own character and lead to entanglements in their destructive patterns. It highlights the importance of choosing relationships wisely and being mindful of the impact they can have on our own attitudes and actions.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
This verse serves as a warning against the influence of negative companionship. It states that spending time with individuals of questionable morals or character can have a detrimental effect on one’s own virtue. It reminds believers to be discerning in choosing their company and to prioritize the cultivation of godly character above all else.
1 Corinthians 5:11-13
“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. What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. ‘Expel the wicked person from among you.'”
This passage highlights the need for discernment within the Christian community regarding associating with individuals who claim to be believers but persistently engage in immoral behaviors. While Christians should strive to extend love and grace to all, there may come a point where continued association with unrepentant sinners can compromise the spiritual integrity of the community. In such cases, separation becomes necessary for the preservation of the truth and the welfare of the church.
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
This verse emphasizes the significance of choosing wise and discerning individuals as companions. The company we keep has a significant impact on our own lives and growth. Walking alongside the wise allows us to learn from their wisdom, while associating with fools can result in harm and negative consequences.
1 Corinthians 15:1-2
“Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel, you are saved if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of holding firmly to the Gospel and not compromising one’s faith. Associating with those who oppose or reject the teachings of the Gospel can potentially lead to doubts and wavering in one’s own beliefs. It encourages believers to surround themselves with fellow believers who will strengthen their faith and support their spiritual journey.
Proverbs 13:21
“Misfortune pursues the sinner, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.”
This verse highlights the contrasting outcomes of righteous living and sinful behavior. Those who persist in a lifestyle of sin often face the consequences of their actions, while those who live uprightly and follow God’s commands are blessed with prosperity. It serves as a reminder to choose our associations wisely, as negative influences can lead us away from righteousness and into misfortune.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of having relationships with individuals who challenge and inspire us to grow in our faith and character. Just as iron blades become sharper when they are rubbed against each other, our own spiritual lives can be enhanced through the influence, encouragement, and accountability of like-minded believers.
Proverbs 14:7
“Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.”
This verse warns against engaging with foolish individuals who lack wisdom and understanding. Associating with such people can lead to the absorption of their foolishness and hinder our ability to gain knowledge and insight. It encourages believers to seek out the company of those who speak words of wisdom and truth.
Proverbs 12:26
“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of intentional selection when it comes to friendships and associations. The righteous exercise discernment in choosing their companions, recognizing that the wrong company can lead them astray from the path of righteousness. It underscores the need to prioritize godly connections and community in order to navigate life faithfully.
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 highlights the incompatibility between believers and unbelievers. It discourages forming close partnerships or relationships with those who do not share the same faith, as there is a fundamental contrast between righteousness and wickedness, light and darkness. It encourages believers to prioritize spiritual unity and fellowship with fellow believers.
Proverbs 1:10
“My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them.”
This verse serves as a warning against being influenced or enticed by individuals who engage in sinful behavior. It encourages believers to resist the pressure and allure of those who seek to lead them astray from the path of righteousness. It highlights the importance of maintaining moral integrity even in the face of temptation.
1 Corinthians 11:33
“So then, my brothers and sisters, when you gather to eat, you should all eat together.”
This verse emphasizes the unity and togetherness of believers in the context of communal gatherings, particularly in the context of the Lord’s Supper. It highlights the importance of inclusivity and not excluding fellow believers from participation unless there are valid reasons based on their behavior or refusal to repent.
Ephesians 5:6-7
“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.”
This verse warns against being deceived by empty or deceitful words that seek to justify and promote disobedience. It stresses the importance of not partnering with those who espouse such beliefs or engage in behaviors contrary to God’s commands. It encourages believers to remain steadfast in truth and to avoid being swayed by persuasive yet empty arguments.
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 cautions against joining forces with rebellious or unjust authorities. It advises believers to prioritize the fear of the Lord and to refrain from associating with those who promote resistance or rebellion against established leadership. It recognizes the potential consequences and calamities that may arise as a result of such affiliations.
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 admonishes believers to avoid following the path of the wicked and to distance themselves from evildoers. It encourages a deliberate choice to turn away from the ways of sin and to continue on the path of righteousness. It highlights the importance of making conscious decisions to steer clear of ungodly influences and behaviors.
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 listening to instruction. It admonishes believers to value and seek knowledge through wise counsel and teachings. It underscores the importance of maintaining a teachable heart and being open to advice and guidance from those who possess wisdom and understanding.
Proverbs 9:6
“Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight.”
This verse encourages individuals to abandon foolish and simplistic thinking and to embrace wisdom and insight. It invites believers to pursue a path of understanding and discernment, acknowledging that true life and fulfillment come from walking in alignment with God’s truth and wisdom.
Proverbs 22:10
“Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.”
This verse highlights the potential for contention and strife when a mocker or a person who ridicules and derides others is present. It advises believers to remove such individuals from their lives, recognizing that their presence can lead to conflicts and insults. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating an atmosphere of peace and unity by distancing oneself from divisive influences.
Proverbs 29:8
“Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger.”
This verse underscores the destructive impact of mockers or individuals who engage in scornful and derisive behavior. It highlights the power of wisdom in diffusing anger and promoting peace. It encourages believers to disengage from mocking individuals and instead choose to respond with wisdom and grace in order to mitigate conflict.
Proverbs 16:28
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
This verse recognizes the destructive consequences that result from the actions of perverse individuals who thrive on conflict and discord. It particularly emphasizes the damaging effects of gossip, which can create divisions and fracture relationships. It cautions believers against associating with those who engage in such behaviors, as it can lead to the unraveling of close friendships and unity within the community.
1 Corinthians 14:33
“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.”
This verse affirms that God is a God of order and peace. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining harmony and peaceful relationships within the community of believers. It encourages believers to distance themselves from individuals who foster disorder and strife, recognizing that such behavior is contrary to the nature of God and His desire for His people.
2 Timothy 3:5
“having the appearance of godliness but denying its power. Avoid such people.”
This verse warns against individuals who outwardly display religious behavior but lack true godliness and deny the transforming power of the Gospel. It instructs believers to avoid associating with such people, recognizing that their deceptive appearance can lead to confusion and spiritual harm. It underscores the importance of discernment in identifying those who genuinely live out their faith.
Proverbs 2:12-15
“Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who have left the straight paths to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways.”
This verse highlights the redemptive power of wisdom in protecting individuals from the influence and harm caused by wicked and perverse individuals. It describes the characteristics of those who have strayed from the path of righteousness and warns against associating with them. It promotes the pursuit of wisdom as a means of safeguarding one’s faith and well-being.
Proverbs 16:29
“A violent person entices their neighbor and leads them down a path that is not good.”
This verse cautions against the influence of violent individuals who use manipulation and enticement to lead others astray. It emphasizes the negative outcomes of following such individuals, warning against veering away from the path of righteousness and into destructive behaviors. It encourages believers to exercise discernment and avoid associating with those who promote violence and harm.
Proverbs 3:31-32
“Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways. For the Lord detests the perverse but takes the upright into his confidence.”
This verse warns against envy toward violent individuals and urges believers to avoid adopting their ways. It reinforces the Lord’s abhorrence for those who engage in perverse behaviors, underscoring the importance of aligning oneself with righteousness and integrity. It reminds believers of the Lord’s favor and trust toward those who walk in upright paths.