How does the Bible warn us about toxic people?

“Make no mistake: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Corinthians 15:33).

The word "toxic" conjures up an image of something poisonous that poses a danger to anyone who comes near it. We often use this word in connection with chemicals and waste. Occasionally, however, a person can be described this way.

Like signs that warn us not to touch dangerous materials, the scriptures warn us of the danger of spending time with someone who can spread false and destructive beliefs. Part of the problem is the actual behavior they display. But perhaps the most concerning issue is how easily their attitudes can contaminate those around them.

What is a toxic person?

Being toxic goes beyond being unpleasant or even embarrassing. In fact, one definition of the term reads: "very pervasively or insidiously harmful or disagreeable". This highlights the seriousness of having someone toxic in our lives: not only can they affect our mood by what they do and say, but their negative spirit can also end up bringing us down.

In the Old Testament Book of Proverbs we find warnings against being too closely tied to someone with a harmful personality because of the trouble it brings us:

"A troublemaker and a villain, who walks around with a corrupt mouth, who mischievously winks, beckons with his feet and beckons with his fingers, who plots evil with deceit in his heart - he always stirs up strife. Therefore, disaster will overtake him in an instant; he will be suddenly destroyed - without remedy" (Proverbs 6:12-15).

“Walk with the wise and become wise, for the companion of fools is mistreated” (Proverbs 13:20).

"Do not befriend an angry person, do not associate yourself with a person who gets angry easily, or you might learn his ways and be ensnared" (Proverbs 22:24- 25).

What the Bible Says About Toxic People

The scriptures repeatedly tell us that a person's true beliefs will eventually manifest outwardly. Jesus himself spoke of the connection between toxic thoughts and toxic behavior.

"He continued, "What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For it is from within, from a person's heart, that evil thoughts come - sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lust, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from within and defile a man” (Mark 7:20-23).

Often a toxic person has lived this way for so long that they are unaware of their heart condition. It can lead someone to believe that they are always right and to freely express all their opinions.

“Those who call themselves religious and do not master their language deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless” (James 1:26).

If confronted with this topic, this person may not see the problem in their thoughts or actions. Thus, they may not respond well to correction, even given in love - at least initially.

“‘I will instruct you and teach you the way you should follow; I will advise you with my loving eye on you. Do not be like a horse or a mule, which have no intelligence but must be controlled by bit and bridle, or they will not come to you" (Psalm 32:8-9).

Verses and Examples of Toxic People in Scripture

The Word of God gives us examples of those who not only ignored his ways, but openly tried to turn others against him. Some were ready to repent and align themselves with the Lord again, but others stubbornly stayed in their ways and suffered the consequences.

King Saul

"He was prophesying in his house, while David was playing the lyre, as he usually did. Saul had a spear in his hand and he threw it, thinking, 'I am going to nail David to the wall.' But David escaped him twice” (1 Samuel 18:10-11).

"Now Michal, Saul's daughter, was in love with...