God’s Warning: 7 Types of People You Should Never Trust

When Trust is Broken—God’s Wisdom for Protection

Have you ever opened your heart to someone—a friend, a relative—only to have them betray your trust? That kind of pain doesn’t just sting; it can shake your peace, your sense of purpose, and sometimes even your faith. The Bible offers more than just advice for these moments; it gives us spiritual protection. Proverbs 4:7 reminds us, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom.” Even Jesus, who loved everyone, didn’t entrust Himself to everyone. He set boundaries, showing us that discernment is not harshness, but wisdom.

This message isn’t about bitterness or holding grudges. It’s about guarding your heart and your calling. When you keep trusting the wrong people, you’re not just risking a relationship—you’re risking your peace, your focus, and sometimes your destiny. If you’re ready to grow in discernment, take a moment to ask, “Lord, give me wisdom.” What follows isn’t just advice; it’s instruction for your protection.

1. The Gossiper and Slanderer

The first type of person God warns us never to trust is the gossiper and slanderer. The Bible doesn’t treat gossip lightly; in fact, it calls it destructive—a poison that spreads and corrupts relationships, reputations, and even entire communities. Proverbs 20:19 says, “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.” Notice that the Bible doesn’t just say, “Be careful.” It says, “Avoid them.” That’s a strong warning, because gossip isn’t harmless—it’s dangerous.

Gossipers twist words, take private conversations and make them public, and often exaggerate or invent things just for attention. Slander is even more serious, involving false or damaging statements made behind someone’s back. Both are rooted in pride and insecurity. If someone is always telling you other people’s business, what do you think they’re saying about you when you’re not around? Gossipers don’t have loyalty—they have an audience. If they talk about others to you, they’ll talk about you to others.

Trust is built on confidentiality and character, and a gossiper has neither. You can’t confide in someone who leaks what you share, and you can’t walk closely with someone whose words bring others down. They’re always around drama but never take responsibility. They change how they talk depending on who’s listening, and they never own their words. They talk more about people than they talk to God. When you trust someone like that, the pain runs deep, because they don’t just betray you—they expose you.

If you’ve been the one gossiping, there’s grace and forgiveness, but repentance means change. We’re called to protect reputations, not destroy them. James 1:26 says, “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” Gossip isn’t a small flaw—it’s a weapon. If you keep a gossiper close, their poison will eventually spill into your life. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you’re the exception; you’re just the next target. The Bible doesn’t say to manage gossipers—it says to avoid them, because the longer you entertain a gossiper, the more damage you allow into your destiny.

2. The Betrayer (Fake Friend)

The second type of person the Bible warns us never to trust is the betrayer—the fake friend. This one hurts the most, because betrayal rarely comes from strangers. It comes from those closest to us. Psalm 41:9 captures this pain: “Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.” David wasn’t describing an enemy or a distant acquaintance; he was talking about someone who sat at his table, someone he called a friend.

Trust isn’t broken by distance—it’s broken by proximity. Some of the deepest wounds you’ll ever carry come from people who once called you “friend.” They knew your heart, your story, your weaknesses, and still, they used that access to hurt you. Judas is the clearest example in Scripture. He wasn’t a stranger; he was one of the twelve. He walked with Jesus, witnessed miracles, and heard truth from the mouth of the Son of God. He shared meals, dipped bread in the same bowl, drank from the same cup. The betrayal didn’t come from a Roman soldier or a Pharisee—it came from someone who had walked side by side with Jesus in ministry.

When the moment of betrayal came, Jesus didn’t lash out or expose Judas in front of the others, but He also didn’t trust him. Instead, He released him. Sometimes, the deepest betrayal comes from the same table, and sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is let them go. When someone chooses to weaponize your trust, continuing to give them access isn’t loyalty—it’s self-destruction.

Fake friends are subtle. They smile with you but secretly compete. They support you in public but envy you in private. When you win, they go quiet; when you struggle, they disappear. When your name is being torn down, they stay silent—or worse, they join in. Proverbs 19:5 says, “A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free.” God sees betrayal, and He deals with it, but He also uses it to teach us. If you’ve been betrayed, hear this: it wasn’t your fault. You gave love, and that’s never wrong. But from this day forward, don’t confuse forgiveness with access. Just because you forgive someone doesn’t mean they deserve the same place in your life. Jesus released Judas; you might need to release someone too.

