Ephesians

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NASB	Ephesians 4:25 ¶ Therefore, laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE of you WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are members of one another.
AMPLIFIED 2015	Ephesians 4:25 ¶ Therefore, rejecting all falsehood [whether lying, defrauding, telling half-truths, spreading rumors, any such as these], SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are all parts of one another [and we are all parts of the body of Christ]. [Zech 8:16]

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Bible Question: is there anything in the bible about manipulation?

Bible Answer: Greetings Smcguire3,

The Bible has a lot to say about manipulating others, saying, "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another." (Ephesians 4:25, ESV)

People in this world manipulate others to accumulate wealth (Proverbs 21:6; Jeremiah 17:11) by exploiting the poor (Amos 5:11) and through cheating and polluting (Amos 8:5,6). But Christians are called to do good deeds without expectation of reciprocation (Luke 6:27-36), and to avoid inequity between friends (Jeremiah 9:5). Let us not dwell in political manipulation for the attaining of wealth and honor (Ecclesiastes 5:8-9).

When highly competitive people are overshadowed or intimidated they often resort to ugly tactics to try to regain their superiority. An unhealthy need for importance, success, and power can bring out the worst in anyone. But by following Christ, we have a new standard of living and behavior - "Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3, ESV)

As community leaders saw Jesus once again gaining popularity and influence, they schemed to ensnare Him (Luke 20:9-19). They even enlisted agents for their plot (Luke 20:20). Unfortunately, there always seems to be a ready supply of help for evil designs. But Jesus refused to stoop to their methods (Luke 20:23-25). As they tried to catch Him in His words, He foiled their schemes with grace and truth.

We are called to do the same.

Blessings to you,

Makarios