Relationships are one of the most important parts of life.
They can bring joy, love, and encouragement.
But they can also bring pain, stress, and harm.
Some relationships build us up, while others tear us down.
When a relationship becomes harmful to our mental, emotional, or spiritual well-being, it can be called a toxic relationship.
The Bible has a lot to say about relationships—both good and bad.
God designed us for healthy, loving connections, but He also warns us about relationships that can lead us away from Him and cause destruction in our lives.
So, what does the Bible say about toxic relationships?
How can we recognize them, and what should we do if we find ourselves in one?
Let’s explore Scripture to find wisdom on this important topic.
Toxic Relationships Corrupt Good Character
The Bible warns that the people we spend time with influence us more than we may realize.
First Corinthians 15:33 says,
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
This means that bad company can lead even good people into sin, discouragement, and trouble.
It is easy to think that we can stay strong despite being around negative influences, but the truth is, over time, toxic relationships wear us down.
If someone constantly brings out anger, resentment, jealousy, or other sinful attitudes in us, that relationship may be toxic.
God wants us to be surrounded by people who encourage us in faith, not those who pull us away from Him.
Recognizing Toxic Relationships
Toxic relationships come in many forms.
Some are obvious, like abusive or manipulative relationships.
Others are more subtle, like friendships or family relationships filled with negativity, gossip, or constant conflict.
Here are some signs of a toxic relationship based on biblical principles:
The relationship is filled with constant drama and conflict.
Proverbs 22:24-25 warns,
Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go.
Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.
If someone is constantly angry, causing arguments, or bringing chaos into your life, they may not be someone God wants you to be close to.
The relationship causes you to sin.
Matthew 18:8 tells us to remove anything in our lives that leads us into sin.
If a relationship leads you into temptation, dishonesty, or ungodly behavior, it is not healthy.
The relationship is one-sided.
Philippians 2:4 says,
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Healthy relationships involve mutual love and care, but toxic relationships are often one-sided, where one person takes and never gives.
If you are always giving but never receiving kindness or respect, that relationship may be unhealthy.
The person manipulates or controls you.
Second Timothy 3:2-5 describes people who are lovers of their own selves, covetous, proud, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, fierce, despisers of those that are good.
If someone uses guilt, pressure, or deception to control you, the Bible says to stay away from such people.
The relationship brings constant emotional or spiritual exhaustion.
Jesus invites us to rest in Him, not live in constant stress and anxiety.
Matthew 11:28 says,
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
If a relationship drains your energy, makes you feel worthless, or keeps you in a constant state of stress, it may not be God’s plan for you.
The Bible Encourages Boundaries
God wants us to love others, but that does not mean we have to let people mistreat or manipulate us.
The Bible teaches the importance of boundaries.
Proverbs 4:23 says,
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
This means guarding your heart and not allowing toxic people to poison your mind, emotions, and spirit.
Jesus Himself set boundaries.
In Luke 5:16, He often withdrew from crowds to pray and recharge.
He did not allow people to control His time or mission.
If Jesus needed boundaries, so do we.
It is okay to say no, step away, or create distance from people who bring harm instead of peace.
Walking Away from Toxic Relationships
Sometimes, the best way to handle a toxic relationship is to walk away.
This is not easy, especially when it involves family, close friends, or long-term relationships.
But the Bible shows that removing yourself from toxic situations is sometimes necessary.
Second Corinthians 6:14 warns,
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?
This verse applies not just to marriage but to any close relationship.
If someone constantly leads you away from God, it may be time to step back.
Proverbs 14:7 gives simple but wise advice:
Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.
If someone refuses to change harmful behavior, it may be best to separate yourself from that relationship.
Forgiving Without Staying in Harm’s Way
Some people believe that forgiveness means continuing a relationship, no matter how toxic it is.
But the Bible teaches that forgiveness and reconciliation are not always the same thing.
Colossians 3:13 says,
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
God calls us to forgive, but forgiveness does not mean allowing someone to continue hurting us.
Jesus forgave people, but He also walked away from those who rejected Him.
You can forgive someone while also choosing to protect yourself from further harm.
Forgiveness is a command, but staying in a toxic relationship is not.
Surrounding Yourself with Godly Relationships
The best way to avoid toxic relationships is to build godly ones.
Proverbs 13:20 says,
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
The people we surround ourselves with shape our lives.
If we spend time with people who love God, encourage us, and build us up, we will grow spiritually and emotionally.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us,
Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
Godly friendships and relationships should lift us up, not tear us down.
Trusting God to Heal and Guide You
If you have been hurt by toxic relationships, God sees your pain.
Psalm 147:3 says,
He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
God does not want you to stay in unhealthy relationships that damage your spirit.
He calls you to trust Him, to set boundaries, and to walk in peace.
Isaiah 26:3 promises,
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
When we put our trust in God, He gives us wisdom to recognize unhealthy relationships and the strength to walk away when needed.
He also provides healing for the wounds that toxic relationships leave behind.
Final Thoughts
The Bible teaches that relationships are meant to encourage, strengthen, and bring joy.
But not all relationships are healthy.
Toxic relationships can lead to pain, sin, and spiritual exhaustion.
Scripture warns us to be careful about who we allow into our lives and to set boundaries when needed.
God does not want us trapped in harmful relationships.
He calls us to walk in wisdom, forgive with grace, and surround ourselves with people who draw us closer to Him.
If you are in a toxic relationship, pray for guidance.
Seek wisdom in God’s Word.
And remember, you are not alone—God is always with you, ready to lead you into relationships that bring life, peace, and love.