We all face people who don’t have our best interests at heart. Whether in friendships or professional circles, surrounding yourself with positive, supportive individuals can make a world of difference. It’s essential to set boundaries and avoid those who lead you down a negative path.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Forgiving Someone But Not Trusting Them
What Does The Bible Say About Staying Away From Evil Doers
Proverbs 19:11
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
This verse encourages us to exhibit wisdom by choosing patience and overlooking offenses. While forgiveness is emphasized, it does not imply blindly trusting someone who has hurt us.
Instead, it highlights the importance of exercising discernment and setting healthy boundaries while maintaining a forgiving heart.
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Jesus teaches that forgiveness is essential for maintaining a healthy relationship with God and others. However, forgiveness does not necessarily involve trusting someone who has betrayed our trust.
While God calls us to forgive, it is also vital to exercise discernment and caution in rebuilding trust with those who have caused harm.
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
This verse reminds believers to bear with one another and forgive just as God has forgiven us. It acknowledges that forgiving someone does not automatically mean trusting them again.
While forgiveness paves the way for reconciliation, rebuilding trust requires accountability, repentance, and consistent actions over time.
Luke 17:3-4
“So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them, and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
Jesus emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and repentance in this verse. While we are called to forgive others, it does not mean we should blindly trust those who repeatedly harm us.
True repentance and change of behavior are necessary for rebuilding trust, even if forgiveness is granted multiple times.
Psalm 118:8
“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.”
Although forgiveness is vital, this verse reminds us that our ultimate trust should be in the Lord, not in fallible human beings.
While we can extend forgiveness to others, it is essential to prioritize our trust in God and seek His guidance in discerning whom to trust.
1 Corinthians 13:5
“It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
This verse from the famous love chapter teaches us about the nature of love. While forgiving someone does not mean trusting them blindly, love does not hold grudges or keep records of wrongs.
Therefore, forgiveness must be accompanied by a genuine love that seeks the well-being of others while maintaining healthy boundaries.
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 against associating with individuals who consistently display anger and hot temperaments. Forgiveness does not require us to trust someone who is prone to harmful behaviors.
While we can forgive, it is wise to exercise discernment and protect ourselves from being ensnared by negative influences.
Psalm 37:8
“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.”
This verse encourages us to refrain from anger and avoid dwelling on negative emotions. While forgiveness is necessary, trust must be earned through consistent actions and genuine change.
Choosing not to fret or hold onto anger allows us to navigate forgiveness and trust with a clear mind and a focus on seeking God’s guidance.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness in our relationships with others. While forgiveness is commanded, it does not mean blindly trusting someone who has broken our trust.
Rebuilding trust requires consistent actions, repentance, and a genuine change of heart from the offender.
Proverbs 25:19
“Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble.”
This verse uses vivid imagery to illustrate the consequences of relying on untrustworthy individuals. While forgiveness is commendable, it does not mean we should entrust ourselves to those who have proven themselves unfaithful.
Wisdom calls for discernment and caution when rebuilding trust, especially when it involves individuals who have repeatedly betrayed our trust.
Matthew 10:16
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
Jesus advises his disciples to be shrewd when dealing with the world while maintaining their innocence and purity. Forgiving someone without automatically trusting them aligns with this teaching.
Wisdom calls us to exercise caution and discernment when navigating forgiveness and rebuilding trust.
Proverbs 11:13
“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
This verse contrasts a gossip, who betrays confidence, with a trustworthy person who can be relied upon to keep secrets. Forgiving someone does not guarantee immediate trust.
Rebuilding trust involves evaluating the other person’s trustworthiness through their actions and consistent character.
Proverbs 14:15
“The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.”
This verse distinguishes between the naive who believe everything and the prudent who carefully consider their choices. While we can extend forgiveness, trust must be earned through thoughtful observation of one’s actions.
Prudence enables us to exercise discernment and set healthy boundaries while navigating the path of forgiveness and trust.
Proverbs 29:11
“Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”
This verse highlights the difference between fools who readily express their anger and the wise who bring calmness. While forgiveness is necessary, trust must be rebuilt wisely and cautiously.
Wisdom allows us to navigate forgiveness and trust without disregarding the importance of setting healthy boundaries and ensuring genuine change.
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
This verse encourages us to associate with wise individuals for our own well-being. Forgiveness can be extended, but trust must not be naively bestowed, especially upon those who consistently display harmful behavior.
Choosing wise companions helps to navigate forgiveness and trust with discernment and insight.
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
This verse highlights the importance of covering offenses with love rather than spreading gossip and causing division. While forgiveness is necessary, it does not demand we trust someone who has caused harm.
Rebuilding trust should involve discretion and confidentiality, promoting healing and reconciliation.
Proverbs 10:10
“Whoever winks maliciously causes grief, and a chattering fool comes to ruin.”
This verse warns against those who maliciously cause grief. While forgiveness is advocated, it does not mean we should trust someone who consistently engages in harmful behavior.
Wisdom calls us to exercise caution and discernment when rebuilding trust, considering whether the person’s actions align with genuine repentance and change.
Proverbs 12:15
“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.”
This verse contrasts the misguided ways of fools with the receptive nature of the wise who seek advice. While forgiveness is necessary, rebuilding trust requires wisdom and discernment.
Listening to advice from trusted individuals helps us make informed decisions about whom to trust after extending forgiveness.
Proverbs 14:7
“Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.”
This verse advises against associating with fools who lack wisdom and knowledge. While forgiveness is commendable, it does not mean we should trust individuals who consistently display foolish behavior.
Rebuilding trust should involve discernment and cautious evaluation of a person’s character and actions.
Proverbs 16:28
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
This verse highlights the destructive nature of perversity and gossip, which can lead to conflict and the separation of close friends. While forgiveness is necessary, it does not require us to trust individuals who engage in harmful behaviors.
Rebuilding trust involves discernment, caution, and an emphasis on fostering healthy, trustworthy relationships.
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 patience, listening, and controlling anger. While forgiveness is essential, trust must be rebuilt through observing consistent positive change in a person’s behavior.
Wisdom calls for discernment and taking time to rebuild trust carefully and cautiously.
Matthew 7:15
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”
This verse warns of false prophets who appear harmless but are actually dangerous. While forgiveness is essential, we must exercise caution and discernment when evaluating someone’s trustworthiness.
Rebuilding trust requires discerning between genuine change and deceptive intentions.
Proverbs 19:22
“What a person desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar.”
This verse affirms the desire for unfailing love and integrity. While forgiveness is commendable, trust should not be given easily, especially to those who have proven themselves dishonest.
Choosing honesty and integrity fosters an environment of trust and discernment when navigating forgiveness and rebuilding trust.
Matthew 24:24
“For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”
This verse warns against false messiahs and prophets who aim to deceive, even performing grand signs and wonders. While forgiveness is necessary, trust must be rebuilt through genuine change and consistency.
Discernment and seeking wisdom help us navigate forgiveness and rebuilding trust, protecting us from being deceived by false intentions.
Proverbs 20:19
“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.”
This verse advises against associating with gossips and those who talk excessively. While forgiveness is necessary, trust should be carefully rebuilt based on observing a person’s ability to keep confidences.
Choosing trustworthy individuals helps maintain healthy relationships while navigating forgiveness and rebuilding trust.