3. The Hypocrite

The third type of person God warns us not to trust is the hypocrite. This one can be hard to recognize, because on the surface, they look like the real deal. A hypocrite doesn’t come off as dangerous—there are no big warning signs. In fact, they often seem spiritual. They say all the right things, quote Scripture, and might even serve in leadership at church. But behind the scenes, it’s a different story. They sound like they love God, but their life tells a different truth.

Jesus called this out clearly in Matthew 23:27: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.” Jesus wasn’t holding back—He was exposing those who put on a holy image while living in secret sin. Their outer life looked pure, but their heart was full of corruption. Sadly, that same kind of behavior still exists today.

You’ve probably encountered it—the person who’s always quoting Scripture, always correcting others, always on fire in public, but at home, they’re someone else entirely. They might preach with power on Sunday but speak with cruelty in private. They might pray long, emotional prayers in public but be manipulative or even abusive behind closed doors. Titus 1:16 puts it plainly: “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for doing anything good.” That’s what makes the hypocrite so dangerous—they don’t just sin like the rest of us; they pretend to be holy while they do it. Their words create trust, but their life shatters it.

This isn’t about judging people who are struggling. We all fall short; we all have areas God is still working on. But there’s a big difference between someone who’s battling their sin and someone who’s faking righteousness. Hypocrisy isn’t just failure—it’s dishonesty. Jesus gave us a way to recognize this: “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:16). Don’t just listen to what they say—look at what their life produces. Are they bringing peace or stirring confusion? Do they lead with love or control? Are they helping people heal or causing harm? If the fruit doesn’t line up with the faith, pay attention. Not everyone who sounds spiritual is safe. Some people use religion as a shield to avoid accountability. If you’ve ever trusted someone like this, you know how damaging it can be. It messes with your confidence, makes you question your discernment, and sometimes even your faith. But God sees it all. He knows, and He will bring to light whatever’s hidden in darkness. If their fruit doesn’t match their faith, don’t ignore the signs. You can forgive them, you can pray for them, but don’t put them in a position of trust.

4. The Manipulator (Flatterer)

The fourth type of person God warns us never to trust is the manipulator—the one who flatters to control. This person is dangerous not because they attack you with force, but because they entangle you with false affection. Manipulators don’t overpower you; they influence you. They don’t yell; they whisper. Their words are full of charm, but behind the praise is a plan. Behind the compliments is control.

Proverbs 29:5 warns, “A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.” Flattery is a trap. It looks like encouragement, but it’s manipulation in disguise. It’s not truth spoken in love; it’s control spoken in strategy. The story of Delilah and Samson is a perfect example. Delilah didn’t come with a weapon—she came with words. She wore down Samson’s spirit with persistent questions and emotional blackmail until he finally gave away the secret God told him to protect. That decision cost him everything: his strength, his freedom, his vision.

Manipulation convinces you to surrender what should have been sacred. If someone only praises you when they want something, or if they make you feel guilty for setting boundaries, be cautious. That’s not love—it’s a spiritual trap. If you don’t cut it off, you’ll find yourself drained, confused, and stuck. Protect your peace. Guard your purpose. Like Samson, you could lose your strength by trusting the wrong voice.

5. The Proud and Unteachable

The fifth type of person God warns us never to trust is the proud and unteachable. This one might be the most frustrating to deal with, because you can’t help someone who believes they don’t need help. Pride is dangerous because it blinds people to their own flaws. They can’t see their mistakes, won’t accept correction, and refuse counsel. Worst of all, they make you feel like you’re the problem for even trying to help.

Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Even when the fall comes, the proud rarely admit they were wrong. They blame everyone else, make excuses, and twist the story, but they won’t take responsibility. James 4:6 tells us, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” When someone chooses pride over humility, they’re not just rejecting your help—they’re positioning themselves against God Himself.

