Sometimes people walk into your life and seem good at first. They smile, they talk kindly, and they say the right things.
But something does not feel right. Deep inside, you feel unsettled. You start asking yourself, “Can I trust this person?”
God wants to protect you from harm, and He often gives warning signs when someone is not safe. These signs can be small at first, but they should never be ignored. God sees the heart.
He knows who truly means well and who does not. Learning how to recognize these signals can protect your peace and your future.
They Disrespect Boundaries Without Remorse
One of the strongest signs God may be warning you about someone is when they continue to cross your boundaries, even after you have clearly communicated them. Boundaries are not selfish or rude. They are healthy ways of protecting your peace, your values, and your relationship with God. When someone pushes past those limits without apology or care, it reveals something serious about their character.
Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” This verse reminds us that guarding your heart is not just wise. It is necessary. People who ignore your boundaries are not honoring your worth. They may act like they are joking or pretend not to understand, but if the pattern continues, it becomes a sign of disrespect.
When someone is dangerous, they often test your limits early on. They might start with small things, like making you feel guilty for saying no or ignoring your requests for space. Over time, these small actions turn into bigger problems. The more you allow, the more they take. If God keeps showing you that this person is not listening to your words or honoring your needs, He may be telling you to create distance.
Jesus Himself set boundaries. He walked away from crowds when He needed rest. He spoke directly to people who tried to manipulate Him. In Luke 5:16, it says, “And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.” If Jesus protected His time and space, then you have permission to do the same.
If you feel like your voice is being silenced or your lines are being crossed again and again, take it seriously. God does not want you stuck in a relationship that steals your safety or silence your needs. A person who truly cares will respect your boundaries and grow with you. A person who is unsafe will ignore them and make you feel like you are the problem for setting them.
You Feel Drained After Being Around Them
Another strong sign God may be warning you about someone is when their presence leaves you feeling exhausted, anxious, or emotionally weak. Relationships should not take all your energy just to maintain. If every interaction leaves you feeling worse than before, it may be God’s way of telling you something is wrong.
Healthy people add to your life. They bring peace, clarity, and strength. Toxic people, on the other hand, take without giving. They leave you second-guessing your words. They stir drama, confusion, or guilt. You may feel like you are constantly trying to keep them happy or avoid setting them off. This kind of constant tension is not love. It is a warning.
Matthew 11:28 records Jesus saying, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” God’s presence brings rest. If a person is constantly stealing your rest and filling your life with worry, you need to stop and ask why. This is not how godly relationships are meant to feel.
God sometimes allows you to feel drained on purpose so that you can see what is going on beneath the surface. That heavy feeling might be more than just stress. It might be His signal that your spirit is not at peace around this person for a reason. The Holy Spirit often speaks through your discomfort.
Also consider the fruit of the relationship. Galatians 5:22 lists the fruit of the Spirit, including love, joy, peace, and gentleness. Does being around this person grow these things in your life, or take them away? If you are constantly tired, nervous, or spiritually low after being with them, God may be revealing that their influence is harmful.
You should not have to sacrifice your emotional health just to keep someone close. If they drain your energy but never fill your soul, it may be time to create space. God is not calling you to carry the weight of someone who refuses to grow. He may be calling you to protect your heart instead.
Wise People in Your Life Raise Concerns
When people who walk closely with God begin to speak up about someone in your life, you should not ignore it. Wise voices are often used by God to protect you from harm. They may notice something you have not seen yet. Or they may see a pattern that your emotions are clouding. If more than one godly person starts raising concerns about the same individual, it is a strong sign that God is trying to get your attention.
Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.” This means that plans fall apart when no one is offering guidance, but they are made stronger when you listen to wise input. God does not expect you to figure everything out alone. He places people in your life to help guard your steps.
Often when we really want a relationship to work, we ignore the advice of those around us. We assume they are being too harsh or do not understand the full story. But if the people giving you advice are grounded in prayer, known for honesty, and have your best interest at heart, their concerns matter. They are not judging for fun. They are sensing danger that you may be too close to see.
Think of how Abigail warned David about Nabal in First Samuel 25. She could see that her husband’s behavior was reckless and harmful. Her wise words saved David from acting in anger and helped prevent violence. In that story, God used someone on the outside to speak wisdom into a situation that could have gone terribly wrong.
When your pastor, mentor, or a trusted friend raises a red flag, pause and pray. Ask God to confirm their words through Scripture and peace. You may find that the concern they shared was not just a human opinion, but a warning that came straight from heaven.
God’s Word Highlights Their Behavior
One of the most powerful ways God reveals danger is through Scripture. His Word is alive and always speaks truth. If you find yourself reading the Bible and coming across verses that seem to match someone’s actions or attitudes in your life, you should not brush that off. That may be God opening your eyes through His Word.
Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword.” This verse reminds us that Scripture is not just informative. It is active. It divides truth from lies, right from wrong, and wisdom from foolishness. If you read a passage that suddenly feels personal, it might be God’s way of giving you clarity about someone you are dealing with.
Sometimes the warnings come through stories. You may read about Samson and Delilah and feel reminded of someone who keeps drawing you away from your purpose. Other times, a single proverb about deceit or anger hits hard because it describes exactly how someone is treating you. The Bible is filled with examples of both godly and ungodly behavior. The more time you spend reading, the more you will be able to recognize what God is showing you.
Second Timothy 3:16 tells us that all Scripture is useful for correction and instruction. This includes how we handle relationships. If someone’s actions match the traits of a fool, a manipulator, or a corrupt person in the Bible, it is wise to take that seriously. God is not showing you that for no reason.
Let the Bible be your filter. Use it to measure words, choices, and attitudes. If the person in question cannot pass the test of Scripture, then God may be warning you that they are not safe. When the Word confirms your doubts, it is not just your imagination. It is the Holy Spirit using truth to protect your heart.
Your Peace Disappears When They Are Near
One of the most personal and powerful ways God warns you about someone is through the loss of peace. You may not be able to explain it clearly, but something shifts inside you whenever that person walks into the room. Your thoughts become heavy. Your spirit becomes restless. You feel nervous, unsettled, or even fearful for no clear reason. That missing peace is not just a feeling. It can be a sign that God is telling you the relationship is not safe.
Colossians 3:15 says, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts.” That word “rule” can also mean “decide” or “guide.” In other words, peace is not just a reward. It is a tool God gives you to make wise choices. If someone always seems to take away your peace, you need to stop and ask why.
God’s presence brings calm. Even in hard times, His Spirit can quiet your heart and give you confidence. But when a person regularly causes inner chaos or emotional distress, that is worth paying attention to. Sometimes the peace leaves because the person’s intentions are harmful. Other times it disappears because their influence pulls you away from God’s truth.
This does not mean every hard relationship is a warning sign. Some relationships take effort and still honor God. But if your peace never returns around someone, and your spirit remains troubled, God may be using that lack of peace to protect you. Pay attention to patterns. Ask yourself how you feel after spending time with them. Does their presence bring clarity or confusion? Strength or fear? If your peace is always missing, something deeper may be wrong.
Trust the gift of spiritual peace. When it disappears, ask God to show you what it means. His peace is one of the clearest ways He speaks to your heart when something is not right.
Final Thoughts
God is faithful to guide, protect, and speak to His children. If someone is dangerous to your heart, your future, or your spiritual walk, He will not leave you guessing.
He will speak through restlessness, through wise voices, through His Word, and through your peace.
The signs are not always dramatic, but they are real. When you notice them, do not ignore them or explain them away.
God’s warnings are acts of love, not fear. Listen closely, and trust Him to lead you toward truth and safety.