The Nature of Manipulation
Manipulation is described as ‘the exercise of an excessive control over something or someone’. It can be either direct or indirect, where the manipulative person usually has an ulterior motive or aims to gain something from their behavior. These types of persona are often liars, since they are deceiving their victims for their own benefit. This sense of dishonesty is condemned firmly in the Bible, with Proverbs 6:17 being particularly explicit about it: ‘A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies’.
In addition, individual books within the Bible have warnings i.e. 1Thessalonians 4:6: ‘And that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such’. Moreover, the New Testament states that ‘the love of money is the root of all evil’ (1 Timothy 6:10). Manipulators and liars will often use money as a tool to get something they want and this is highly discouraged in the Bible.
The Bible is a comprehensive guide on how to live morally, advocating truthful behavior and honesty in dealings with people. It prohibits people from misleading, manipulating and manipulating each other. However, change can start from within and it is essential that one questions themselves and their behavior before judging others. It is important to remember the 10 Commandments, for example: ‘Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour’ (Exodus 20:16) and ‘Thou shalt not covet’ (Exodus 20:17). The Bible consistently emphasises the importance of judgement and faith, which is necessary for the avoidance of temptation.
The Various Forms of Deceit
Manipulation can take several forms, depending on the level of deception which is employed. One of the most common forms is verbal manipulation, which is often used as a way of controlling or mastering another person. This involves using language as a form of power, where the manipulator may make use of lies to convince the person they are trying to manipulate. For example, they may tell the person they should do something they do not want to do and make negative comments about the person if they do not comply.
Similarly, emotional manipulation is a form of deception which focuses on making the victim feel guilty or ashamed about something. The manipulator may also use threats or intimidation, and manipulate the person’s emotions in order to get what they want. This is just as reprehensible in the eyes of the Bible and is also condemned strongly.
Non-verbal manipulation, often referred to as ‘body language’ is another form of manipulation. This is another way of employing deceptive tactics to try and get what they want, without actually using any language. This can involve rolling of the eyes, shrugging of the shoulders, or using certain facial expressions. Again, this type of manipulation is not condoned in the Bible and should be avoided.
The Importance of Being True to Your Word
Ultimately, the Bible is clear: liars and manipulators are not welcome in the eyes of God. It is essential to practice what is preached, being mindful of the words spoken and how they can affect people. After all, honesty and truth are two of the most important values in the Christian faith and should be upheld at all times.
The Bible stresses the importance of truthfulness and honesty, and states that people should behave ethically and live a righteous life. This means being open and honest with their words and actions, and behaving with respect and integrity. Furthermore, Proverbs 12:22 teaches people to ‘shun the company of the wicked man’, which includes deceitful people and those who would engage in manipulation.
When interacting with people, it is important to keep in mind Biblical values such as honesty, integrity and trustworthiness. These are key elements which are fundamental to maintaining healthy relationships and avoiding negative consequences which may result from lying and manipulation. There should be a spirit of positivity and openness which is shared by all.
The Role of Wisdom and Discernment
Wisdom and discernment are two important qualities which are valued in the Bible. Wisdom is the ability to think and act intelligently and within the boundaries of what is deemed as morally correct by God. On the other hand, discernment is the ability to understand the truth. Both qualities help people to detect manipulation and to be mindful of how others will be affected by their words.
The Bible highlights the importance of discernment and wisdom, which should be employed when interacting with other people. In Proverbs 14:15, it states ‘The intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.’ In addition, Proverbs 24:3-8 explains that wise people should use their wisdom to protect themselves from the schemes and manipulations of adversaries.
Lastly, Ecclesiastes 5:2 warns people against making assumptions or rash decisions which may seem sensible in the short term, but can cause long term harm. This teaches us that we should take our time and think before acting, in order to avoid any harm which may be caused as a result of our own decisions.
The Role of Justice and Punishment
The Bible makes it clear that liars and manipulators will face the consequences of their actions, with punishment being an integral part of justice. Proverbs 19:5 instills fear in the hearts of manipulators, saying ‘A false witness shall not be unpunished’, while Galatians 6:7 teaches that ‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap’. Ultimately, the repercussions of unjust actions will depend on the severity of the manipulation, but the underlying message is that the truth will always prevail.
There are also various scriptures which discuss forgiveness in terms of justice, with Proverbs 19:11 being particularly relevant: ‘The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.’ Additionally, Luke 6:37 states ‘Judge not, and ye shall not be judged’, which encourages understanding and compassion.
Finally, it is essential to remember the wisdom found in Proverbs 3:5-6: ‘Trust in the Lord with all thy heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths’. This serves as a reminder that it is up to God to judge people, and that justice is best left in His hands.
The Virtue of Humility
The Bible speaks highly of humility, which is an important virtue which should be displayed by all who wish to pursue a relationship with God. Proverbs 22:4 states that ‘humility is the fear of the Lord’, which teaches that a person should be humble in their interactions with others. This means being respectful and considerate, and not trying to gain an advantage over someone else.
Furthermore, Philippians 2:3 explains that people ‘should do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves’. This is a central element of Christian morality and encourages us to treat others with respect and kindness, without seeking to manipulate a situation or use deception to gain something.
The bible also encourages people to put aside their pride and self-interest, and to instead focus on helping others and putting their needs above their own. This is discussed in Proverbs 15:33, which states ‘before honour is humility’. Thus, it is essential for people to be humble and honest with their dealings with others in order to lead by example and uphold the teachings of the Bible.
The Need for Self-Reflection
Before anything, it is essential for an individual to reflect on their own behavior, and how it is impacting their interactions with others. Questions and self-introspection can help people to identify any immoral or unethical tendencies they may have, and whether they have ever treated someone unjustly in the past. This is a key step of confrontation and change, as it will lead to meaningful personal growth.
The Bible emphasizes the importance of self-reflection in order to cultivate a righteous and virtue-based life. In Matthew 7:5 it states ‘First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye’. This is a reminder that we must always be mindful of our own behavior before trying to judge or criticize the actions of those around us.
In addition, 2 Corinthians 13:5 teaches the importance of self-examination and self-awareness. It explains that people should actively search for the truth, and not to rely on hearsay or assumptions. This will ensure that any wrongs are addressed within them, rather than projected onto other people or situations.
The Value of Forgiveness
Whilst justice and punishment are important in the Bible, the concept of forgiveness is equally as valued. People should make an effort to forgive those who have wronged them, as repentance and mercy are core values of Christian morality. As the Bible states in Colossians 3:13 ‘forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye’.
Furthermore, 1 John 1:9 teaches that ‘if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins’ which reinforces the importance of redeeming yourself in order to start a new chapter in life. This is summarised perfectly in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, which reassures us that those who turn away from bad behaviors will be forgiven and accepted back into the arms of God.
The message of the Bible is clear: we must not judge people or blame them for their actions, but instead pray for their salvation. We need to remember that nobody is perfect, and show kindness and compassion towards others who may have been caught in the web of manipulation.
