God’s heart is tender toward the oppressed, the overlooked, and the vulnerable. Throughout Scripture, we see a God who stands firmly against those who exploit others and powerfully defends those who are mistreated. From the Old Testament laws to the teachings of Jesus, the message is consistent: do not take advantage of others. God calls His people to act justly, to walk humbly, and to love mercy. Taking advantage of someone—whether financially, emotionally, socially, or spiritually—is an act of pride, greed, and disregard for God’s image in others.
The Bible warns us repeatedly that God sees the hidden motives of the heart. He notices when the strong abuse the weak. He hears the cries of those who are used, manipulated, or pushed aside. Whether it’s the foreigner, the orphan, the widow, the poor, or the helpless, God defends those who can’t fight for themselves. And He calls us to do the same.
Not taking advantage of others is more than just avoiding cruelty. It means living with integrity, loving our neighbor as ourselves, and remembering that every soul matters to God. When we treat others fairly, with love and dignity, we reflect the very heart of our Father in Heaven. These verses will open your eyes to God’s deep concern for how we treat one another.
Bible Verses About Not Taking Advantage of Others
1. Leviticus 25:17
Do not take advantage of each other, but fear your God. I am the Lord your God.
2. Exodus 22:22
Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless.
3. Proverbs 22:22-23
Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case.
4. Zechariah 7:10
Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.
5. James 5:4
The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you.
6. Deuteronomy 24:14-15
Do not take advantage of a hired worker who is poor and needy… Pay them their wages each day.
7. Proverbs 14:31
Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
8. Isaiah 10:1-2
Woe to those who make unjust laws… to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed.
9. Malachi 3:5
I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against those who oppress the widows and the fatherless.
10. Psalm 10:2
In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises.
11. Luke 3:14
Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.
12. Matthew 23:14
You devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Therefore you will be punished more severely.
13. Deuteronomy 27:19
Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow.
14. Jeremiah 22:3
Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed.
15. Proverbs 28:6
Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.
16. Amos 5:11
You levy a straw tax on the poor and impose a tax on their grain. Therefore, though you have built stone mansions, you will not live in them.
17. Job 24:9
The fatherless child is snatched from the breast; the infant of the poor is seized for a debt.
18. Exodus 23:6
Do not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits.
19. Romans 13:10
Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
20. Matthew 7:12
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.
21. Psalm 82:3
Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
22. Proverbs 31:9
Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
23. Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.
24. Ezekiel 22:29
The people of the land practice extortion and commit robbery; they oppress the poor and needy and mistreat the foreigner, denying them justice.
25. Leviticus 19:13
Do not defraud or rob your neighbor.
26. Nehemiah 5:10-11
Give back to them immediately their fields, vineyards, olive groves and houses, and also the interest you are charging them.
27. 1 Thessalonians 4:6
In this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister.
28. Proverbs 17:5
Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.
29. Job 31:13-14
If I have denied justice to any of my servants… what will I do when God confronts me?
30. Luke 6:31
Do to others as you would have them do to you.
31. Galatians 6:2
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
32. Matthew 25:45
Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.
33. Proverbs 11:1
The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with Him.
34. Isaiah 58:10
If you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness.
35. Philippians 2:4
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Our Thoughts On What the Bible Says About Not Taking Advantage of Others
The Bible is crystal clear—God despises oppression and injustice. Taking advantage of others is a deep violation of God’s heart, which beats for the weak, the hurting, and the unseen. When we use people for gain or manipulate situations to benefit ourselves at another’s expense, we dishonor the image of God in them.
But Scripture doesn’t just warn us—it calls us to a better way. We’re invited to reflect God’s justice, mercy, and love in how we treat those around us. Integrity isn’t just about avoiding obvious sins—it’s about honoring others in every decision, conversation, and transaction.
God wants us to protect the vulnerable, speak up for the silent, and act with compassion and fairness. And when we live like that, we not only please Him—we help heal a broken world. Let’s be people who never take advantage but always lift others up.
Say This Prayer
Father, forgive me for the times I’ve acted out of selfishness or ignored the needs of others. Open my eyes to the ways I can love more deeply and act more justly. Help me to never take advantage of anyone—whether in words, in actions, or even in silence.
Teach me to walk in Your ways, with a heart of compassion and a spirit of truth. Let my life reflect Your justice and kindness every day. I want to honor You in how I treat others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.