7 phrases people use to manipulate others with the Bible

Scripture, as the word of God, is intended to guide and uplift us, not to deceive or manipulate.

Unfortunately, there are instances where people misuse Bible verses, twisting their meaning to control or manipulate others.

In this article, we’ll delve into these 7 phrases, shedding light on their actual context and interpretations.

What follows is an exploration into the misuse of these phrases and a guide to understanding their true meaning within the context of the Bible.

1) “The Bible says…”

We live in a world where religious texts hold a great deal of sway over people’s beliefs and actions. The Bible, being one of the most widely read books in the world, is no exception.

And individuals well-versed in biblical teachings know this all too well.

Often, you’ll find people starting their sentences with “The Bible says…”. This is an attempt to bring divine authority to their personal views or demands, making it difficult for the listener to argue against them.

This phrase taps into the principle of authority – one of Robert Cialdini’s six principles of persuasion. It’s the idea that people tend to follow those who are, or appear to be, knowledgeable or in a position of authority.

In this case, the perceived authority is the Bible itself – a powerful tool in swaying someone’s opinion or decision. However, it’s crucial to remember that interpretation of biblical passages can vary greatly from person to person.

Therefore, when someone uses this phrase to support their argument or demand, it’s essential to discern whether they’re genuinely guiding you through scripture or manipulating its words for their advantage.

2) “It’s God’s will…”

I remember a time when a friend of mine was going through a tough situation – a crossroads of sorts. She was torn between two difficult decisions, both with significant implications.

During our conversation, another friend casually dropped the phrase, “it’s God’s will…” and proceeded to guide her decision in a specific direction.

This phrase, “it’s God’s will…”, is often used to manipulate people into accepting something they might otherwise question or resist.

It implies that disagreeing with the proposed direction is akin to defying God’s plan – a heavy burden for any believer.

In this case, my friend felt cornered. She felt as though refusing the suggested path would be an act of defiance against God.

It took her a while to understand that ‘God’s will’ should not be used as a tool to manipulate others into following a particular course.

The lesson here is clear: watch out for this phrase.

While it can be used with good intentions, it can also serve as a subtle form of manipulation, particularly when it comes to personal decisions that should be free from external coercion.

3) “You need to have faith…”

The phrase “You need to have faith…” is a common one in religious discussions.

Often, it’s used to encourage someone during a challenging time or to inspire hope when things seem bleak.

However, this phrase can also be used manipulatively, especially when it’s leveraged to discourage questioning or critical thinking. The idea is that by questioning something, you’re exhibiting a lack of faith.

In the book of Acts, the Bereans were praised for examining the scriptures daily to see if what Paul was saying was true.

This account encourages believers not just to blindly accept teachings but to actively engage with and question them.

So, while faith is an integral part of religious belief, it should not be used as a tool to discourage healthy skepticism or inquiry. Ensuring that faith and critical thinking coexist is crucial for a balanced spiritual journey.

4) “God works in mysterious ways…”

“God works in mysterious ways…” is a phrase we’ve all heard at one point or another. It’s typically used to explain unforeseen events or outcomes that don’t align with our expectations.

While this phrase can provide comfort in challenging times, suggesting that there’s a greater plan at work, it can also be used to manipulate.

It can discourage individuals from questioning decisions or actions that seem unjust or inconsistent with their understanding of their faith.

For instance, if someone uses this phrase to justify an action that seems unethical or harmful, it’s a red flag. They may be using the ‘mystery’ of God’s plan to obscure their own questionable motives or actions.

Remember, while faith does involve trust in divine wisdom and plans, it should not excuse harmful actions or prevent healthy questioning and dialogue.

5) “Judge not, lest you be judged…”

This quote from the book of Matthew is one that I’ve come across quite often. And while it’s a powerful reminder to refrain from harshly judging others, it’s also been used to deter legitimate concerns or criticism.

I recall a time when I noticed a friend making choices that were causing harm to both himself and others around him. When I tried to bring up my concerns, another friend quickly shut me down with this quote.

This phrase, when used this way, can create an environment where harmful actions go unchecked under the banner of ‘non-judgment’.

It made me feel like my concerns were invalid and that I should turn a blind eye to my friend’s damaging behavior.

The truth is, ‘judging’ in the context of caring for someone’s wellbeing is not the same as ‘judging’ in a harsh, condemning manner.

It’s important to distinguish between these two and ensure that biblical teachings aren’t being misused to avoid accountability.

6) “The end justifies the means…”

While not directly from the Bible, the phrase “The end justifies the means…” often finds its way into religious discussions. It’s used to suggest that a desired outcome can justify any actions taken to achieve it.

However, this phrase can be a manipulative tool. It can be used to excuse harmful or unethical actions, as long as they lead to a perceived ‘greater good’.

This line of thinking is not consistent with many biblical teachings which emphasize the importance of righteous actions and moral integrity, regardless of the outcome.

When someone uses this phrase to justify questionable actions, it’s important to consider whether they’re genuinely following biblical teachings or manipulating them for personal gain.

Just because an action leads to a desired outcome doesn’t mean it’s ethically sound or spiritually justified.

7) “God told me…”

The phrase “God told me…” carries a lot of weight. It implies a direct divine revelation, which can be incredibly persuasive in religious contexts.

However, it’s also a phrase that can be used to manipulate. People may use it to assert their opinion or desire as God’s will, making it difficult for others to argue without feeling like they’re questioning God Himself.

The important thing to remember here is that personal revelations are just that – personal.

They should not be used as definitive proof or as a tool to exert control over others.

Everyone has their own unique spiritual journey, and no one else should dictate its course under the guise of divine revelation.

Final reflections: A call for discernment

The power of words, especially when backed by religious texts like the Bible, can be immense.

However, this power can be used both to guide and to manipulate. The same words that can offer comfort, understanding, and guidance can also be twisted to control, deceive, and exploit.

Proverbs 12:18 says, “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

This wisdom underscores the responsibility that comes with wielding such power.

As we navigate our spiritual journeys, it’s crucial to cultivate discernment. The ability to distinguish between genuine spiritual guidance and manipulation cloaked in religious language is an invaluable skill.

And part of that is recognizing when its words are being used not for enlightenment, but for manipulation.