What Does The Bible Say About Toxic Marriages?

What Does The Bible Say About Toxic Marriages? Truthfully speaking, every family has disagreements. In other words, the couple that never has conflicts does not exist. Unfortunately, conflicts can lead to bad fights. Note here that a bad fight is one that seriously alienates husband and wife but never resolves the cause of the problem. Following such, couples build up bitterness, uncontrolled anger, quarreling, abuse, violence, hatred, and divorce thereby ending up in broken marriages. It is rather unfortunate that many couples lack the skills to discuss disagreements and resolve them. Couples need the ability to discuss serious problems, reach a plan to resolve them, and then put that plan into action. Behold, this is a skill that can be learned and mastered over time. In addition to revealing what the Bible says about marriage problems, we’ll also reveal what the Bible says about resolving marriage problems.

It is clear that no one sets out deliberately to damage his/her marriage. The truth is that we all want happy, satisfying marriages. But since we dwell in an evil world that subtly influences us more than we realize, a good number of sincere Christian couples drift into a number of dangers that damage, broke or destroy their marriages. Despite the fact that no marriage is perfect, when believer’s or Christians avoid the world’s ways and apply the wisdom of God’s Word in their marriages, they will enjoy healthy marriages. It is worth pointing out here that the main goal of marriage is not our happiness, but rather God’s glory. According to Ephesians 5:32, our marriages are a picture of Christ and His bride. It is our duty to display to the world the faithful, holy love that Christ has for His church.

What Does The Bible Say About Toxic Marriages?

The dangers in this evil world that will damage your marriage if you are not careful

Behold, we live in evil times and as such, we must keep watch at all times not to fall into the deadly tricks of the evil one. It is in this light that Christians are to avoid the world’s dangers and apply God’s wisdom to their marriages. Remember that in the paragraph before he gives explicit commands to wives and husbands, Apostle Paul gives these general commands: “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:15-17). It is with this in mind that we are calling on you to note that the evil world presents many dangers that will damage your marriage if you are not careful.

1) Poor communication will damage your marriage – Ephesians 4:15

Ephesians 4:15 says, “but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ.” Truth be told, poor communication is one of the most prevalent causes of marital problems. As the head, Christ is to be the Lord of all our communication. Thus, before speaking, ask yourself “Will my words be pleasing to the Lord Jesus Christ?” And “Are my words both truthful and loving, with the aim of building up my mate in Christ?” To blast your mate because “that’s just how I feel,” maybe truthful, but it does not reflect love in any way. Likewise, to be dishonest about how you feel or not to say anything to avoid conflict may seem loving, but it’s not truthful and will likely lead to long-term distance in the relationship.

2) Anger and abusive speech will damage your marriage – James 1:19-20

James 1:19-20 says, “But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” It is very important for Christians to understand that sinful anger is always destructive to relationships. With a good understanding of this, Apostle Paul commanded in Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no unwholesome [lit. ‘rotten’] word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” In the same light, he added “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor [yelling] and slander be put away from you, along with all malice” (Ephesians 4:31). Proverbs 15:1 adds “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Therefore, as Christians, we must exercise Self-Control.

3) Bitterness and lack of forgiveness will damage your marriage – Ephesians 4:31-32

Ephesians 4:31-32 says, “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor [yelling] and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Amazingly, the antidote to anger and bitterness is forgiveness. It is without a doubt that as the years go by, married couples will invariably wrong one another. Failing to deal with these wrongs God’s way will slowly build a dividing wall of resentment and bitterness. With this in mind, it is important to keep short accounts with your mate. To deal with the sin of bitterness and lack of forgiveness, tell your partner, “God has convicted me of my sinful anger and I’ve asked His forgiveness. I will try to work to overcome that sin. I’m asking you, ‘Will you forgive me?’”

4) Sexual immorality (beginning on the thought level) will damage your marriage – Mark 7:21-23

Mark 7:21-23 says, “For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.” The reason why we emphasize, beginning on the thought level, is because Jesus Christ Himself said that all immorality begins in the heart (Mark 7:21-23; Matthew 5:27-28). This means, guys, that if you happen to be secretly lusting after women other than your wife or you are watching pornography, you are sabotaging your marriage. You should take this seriously and note that you are on the slippery slope that leads to physical immorality. And even more seriously, Christ said that by failing to take radical measures to cut mental lust out of your life (pluck out your eye, cut off your hand), you are headed for hell (Matthew 5:29-30).