Scripture gives us clear examples. Pharaoh in Exodus refused to listen to Moses, even as plague after plague hit Egypt. His pride kept him from yielding, and it ultimately destroyed him. Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4 was warned to humble himself, but pride made him deaf to wisdom until God humbled him in a dramatic way. Proud people can’t be taught because they believe they already know everything. You can’t guide them, because they think they’re smarter than everyone else. You can’t correct them, because they see correction as an attack on their image.

Here’s what you need to understand: their pride is not your project to fix. It’s their personal decision to make. You cannot change someone who doesn’t want to change. You cannot humble someone who chooses to stay proud. That’s between them and God. Your job is to focus on your own destiny and where God is taking you. Don’t get stuck trying to convince someone who’s already made up their mind. Protect your peace, guard your calling, and stay focused on what God has planned for your life.

6. The Enabler of Sin

The sixth type of person God warns us never to trust is the enabler of sin. This isn’t just someone who overlooks your mistakes—it’s someone who encourages them. When God is trying to convict you, they’re telling you to ignore that voice. When the Holy Spirit is calling you higher, they’re dragging you deeper.

This person is more dangerous to your destiny than you realize. They’re not just keeping you comfortable in the moment—they’re sabotaging your future. Every time they convince you to tune out God’s correction, they’re helping you build a wall between you and your calling. Proverbs 28:23 says, “Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue.” But the enabler never rebukes. They flatter, sugarcoat sin, and make disobedience feel normal. They silence the very voice God sent to save you.

God’s conviction isn’t punishment—it’s protection. When the Holy Spirit warns you about a habit, a relationship, or a compromise, He’s not trying to ruin your fun; He’s trying to guard your future. The enabler says, “You’re fine, don’t overthink it.” In doing so, they become a voice of spiritual sabotage. Maybe you’re drinking too much, and they say, “Everyone needs to relax.” Maybe you’re in a toxic relationship, and they say, “Follow your heart.” The enabler may feel like a safe place, but if they never challenge you, they’re not protecting you. Comfort isn’t your friend—conviction is.

Real love doesn’t just make you feel good; it fights for your future. Galatians 6:1 says, “If someone is caught in sin, we’re called to restore them, not reassure them in rebellion.” Enablers always choose peace over truth. They’ll keep you stuck, talk you out of deliverance, and every time God tries to elevate you, they’ll pull you back to “good enough.” If someone is always downplaying what God is dealing with in your life, be cautious. That’s not loyalty—it’s sabotage in disguise. You cannot trust someone who makes it easier for you to disobey God. If you’re serious about your calling, you need people who love your future more than your feelings—people who protect your purpose, not just your comfort. The wrong voice in a critical moment can cost you everything God has planned. Don’t mistake enablement for love. Real love won’t let you settle.

7. The Spiritually Corrupt (False Teachers and Deceivers)

The seventh and most dangerous type of person God warns us not to trust is the spiritually corrupt—false teachers and deceivers. These aren’t just people with bad habits; these are people who use the name of God to lead others away from the truth of God. The danger is that they don’t look like enemies—they look like leaders, friends, or good Christians.

Jesus said in Matthew 7:15, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” They don’t come with fangs and red flags; they come wrapped in charm, charisma, and Christian language. But underneath it all, their goal is control, not truth. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 11:13-14, “For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” Just because it glows doesn’t mean it’s God. Just because it sounds good doesn’t mean it’s biblical.

False teachers twist Scripture for personal gain. They avoid words like sin, repentance, or holiness. Instead, they offer comfort without conviction, build platforms instead of disciples, and use spiritual language to manipulate emotions, create guilt, and elevate themselves. They want attention, not truth; followers, not transformation. Watch out for red flags: they only preach what sounds positive, avoid the cross and the cost of discipleship, and talk more about sowing financial seeds than spiritual obedience. They say things like, “God told me to tell you,” but rarely back it up with Scripture.

