76 {Encouraging} Bible Verses About Enemies

I can’t wait to share these “Bible verses about enemies” with you! As I did this topical study there were many verses that did not surprise me. And, many that did really surpise me as I reflected on my own relationships. My prayer is that God will open up your eyes to more discernment in your relationships and the world around you. Enemies can often produce difficult times, but our God is always with us. Both the Old Testament and the New Testament have much wisdom for us when navigating our enemies when we are in the midst of trouble. Let’s see what God’s Word has to say about enemies!

What does the Bible say about enemies?

When looking up the definition of an enemy, it clearly pointed to someone who is actively opposed or is hostile toward someone. I wondered if the Bible dictionary would indicate something different, but it aligned with the same definition as google. When someone actively opposes you, they are actively resisting or refusing to comply. The opposite of an enemy is someone who is an ally or supporter. Interestingly, as I researched Bible verses about enemies, I was surprised that there were quite a few references to enemies that connected to people that you might have believed was an ally. More on that later! 

Who is an enemy according to the Bible?

According to the Bible, there are quite a few enemies. Not surprisingly, Satan is an enemy and those who oppose the Truth that Jesus is the Savior of the world. Death and friendship with the world are also enemies we face this side of heaven. What did surprise me was the last verse about how we become enemies of others when we tell the truth. I’m sure you have experienced that in your own life. I certainly have…however, I didn’t realize there was a specific verse about enemies related to being opposed because you told the truth. Additionally, that verse specifically was not related to sharing the gospel, but was related to correction. Have you ever corrected someone (out of love) just to have them turn on you?

Satan

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8

Satan opposes God, God’s people and God’s plans.

Death

“The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” – 1 Corinthians 15:26

One day, there will be no more death, but this side of heaven, death is an enemy.

Friendship with the World is an Enemy of God

“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a firend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” – James 4:4

The world opposes Jesus and the Truth of Scripture, living devoted to self, rather than devoted to God.

People Opposed to Christ

“For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.” – Philippians 3:18

Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life- many reject that reality, therefore becoming an enemy of Jesus.

Truth Tellers

“Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?” – Galatians 4:16

Whether you are sharing the gospel or correcting someone with love, we can quickly become an enemy when the truth is rejected. Remember, when you share the truth and it is rejected, you may face opposition. Someone who may have been neutral can quickly oppose the Truth (and you), becoming an enemy. 

Attributes of God to Remember When Considering Your Enemies

As we dive into Bible verses about how God will expose your enemies, it is important to highlight some of the attributes of God. When I think about deep hurts that have happened in my life, I tend to wrestle with God about why those things would be allowed. The people that were in my inner circle and acted as an enemy to hurt or oppose me created so many questions in my mind about my identity and the character of my Heavenly Father.

Now that I am on the other side of some of those deep wounds, I can confidently proclaim that God is still good. As you review some of the attributes of God, consider that you may have a picture of what exposing your enemies looks like and God has a different idea. So, let’s talk about some of the attributes of God before we reflect on Him exposing our enemies.

God is Just

“The King in his might loves justice.You have established equity; you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.” – Psalm 99:4

When I was growing up, the phrase, “life’s not fair” was often repeated when I protested injustice. While I hated that phrase, I have found there is more truth to it than I’d like. There are so many things in this world that are simply unfair. Fairness is not a promise anywhere in the Bible. But know that God is Holy and He executes justice. His justice doesn’t always happen when I want it to happen or how I want it to happen. However, He is always just.

God is All-Knowing

“Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.” – Psalm 147:5

God knows everything, including the pain you have faced as a result of your enemy’s opposition. He has seen and does not forget about your pain.

God Timing is Perfect

“But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” –  2 Peter 3:8

God’ timing is never my timing! I want everything to happen immediately and when it doesn’t, I wonder if God is moving. The answer is yes, He is always moving- even if we don’t see things happening. Trust His timing- it’s perfect.

God is Good

 ^“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” – Luke 11:13

God knows exactly what you need. He is always good even when the people in your life are not good. God’s love and goodness does not change even when the world is changing all around you. Trust in that.

God is Merciful

“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” – Psalm 103:8

God gives us so much mercy because that is part of His character. That mercy is given to everyone because God is unchanging. He desires that all would repent of their sin. Truthfully, sometimes I want mercy, but I want justice for my enemies.

God is Sovereign

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,for those who are called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

God is ultimately in control of ALL things. We can take heart knowing that His perfect timing and His perfect plans cannot be thwarted no matter what your enemy does!

God Will Expose Your Enemies Bible Verse

Psalm 37:1-6 –

Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.  Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.

Psalm 10:15 – 

“Break the arm of the wicked man; call the evildoer to account for his wickedness that would not otherwise be found out.”

Psalm 37:12-13 – 

“The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him, but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming.”

Psalm 140:11 – 

“Let not the slanderer be established in the land; let evil hunt down the violent man speedily!”

Proverbs 26:26 – 

“Though his hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness will be revealed in the assembly.”

Isaiah 29:15 – 

“Woe to those who go to great depths to hide their plans from the LORD, who do their work in darkness and think, ‘Who sees us? Who will know?'”

Luke 8:17 – 

“For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.”

Luke 12:2-3 – 

“Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.”

1 Corinthians 4:5 – 

“Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.”

Hebrews 4:13 – 

“And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

Revelation 20:12 – 

“And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.”

These verses remind us that God sees and knows all things, even the hidden intentions and deeds of our enemies. They emphasize that ulitmately, God will expose your enemies and bring to justice those who practice evil, both in this life and in the final judgment.

Bible Verses About Your Spiritual Enemy

Satan is our adversary and he operates in darkness, seeking to deceive, tempt, and harm believers. He opposes God, opposes God’s people and God’s plans. We have been given the authority to fight enemy attacks with the full armor of God. Because the power of Jesus Christ is in us, we can fight the power of the enemy.

1 Peter 5:8 – 

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

Ephesians 6:10-13 – 

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 

John 8:44 – 

“You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

2 Corinthians 11:14 – 

“And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”

Colossians 1:13 –  

“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.”

Acts 26:18 –  

“To open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”

Bible Verses About Enemies Close to You

One of the hardest things to reconcile is when we face betrayal from someone we trusted and should have been a safe person to us. I point this out because we run the risk of dismissing bad behavior because they are a parent or a spouse or a dear friend. When you see a pattern of opposition, be discerning. Notice, I said “pattern”. Everyone falls short and we are called to offer grace and forgiveness. However, when you see a pattern of destructive behavior- be discerning. 

 Jesus knows the pain of betrayal intimately. Judas was part of the 12 disciples that secretly opposed Jesus during His ministry. Scripture shows that he was in charge of the money and took the money for himself. And in the end, betrayed Jesus by turning Him in to be crucified. Jesus had an enemy in His inner circle. 

Psalm 41:9 – 

“Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.”

Psalm 55:12-14 – 

“For it is not an enemy who taunts me— then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me— then I could hide from him. But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend. We used to take sweet counsel together; within God’s house we walked in the throng.”

Matthew 10:36 – 

“And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household.”

Luke 21:16 – 

“You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death.”

Micah 7:5-6 – 

“Put no trust in a neighbor; have no confidence in a friend; guard the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms; for the son treats the father with contempt, the daughter rises up against her mother, the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; a man’s enemies are the men of his own house.”

Mark 13:12 – 

“And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death.”

Proverbs 16:28 – 

“A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.”

Proverbs 17:9 – 

“Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.”

Proverbs 18:24 – 

“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Proverbs 27:6 – 

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.”

These verses highlight the difficult and painful reality of having enemies among those who are close to you, including friends, family members, and even those within your own household. They serve as a reminder to be cautious and discerning in relationships, and to rely on God’s guidance and wisdom in navigating such challenging situations.

God Will Put Your Enemies to Shame Bible Verses

Psalm 35:26 – 

“Let them be put to shame and dishonor who rejoice at my misfortune; let them be clothed with shame and disgrace who magnify themselves against me.”

Psalm 40:14 – 

“Let those be put to shame and disappointed altogether who seek to snatch away my life; let those be turned back and brought to dishonor who delight in my hurt!”

Psalm 71:13 – 

“May my accusers be put to shame and consumed; with scorn and disgrace may they be covered who seek my hurt.”

Psalm 83:16-18 – 

“Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek your name, O Lord. Let them be put to shame and dismayed forever; let them perish in disgrace, that they may know that you alone, whose name is the Lord, are the Most High over all the earth.”

Isaiah 41:11 – 

“Behold, all who are incensed against you shall be put to shame and confounded; those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish.”

Jeremiah 20:11 – 

“But the Lord is with me as a dread warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble; they will not overcome me. They will be greatly shamed, for they will not succeed. Their eternal dishonor will never be forgotten.”

It is important to note that while these verses express cries for God’s justice against their enemies, it is ultimately up to God to judge and deal with each situation according to His wisdom and timing. As believers, we are called to pray for our enemies and seek reconciliation whenever possible.

Bible Verses About Enemies and God’s Protection

Psalm 18:2 – 

“The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

Psalm 91:2-4 – 

“I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”

Psalm 46:1-3 – 

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”

Isaiah 54:17 – 

“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.

Psalm 121:7-8 – 

“The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

Exodus 14:14 – 

“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

2 Thessalonians 3:3 – 

“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”

Nahum 1:7 – 

“The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.”

Proverbs 18:10 – 

“The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

2 Samuel 22:3-4 – 

“My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—from violent people you save me. I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and have been saved from my enemies.”

These Bible verses about enemies and God’s protection assure us that He is our refuge. They remind us that God is our defender, shield, and stronghold.

Powerful Bible Verses About Enemies and God’s Vindication

Psalm 37:5-6 – 

“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.”

Psalm 54:7 – 

“For he has delivered me from every trouble, and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.”

Isaiah 54:17 – 

“No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD and their vindication from me, declares the LORD.”

Romans 12:19 – 

“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'”

2 Thessalonians 1:6 – 

“Since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you.”

1 Peter 3:12 – 

“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Deuteronmy 28:7 – 

“The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before you. They shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways.

Isaiah 41:10 – 

“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Revelations 12:11 – 

“And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.”

These Bible verses about our enemies and God’s vindication give us hope that we can trust in God’s timing. We are often tempted to follow man’s ways and take matters into our own hands. But, God knows how to best address the actions of our enemies. We can rely on Him because He is trustworthy. Leave room for God to take care of our enemies.

Bible Verses About Enemies of God

Psalm 68:1-2 – 

“God shall arise, his enemies shall be scattered; and those who hate him shall flee before him! As smoke is driven away, so you shall drive them away; as wax melts before fire, so the wicked shall perish before God!”

Psalm 92:9 – 

“For behold, your enemies, O LORD, for behold, your enemies shall perish; all evildoers shall be scattered.”

Romans 5:10 – 

“For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.”

Hebrews 10:13 – 

“waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet.”

James 4:4 – 

“You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”

These Bible verses about God’s enemies reflect that anyone man or Satan are those that oppose Him. They actively reject His love and salvation. Everyone who has not come to faith in Christ is an enemy of God. Our Heavelnly Father has created a way to be in relationship with Him through Jesus. He is the only Way, Truth and the Life.

How to Deal With Your Enemies According to the Bible

Loving others who have hurt, betrayed or actively opposed me is not an easy thing to do. I often want to receive the love of Christ, but am tempted to withhold the love of Christ from my enemies. The world today is full of enemies and opposition. We don’t have to be discouraged, we can live out His best for us and trust that he will act on our behalf in His perfect timing.

Pray 

 Matthew 5:44 – “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”

This is twofold. Lift up your own heart to God, talk to Him about your hurting heart and any difficulty you’re facing in offering forgiveness. Ask for help. We are told directly to pray for the offender.

Love and do good to the offender 

Romans 12:9 – Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.

Neutrality is not enough here. Instead, we are to offer love sincerely. This is hard stuff. We are not only releasing the person from our punishment, but we are also loving them. Note: This may be from a distance for someone who has not rebuilt trust or someone you are not reconciling with. 

Don’t speak poorly of the offender 

Romans 12:14 – “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.”

As the old adage goes, if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. Speaking poorly of someone is a great way to get the anger churning, which leads to bitterness and resentment. This is not to say you can’t speak to a trusted friend or counselor to process hard emotions, but the focus would be more about your feelings, responses and struggles rather than tearing someone else down (more on that here).

Release them from your punishment 

Romans 12:17-19 – “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.  If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.  Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

Punishment? How am I punishing them? This may not apply to an offender who is not in close proximity, however, typically an offense that we’re struggling to forgive is in a relationship close to home. And the punishment I’m talking about usually looks like the silent treatment, withholding affection, and keeping the offender at arm’s length, etc.

Don’t celebrate their failures 

Proverbs 24:17 – “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles,”

This means refrain from gloating, saying, “I told you so” or having a mindset of, “That’s what you get”.

Treat them the way you want to be treated 

Luke 6:31 – “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles,”

Breathe this one in for a moment. When I mess up I want grace and I want a second chance. Am I willing to offer this to others when I get hurt?

Be Discerning & Consider Boundaries

Matthew 10:16 – “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”

Everything we do flows from our heart. In other words, if someone has a pattern of hurting you and not repenting, then be discerning and consider creating wider boundaries.

Wrapping Up Bible Verses About Enemies

Bible verses about enemies show us how to be discerning in our relationships. It also gives us hope as we trust in God’s way. The Word of God shows us to be discerning, how to treat our enemy and use our divine weapons not just in a time of trouble, but always. I also take great hope in knowing that even my enemies cannot mess up God’s plan for His people. Loving our enemies is not an easy task, but is is the best way to leave room for God’s hand to move in our situations and pain. Leave your thoughts or new insights in the comments below!

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