We all encounter negative people from time to time, but how should we deal with them according to Scripture? The Bible offers wisdom on handling negativity, whether it’s from difficult individuals or negative attitudes within ourselves. Let’s see what God’s Word has to say about responding to negative people in a Christ-like manner.
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What Does The Bible Say About negative people
Proverbs 14:7
“Stay away from a foolish man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding negative or foolish people. Surrounding ourselves with negative individuals can hinder our growth and prevent us from gaining wisdom. It is crucial to choose our companions wisely and steer clear of those who bring negativity into our lives.
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 warns us about the dangers of being influenced by negative and easily angered individuals. Associating with such people can lead us down a destructive path and affect our own character. It is important to be discerning with our friendships and avoid relationships that may have a negative impact on our lives.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This verse reminds us of the power of positive relationships. When we surround ourselves with encouragers and uplifting individuals, we can grow stronger in our faith and character. It is essential to seek out companions who will challenge us in a positive way and help us become better versions of ourselves.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
This verse serves as a reminder that the company we keep can have a profound influence on our character. Negative people can often lead us down the wrong path and negatively impact our behavior and beliefs. It is vital to be cautious about the company we choose to keep and surround ourselves with those who will uplift and encourage us.
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
This verse highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with wise individuals. When we choose to walk alongside those who possess wisdom and discernment, we have the opportunity to grow and learn from their example. Avoiding negative companionship is essential to protect ourselves from harm and ensure our growth.
Psalm 1:1-2
“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.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of avoiding negative influences and instead delighting in God’s Word. Choosing not to associate with wickedness or mockers allows us to focus on the truth and wisdom found in Scripture. By meditating on God’s law, we can guard our hearts against negativity and grow in our faith.
Ephesians 4:29
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of guarding our speech and ensuring that our words are uplifting and encouraging. Negative people often engage in unwholesome talk that tears others down. As Christians, we are called to speak words that build others up and bring benefit to those who hear. It is important to distance ourselves from negative speech and instead strive to bring positivity into the lives of others.
Proverbs 18:24
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
This verse highlights the dangers of relying on unreliable friends or negative companions. Such relationships can lead to ruin and disappointment. However, it also assures us that there is a faithful friend who will stick closer to us than even a brother. It is crucial to seek out genuine friendships and prioritize relationships that bring joy, support, and encouragement into our lives.
Colossians 3:8
“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
This verse encourages us to rid ourselves of negative behaviors and speech that do not align with the characteristics of Christ. As followers of Jesus, we are called to live in a way that reflects His love and grace. Letting go of anger, malice, and slander allows us to cultivate a positive and uplifting environment around us.
Psalm 119:37
“Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.”
This verse reminds us to focus on what is truly valuable and align our lives with God’s Word. Negative people can often distract us and cause us to lose sight of our purpose. By turning our eyes away from worthless things and seeking God’s guidance, we can find true fulfillment and live a life that brings honor and glory to Him.
Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
This verse highlights the importance of protecting our hearts from negativity and harmful influences. Our thoughts, actions, and attitudes are shaped by what we allow into our hearts. Guarding our hearts allows us to maintain a positive outlook and make choices that honor God and bring joy to our lives and the lives of others.
Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
This verse challenges us to respond to negative people with love and prayer. Rather than allowing their negativity to bring us down or engaging in a cycle of hurtful behavior, we are called to extend love and forgiveness. Praying for those who persecute us can help shift our perspective and allow God’s grace to work in our hearts and in the lives of those around us.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
This verse urges us to be a source of encouragement and support to one another. By actively seeking to build each other up, we can counteract the negative influence of others and create a positive and uplifting community. Choosing to be a source of encouragement promotes love, unity, and growth within our relationships.
Proverbs 16:28
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
This verse highlights the destructive nature of negative behavior such as gossip and stirring up conflict. Engaging in these behaviors not only harms others but can also lead to the breakdown of friendships and relationships. Avoiding such negativity and focusing on fostering unity and love instead can strengthen our connections with others.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
This famous passage reminds us of the transformative power of love. When we choose to embody love in our interactions with others, we counteract the negative influences that can permeate our lives. Love is patient, kind, and seeks the well-being of others. By striving to display these traits, we can create an environment that is filled with positivity, compassion, and understanding.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
This verse reminds us of the qualities that the Holy Spirit produces within us as believers. When we allow the Spirit to work in our lives, we are filled with love, joy, peace, kindness, and many other positive attributes. These qualities help us counteract negativity and bring blessings into the lives of others.
Psalm 34:14
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
This verse encourages us to actively turn away from evil and instead pursue goodness and peace. Negative people often promote strife and conflict, but as followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers. By seeking peace and choosing to do good, we can counteract negativity and bring about positive change in our own lives and the lives of those around us.
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 our minds on things that are good and praiseworthy. Negative people can often bring us down mentally and emotionally. By intentionally directing our thoughts towards truth, nobility, purity, and beauty, we can cultivate a positive mindset and find strength and peace in the midst of negativity.
James 1:19
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of being intentional with our words and reactions. Negative people often exhibit anger and hostility, but as followers of Christ, we are called to respond with patience and understanding. By practicing active listening and resisting the temptation to react in anger, we can diffuse negative situations and bring about reconciliation and understanding.
Proverbs 12:26
“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”
This verse underscores the importance of intentional friendship. Negative people can lead us astray and hinder our spiritual growth. By carefully selecting our friends and surrounding ourselves with individuals who share our values and beliefs, we can foster positive relationships that support and uplift us on our faith journey.
Ephesians 4:31-32
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
This verse encourages us to let go of negative emotions and instead embrace kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. Holding onto bitterness, anger, and malice only poisons our hearts and relationships. As recipients of God’s forgiveness, we are called to extend the same forgiveness to others and strive for reconciliation and peace.
Proverbs 27:6
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of having true friends who will speak truth into our lives. Negative people may offer empty flattery, but true friends will lovingly correct and guide us. It is crucial to surround ourselves with friends who have our best interests at heart and who will help us grow spiritually and emotionally.
Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
This verse challenges us to combat negative attitudes like selfishness and conceit with humility and a genuine concern for others. By valuing others and seeking their well-being, we can create an atmosphere of love and positivity. Being mindful of the needs and interests of those around us helps to build strong and uplifting relationships.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This verse teaches us the power of responding to negativity with gentleness and humility. When faced with negative people, responding in anger or harshness only escalates the situation. However, choosing to respond with kindness and understanding can diffuse tension and promote reconciliation. It is essential to cultivate a gentle spirit that seeks to bring peace and love into every situation.
1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
This verse challenges us to break the cycle of negativity by responding to insults or evil with blessings. Negative people often perpetuate a cycle of hurt and retaliation, but as followers of Christ, we are called to respond with grace and kindness. By choosing to bless instead of retaliating, we demonstrate the transformative power of God’s love and can break free from the cycle of negativity.