It’s not just on pulpits—today, you’ll find false teachers online, on podcasts, and all over social media, gathering likes, views, and followers while feeding people spiritual junk food. People are following charisma instead of character, but deception wrapped in inspiration is still deception. False teachers don’t just mislead—they destroy. They don’t just distract—they can cost people their eternity. God doesn’t just dislike false teaching; He judges it. Jude 1:4 and Revelation 2:20 make it clear: there are serious consequences for leading people away from the truth.

So, who are you listening to? Do their words align with Scripture, or just with your feelings? In these last days, discernment isn’t optional—it’s survival. Don’t trust every voice that claims to speak for God. Test every spirit, measure every message against the Word, follow Jesus—not personalities. Above all, protect your soul by staying grounded in truth and the Word of God.

[Place Image: false-teacher-wolf-sheep1000x600 here]
ALT: Preacher’s shadow as a wolf in sheep’s clothing, symbolizing false teachers.
Caption: Not every voice that claims to speak for God can be trusted—test every spirit.

How to Apply God’s Wisdom: Guarding Your Heart in Real Life

After hearing about these seven types, you might be wondering, “What do I do now? How do I actually live this out?” Here’s some practical wisdom: Don’t trust blindly—test the fruit. Jesus said, “By their fruit you will recognize them.” Stop ignoring the red flags. Stop making excuses for people’s behavior just because they say the right things. Look at what their life actually produces—does it bring peace or chaos, healing or harm, growth or destruction?

Understand this: forgiveness doesn’t mean you have to give access. You can forgive someone and still maintain boundaries. You can love someone and still protect yourself. Jesus forgave everyone, but He didn’t trust everyone. There’s a difference. Sometimes, like Jesus said in Matthew 10:14, you have to shake the dust off your feet and move on. You’ve given them chances, tried to help, extended grace, but when someone consistently proves they can’t be trusted, it’s time to release them. That’s not cruelty—it’s wisdom. Pray for these people, love them from a distance, but guard your heart. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Your heart is the wellspring of your life—don’t let toxic people poison your well.

Before you move on, be honest with yourself. Who are you trusting that God has already told you to release? Are you enabling someone out of guilt or obligation? Are you acting like one of these seven people? If so, there’s still grace. Repentance is still available. God restores those who turn back to Him with a sincere heart. Setting boundaries isn’t unloving—it’s biblical. Protecting your peace isn’t selfish—it’s stewardship. If you’re choosing to walk in wisdom instead of emotion, if you’re ready to guard your heart and protect your calling, declare it: “I choose wisdom. I choose truth. I choose God’s way.”

Reflect & Respond: Questions for Self-Examination

Take a moment to reflect on these questions:

• Who am I trusting that God has already told me to release?
• Am I enabling someone out of guilt or obligation?
• Am I acting like one of these seven people?

Journaling Prompt: Write down one step you’ll take this week to guard your heart. Share your thoughts in the comments, or talk with a trusted friend about what you’ve learned.

Your Turn: Which One Hit Home?

Take a moment to be honest with yourself:

🤔 Which of these 7 types immediately came to mind? Was it someone in your life right now, or maybe someone from your past who left a mark?

💡 Did you recognize yourself in any of these descriptions? If so, there’s no shame—there’s only grace and the opportunity to grow. God’s conviction is His love calling you higher.

✋ Have you already taken action? Maybe you’ve set boundaries with a gossiper, walked away from a manipulator, or stopped enabling someone’s destructive choices. Share your story—it might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.

Here’s what I want you to do:

👇 Comment below and tell us:

• “The _______ hit me the hardest because…”
• “I realized I need to set boundaries with…”
• “I’m guilty of being _______ and I’m ready to change…”
• “I took action by _______ and here’s what happened…”

📱 Share this post with someone who needs to read it. You might be the voice God uses to protect their heart or open their eyes.

🙏 Tag a friend who’s helped you grow in discernment, or someone you want to encourage in their journey of wisdom.

Remember: Your story of choosing wisdom over comfort, truth over convenience, could be the breakthrough someone else desperately needs. Don’t keep God’s wisdom to yourself—let it ripple out and protect others too.

What’s your next step? Comment below—we’re listening. 👇