5) Alcohol and drug abuse will damage your marriage – Galatians 5:21

Galatians 5:21 says, “Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Alcohol and drug abuse have torn apart several homes around the world. Several people argue that alcoholism and drug addiction are diseases. This is partly, but not totally, correct. Alcohol abuse, as well as drug abuse, are sins. Addicts usually have their bodies crave for it so much so that they tend to lie, steal, or do worse in order to obtain the substance. It is wrong to deny that alcohol and drug abuse are sins thinking that it absolves the person of responsibility for his actions. Note that no one ever became addicted to drugs or alcohol without choosing to take the first hit of a drug or first drink.

6) Selfishness will damage your marriage – Matthew 22:39

Matthew 22:39 says, “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Jesus Christ taught that the second greatest commandment is for you to love our neighbor as you love yourself. And behold, your spouse is your closest “neighbor.” To love him/her requires killing your selfishness every day. Note that selfishness takes many forms and it is the root cause of anger. A selfish husband insists that he is right and won’t listen to or yield to any other views. Such a man does not think, talk less of caring about his wife’s needs or how she may feel, but only thinks about his needs and how he feels about the matters at hand. In marriage, it is wrong to think just about yourself. If both spouses work for the happiness of each other, they’ll enjoy their marriage.

7) Competition instead of cooperation will damage your marriage – Ephesians 5:28-30

Ephesians 5:28-30 says, “In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body.” It is rather unfortunate that many Christian couples are striving for dominance and power in their marriage. This is often portrayed in the way they exchange barbed comments or make use of humor to try to put one another down. And if you were to confront them, they’d protest, “we’re just joking!” Whatever the case, it is important to understand that competition, whether in marriage or in church, goes against the truth that we are members of one another and our main aim should be to buildup one another as written in the Scriptures.

8) Financial irresponsibility will damage your marriage – Proverbs 21:20

Proverbs 21:20 – “In the House of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.” Today, it is without a doubt that disagreements over money matters are a major cause of divorce. It can happen that a freewheeling, impulsive spender will marry a cheapskate who won’t buy anything that isn’t on sale, in a thrift store, or absolutely necessary at the moment. A couple like this will have to work overtime to live in harmony. A good starting point is to study what God’s Word says about financial stewardship. Likewise, instead of competing, couples should cooperate. This will spare them from the spending war.

9) Wrong expectations and goals will damage your marriage – 1 Timothy 6:7-10

1 Timothy 6:7-10 says, “For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” Unfortunately, many couples enter marriage with unstated expectations. Clearly knowing each other’s expectations in marriage is a great step to experiencing a joyous marriage. If a man’s expectation is that his wife stays home, keeps the house, and cares for the children, but her expectation is to have a successful career, severe conflict lays ahead.

10) Mismanaging your time will damage your marriage – Ephesians 5:15-17

Ephesians 5:15-17 says, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Likewise, Colossians 4:5 says, “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.” Apostle Paul clearly tells us that if we are wise, we’ll make the most of our time. Sadly, it is easy to fall into the workaholic trap, where you neglect your family. Or, many families get overloaded with too many activities. Or, a husband and wife are going in different directions and not spending enough time together. As couples, it is vital to regularly spend quality time together so as to strengthen your marriage bond. Being busy round the clock could break your marriage.

11) Moving away from the Lord will damage your marriage – 2 Chronicles 7:14

2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” It is important to understand that marriage is like a triangle with God at the top and the couples at both lower corners. And as the couples both move closer to God, they equally grow closer to one another. On the other hand, if they move away from God, they equally move away from each other. Thus, couples aiming for a happy and long-lasting marriage should humble themselves and seek God’s face. By so doing, God will bless and strengthen your marriage. In addition, as each partner grows in the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), they will grow closer to God and to each other.

12) Worldliness will break your marriage – 1 John 2:15-18

1 John 2:15-18 says, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.” Worldliness has broken several marriages and will continue if we don’t pay attention and take precautions. Being worldly is to adopt the world’s values, goals, and ways as opposed to the ways, values, and goals of God Almighty.

