What does the Bible say about manipulation?

Response

The Bible addresses manipulation extensively. Through examples, principles, and direct commands, Scripture cautions us against manipulating others and against allowing ourselves to be manipulated.

Fundamentally, manipulation is a form of deceit. When someone speaks falsely to deceive, they are engaging in manipulation because deception manipulates individuals into thinking or behaving in specific ways. Therefore, all of the Bible’s prohibitions against lying can be extended to manipulation. Lying is a grave sin.

Satan is the “father of lies” «Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. », (John 8:44). He could also be described as the “master of manipulation.” He manipulated Eve by using half-truths and appealing to her desire for wisdom, deceiving her into disobeying God. Even today, Satan manipulates people into the traps he sets for them. He “masquerades as an angel of light” «And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. », (2 Corinthians 11:14). He exploits our weaknesses, strokes our pride, and convinces us that following a sinful path is in our best interests. He is cunning in his deceit; he employs various tactics to gain control over us.

Samson fell victim to manipulation on a couple of occasions. During his wedding feast, he presented a riddle to the Philistine guests; if they could solve it, he would give them “thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes” «And Samson said unto them, I will now put forth a riddle unto you: if ye can certainly

Declare it to me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty sheets and thirty changes of garments: », (Judges 14:12). The Philistines were stumped, and they resorted to asking Samson’s new wife to wheedle the answer from him. Samson’s wife “threw herself on him, sobbing, ‘You hate me! You don’t really love me. You’ve given my people a riddle, but you haven’t told me the answer.’ . . . She cried the whole seven days of the feast” (verses 16–17). Finally, Samson allowed himself to be manipulated into giving her the answer, which she promptly relayed to her townspeople. Later, Samson fell victim to the manipulative Delilah, and he lost his life as a result (Judges 16).

The Bible warns of those who would manipulate us in spiritual matters. The New Testament has many warnings for Christians to be on the lookout for false teachers. We must not be easily deceived (Galatians 3:1;2 Peter 2). Paul spoke out against manipulators “who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires” «For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, », (2 Timothy 3:6). Jesus warned, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” « Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. », (Matthew 7:15).

It should go without saying that Christians are not to engage in manipulation or take advantage of others in any way. “Each of you must put off falsehood and speak truth.

“Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body” «Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. », (Ephesians 4:25). Equally important, we must not allow ourselves to be manipulated. Jesus said, “Be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” « Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. », (Matthew 10:16). “Shrewd as snakes”—do not be taken advantage of; “innocent as doves”—do not manipulate others.

Some individuals are naturally more manipulative; they possess strong wills, and their personalities inspire trust. We must exercise caution when interacting with such individuals, particularly when they are part of our own families. Trust is crucial in all our relationships. It is essential to communicate truth with love and expect the same from others.