The Bible offers guidance and wisdom for those who feel hurt or exploited. While being taken advantage of can be painful, Scripture reminds us to respond with grace, seek justice, and trust God for strength and protection. Below are different perspectives from the Bible on handling such situations, with a collection of relevant verses.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Fake Love
Trust in God’s Justice
When we are wronged or taken advantage of, it can be tempting to seek revenge or let bitterness take root. However, the Bible teaches that God is our ultimate defender and judge. Trusting in His justice allows us to let go of anger and leave the situation in His capable hands.
Romans 12:19
“Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, ‘I will take revenge; I will pay them back,’ says the Lord.”
Psalm 37:28
“For the Lord loves justice, and he will never abandon the godly. He will keep them safe forever, but the children of the wicked will die.”
Deuteronomy 32:35
“I will take revenge; I will pay them back. In due time their feet will slip. Their day of disaster will arrive, and their destiny will overtake them.”
2 Thessalonians 1:6
“In his justice he will pay back those who persecute you.”
Isaiah 30:18
“So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help.”
Forgiving Those Who Hurt You
Forgiveness is a central theme in Christianity. Though it may feel counterintuitive when someone has exploited you, forgiving them frees your heart from resentment and aligns you with God’s example of grace.
Matthew 6:14
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.”
Luke 6:37
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.”
Ephesians 4:32
“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Colossians 3:13
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
Mark 11:25
“But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
Responding with Love
Jesus teaches us to love even our enemies. When faced with exploitation, responding with love can be a powerful testimony of God’s grace and mercy.
Luke 6:27
“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you.”
Proverbs 25:21-22
“If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the Lord will reward you.”
Matthew 5:44
“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”
Romans 12:20
“Instead, ‘If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.’”
1 Peter 3:9
“Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.”
Seeking God’s Wisdom
When we are taken advantage of, we must seek God’s wisdom on how to respond. The Bible encourages us to be discerning, avoid foolish decisions, and rely on God’s understanding rather than our own.
James 1:5
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”
Proverbs 2:6
“For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
Ecclesiastes 7:12
“Wisdom and money can get you almost anything, but only wisdom can save your life.”
Colossians 2:3
“In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Being Smart
God is Our Protector
Even when people try to take advantage of us, we can take comfort in knowing that God is our protector. He sees our struggles and defends those who trust in Him.
Psalm 121:7-8
“The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.”
Isaiah 41:10
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
2 Thessalonians 3:3
“But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.”
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.”
Deuteronomy 31:6
“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
Setting Healthy Boundaries
While we are called to love and forgive, the Bible also teaches us to be wise and set boundaries to prevent being taken advantage of repeatedly.
Proverbs 4:23
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”
Matthew 10:16
“Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.”
2 Corinthians 6:14
“Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?”
Galatians 6:5
“For we are each responsible for our own conduct.”
Titus 3:10
“If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them.”
Resting in God’s Peace
When we are wronged, we may feel anxious, angry, or hurt. But God offers peace to those who trust in Him. Resting in His presence helps us find comfort in the midst of difficulties.
John 14:27
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
Philippians 4:6-7
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Psalm 55:22
“Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.”
Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”