What Are The Biblical Solutions For Solving Marriage Problems?

It is no surprise that marriage is the most intimate relationship that two human beings can experience, second only to a relationship with God. Amazingly, marriage brings out the best and worst in most people, as two separate individuals struggle to live as “one flesh” (Matthew 19:6; Mark 10:8). It is worth noting here that at the root of most marriage problems is selfishness. In other words, when one or both partners choose to live as though his or her needs deserve top consideration, conflicts result. There are specific Bible verses that address the behavior of both husbands and wives. Some of which are 1 Peter 3:1-8, Colossians 3:18-19, and Titus 2:3-5. Even though not addressing marriage directly, Philippians 2:3-13 has proven to be an excellent recipe for resolving marriage problems.

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Philippians 2:3-13 tells us to adopt the attitude Christ demonstrated when He set aside His rights, and privileges as the Son of God and came to earth as a humble servant. Verse 3 and 4 say, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” When this is applied to marriage, almost any obstacle can be overcome. Likewise, seeking counsel from a pastor or Christian marriage counselor is a Biblical thing to do (Proverbs 19:20). Behold, getting counseling is an excellent way to clear misconceptions about marriage roles, to see a situation from another viewpoint, and to distinguish between God’s standards and those of the world.

Biblical solutions for solving marriage problems

Understand that every family has disagreements/challenges that must be resolved in the light of God’s Word.
As a Christian couple, you must have faith that God will guide you into successfully resolving the challenges that you are facing in your marriage (Philippians 4:13).
Hatred, jealousy, competition, bitterness, and/or an unforgiving mind in a marriage union reveals that someone is disobeying God.
Do not allow your partner’s unwillingness to improve the marriage to affect your determination to make things work.
As a Christian couple, you should always pray for God’s strength to face the challenges that come up in your marriage (Philippians 4:6,7).
A Christian man and a Christian woman that have made up their minds to come together as one through the union of marriage should respect the Bible pattern for authority at home (Ephesians 5:22-24).
Christian couples should always act in love (Ephesians 5:25,28,29 and Titus 2:4).
It is important to understand that love is concerned about the wellbeing of others, expressed through actions, as well as giving and self-sacrifice.
Christian couples should always maintain and show commitment to the marriage.
It is important to understand that marriage is a lifetime commitment thereby canceling divorce as an option (Romans 7:2,3; Matthew 5:31,32; 19:3-9; 1 Corinthians 7:10,11).
Christian couples should grow the habit of expressing appreciation and praise for what is good (Philippians 4:6,7).
A husband should regularly express appreciation to his wife as much as a wife should regularly express appreciation to her husband.
Christian couples should be willing to discuss the problem so as to figure out a long-lasting solution.
Christian couples should be willing and ready to forgive each other just as God forgives us.
Believing couples should be willing to seek help from the right source if need be.

What Does The Bible Say About Toxic Marriages?

James 5:16 – “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

1 Corinthians 7:2-5 – “But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.“

1 Peter 3:7 – “Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”

Hebrews 13:4 – “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.“

Proverbs 10:12 – “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.“

Group 1 – What Does The Bible Say About Toxic Marriages

Proverbs 3:1-35 – “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. …“

Ephesians 4:31-32 – “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Ephesians 5:25 – “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,”

1 Peter 3:1 – “Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives,”

Matthew 19:4-6 – He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

Group 2 – What Does The Bible Say About Toxic Marriages

1 Corinthians 7:12-16 – “To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace. For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?“

Romans 14:1-23 – “As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. …“

Group 3 – What Does The Bible Say About Toxic Marriages

Ephesians 5:33 – “However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.“

Acts 8:22 – “Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.”

Romans 7:2 – “For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage.“

Matthew 5:32 – “But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.“

Ephesians 5:22-24 – “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.”

Group 4 – What Does The Bible Say About Toxic Marriages

1 Corinthians 7:1-40 – “Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. …“

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Hebrews 13:1-25 – “Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” …“

Group 5 – What Does The Bible Say About Toxic Marriages

Malachi 2:16 – “For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.”

Ephesians 5:22-33 – “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, …“

Ecclesiastes 9:9 – “Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun.”

