Sometimes in life, we face difficult decisions about relationships. The Bible offers wisdom and guidance for these moments.
Let’s explore scriptures that teach us when and how to walk away from someone while staying true to our faith. These verses can provide comfort and clarity in challenging times.
Bible Verses About Walking Away From Someone
Proverbs 13:20 – The company we keep influences our journey
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” – Proverbs 13:20
2 Corinthians 6:14 – Light and darkness cannot coexist
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” – 2 Corinthians 6:14
1 Corinthians 15:33 – Bad company corrupts good character
“Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”” – 1 Corinthians 15:33
1 John 2:19 – Sometimes separation reveals true intentions
“They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.” – 1 John 2:19
Psalm 1:1 – Choosing the right path and companions
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.” – Psalm 1:1
Matthew 10:14 – Sometimes it’s necessary to walk away
“If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.” – Matthew 10:14
Proverbs 22:24-25 – Avoiding the influence of angry people
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.” – Proverbs 22:24-25
Galatians 5:7 – Stay focused on your spiritual journey
“You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?” – Galatians 5:7
Ephesians 5:11 – Expose the deeds of darkness
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” – Ephesians 5:11
Colossians 3:2 – Set your mind on better things
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
Luke 6:22 – Embracing rejection can be a sign of faith
“Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.” – Luke 6:22
Romans 16:17 – Look out for divisive individuals
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.” – Romans 16:17
Philippians 3:18-19 – Be cautious of those who live as enemies of the cross
“For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.” – Philippians 3:18-19
James 4:4 – Friendship with the world can lead away from God
“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” – James 4:4
Proverbs 4:23 – Guard your heart and the relationships you nurture
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23
Mark 10:29-30 – Walking away can lead to greater blessings
“Truly I tell you, Jesus replied, ‘No one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age…” – Mark 10:29-30
Proverbs 12:26 – The righteous choose their friends wisely
“The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” – Proverbs 12:26
1 Thessalonians 5:22 – Abstain from every form of evil
“Abstain from every form of evil.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:22
Isaiah 40:31 – Relying on God strengthens us to move away
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Psalm 119:115 – Seeking refuge in God’s ways
“Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God!” – Psalm 119:115
Hebrews 12:1 – Run with perseverance, leaving things behind
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us…” – Hebrews 12:1
Matthew 7:6 – Protect what is holy and valuable
“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet and turn and tear you to pieces.” – Matthew 7:6
2 Timothy 2:22 – Flee youthful passions, pursue righteousness
“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” – 2 Timothy 2:22
Exodus 23:2 – Do not follow the crowd in wrongdoing
“Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd.” – Exodus 23:2
Matthew 18:17 – Steps to take when relationships become unhealthy
“If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” – Matthew 18:17
Isaiah 26:3 – Keeping our minds on God amidst relational turmoil
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” – Isaiah 26:3
Romans 12:18 – Strive for peace, but discern when to walk away
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:18
Proverbs 15:18 – Addressing conflict with wisdom
“A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.” – Proverbs 15:18
John 16:33 – Finding peace in Christ during relational challenges
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
Also Read: 30 Bible Verses About Putting Others Before Yourself
What Does the Bible Say About Walking Away From Someone?
In our lives, we often encounter moments where we may have to consider stepping back from certain relationships. This could be due to conflicts, different paths, or realizing that staying together might harm more than help.
The Bible offers wisdom on such matters. These teachings guide us to find a balance between love, forgiveness, and also protecting our own well-being. Sometimes, we might feel that walking away is necessary to maintain peace and health in our lives.
One concept we learn from the Bible is about recognizing when a relationship is causing more harm than good. For instance, there are references where Jesus advises His followers to shake the dust off their feet when their message is not welcomed. This isn’t about giving up easily but understanding when it’s time to move on for better reasons.
Another point to consider is that walking away does not mean abandoning love or kindness. On the contrary, we are called to still love and pray for those with whom we part ways. This keeps our spirit free from resentment and helps maintain our integrity.
Besides, we see that forgiveness is a central theme in Scripture. It’s essential to forgive others even if we decide to create distance. This act of forgiveness does not necessarily mean we continue to keep close relationships with those who hurt or damage us. It’s about freeing our own hearts from bitterness.
Additionally, there is advice on being cautious about the company we keep. The Bible speaks about how bad company corrupts good character. This means we need to be mindful of influences that impact our behaviors and morals negatively.
When we walk away from someone, we can do so by holding on to faith and compassion. We seek guidance through prayer, asking for wisdom in our decisions, and remembering to trust in God’s plan for us. Letting go can be tough, but it sometimes opens up new spaces for growth, healing, and new relationships that align better with our values and spiritual journey.
By embracing these teachings, we can navigate the difficult decisions about walking away from someone while staying grounded in our faith and principles. We must remember that each step we take should be guided by love, wisdom, and a desire for peace within ourselves and with others.