Acts 5:29 – But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.

Matthew 19:9 – “And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.”

1 Corinthians 7:15 – “But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace.”

Group 6 – What Does The Bible Say About Toxic Marriages

Ephesians 5:22 – “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.”

Matthew 19:1-12 – “Now when Jesus had finished these sayings, he went away from Galilee and entered the region of Judea beyond the Jordan. And large crowds followed him, and he healed them there. And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife for any cause?” He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? …“

Matthew 19:3-9 – And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife for any cause?” He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” They said to him, “Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?” …

Group 7 – What Does The Bible Say About Toxic Marriages

Psalm 1:1-6 – “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; …“

Acts 17:30 – “The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,“

1 Corinthians 15:33 – Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”

Matthew 5:28 – “But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

1 Corinthians 7:10-11 – “To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife.“

Group 8 – What Does The Bible Say About Toxic Marriages

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 – “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

Colossians 3:13 – “Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”

Joshua 24:15 – “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Proverbs 16:1-10 – “The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished. ...”

Group 9 – What Does The Bible Say About Toxic Marriages

Galatians 6:1 – “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”

Proverbs 21:20 – “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.“

John 12:48 – “The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.“

Genesis 2:18 – Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”

Romans 8:13 – “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.“

Romans 7:3 – “Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress.“

Group 10 – What Does The Bible Say About Toxic Marriages

1 Corinthians 7:12-15 – “To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace.”

Matthew 5:31 – “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’“

Matthew 7:3-5 – “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”

Romans 12:12 – “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

Ephesians 5:21 – “Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.“

Group 11 – What Does The Bible Say About Toxic Marriages

Luke 14:28 – “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?“

Acts 26:20 – “But declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.“

Proverbs 13:22 – “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.”

Ephesians 6:18 – “Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,”

1 Timothy 5:8 – “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

Ephesians 5:31 – “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”

Group 12 – What Does The Bible Say About Toxic Marriages

Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Titus 2:3-5 – “Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.”

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Ephesians 4:2 – “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,“

Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,“

Genesis 2:24 – “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.“

1 Timothy 2:1 – “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,”

Group 13 – What Does The Bible Say About Toxic Marriages

1 Timothy 5:14 – “So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander.“

2 Thessalonians 3:6 – “Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.”

Romans 5:3-4 – “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,”

Romans 15:1-3 – We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.”

Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Proverbs 18:22 – “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”

Group 14 – What Does The Bible Say About Toxic Marriages

Proverbs 31:10 – “An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.”

Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

1 Peter 4:8 – “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”

Proverbs 12:4 – “An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.”

Colossians 3:19 – “Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.“

1 Corinthians 5:11 – “But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.”

Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

Group 15 – What Does The Bible Say About Toxic Marriages

Matthew 19:6 – “So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

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

Matthew 18:15-17 – “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.“

Acts 16:7 – “And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.”

2 Corinthians 1:8-11 – “For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.“

Group 16 – What Does The Bible Say About Toxic Marriages

Proverbs 19:11 – “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.”

Proverbs 28:23 – “Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue.“

1 John 5:16 – “If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that.”

Hebrews 13:6 – So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

Isaiah 62:5 – “For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your sons marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.”

Acts 5:9 – But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.”

1 Timothy 1:20 – “Among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.”

Group 17 – What Does The Bible Say About Toxic Marriages

Ephesians 5:11 – “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”

Colossians 3:18-19 – “Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.”

Ephesians 4:26-27 – “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.”

2 Corinthians 6:14 – “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?“

1 Corinthians 10:31 – “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.”

Group 18 – What Does The Bible Say About Toxic Marriages

1 Corinthians 6:7-8 – “To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded? But you yourselves wrong and defraud—even your own brothers!“

Luke 22:25-27 – And he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.”

Proverbs 19:14 – “House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”

1 Samuel 25:32-33 – And David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me! Blessed be your discretion, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodguilt and from avenging myself with my own hand!”

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Group 19 – What Does The Bible Say About Toxic Marriages

1 Corinthians 5:3-5 – “For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.”

Mark 10:9 – “What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

Luke 15:21-24 – “And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.“

Mark 10:4-5 – They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and to send her away.” And Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment.