I understand many people do not know this yet (I’d like to think it’s largely due to a lack of discernment), but setting healthy boundaries in relationships is a biblical principle that fosters respect, love, and emotional well-being.
The Bible speaks clearly about the importance of protecting our hearts, minds, and spirits, while also honoring others.
Boundaries are not about building walls, but about creating space where respect, mutual care, and godly love can thrive.
By establishing boundaries, we safeguard our emotional health and strengthen our ability to love and serve others in a way that aligns with God’s agenda.
These 35 Bible verses offer wisdom on how to set boundaries in relationships, whether with family, friends, or colleagues, helping us live in harmony while remaining true to our faith.
Bible Verses About Setting Boundaries in Relationships
1. Proverbs 4:23 – Guard Your Heart
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
The heart is the center of our emotions, and protecting it is essential for maintaining healthy relationships.
Boundaries help guard our hearts from toxic influences, ensuring we don’t allow others to take away our peace.
By protecting our hearts, we maintain the ability to love others without losing ourselves in the process.
2. Matthew 7:6 – Wisdom in Sharing
“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet and turn and tear you to pieces.”
This verse highlights the importance of discerning when and with whom to share personal thoughts or feelings.
Setting boundaries helps us avoid vulnerability with those who may not appreciate or respect our trust.
Protecting our most sacred things—our hearts and minds—prevents unnecessary hurt and exploitation in relationships.
3. 1 Corinthians 15:33 – Influence of Company
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
The people we surround ourselves with significantly influence our behavior and values.
Boundaries allow us to protect ourselves from negative influences that could lead us astray.
Setting boundaries in relationships ensures we remain grounded in our faith and moral principles, even in challenging situations.
4. Galatians 6:5 – Personal Responsibility
“For each one should carry their own load.”
This verse emphasizes the need for personal responsibility in relationships.
Setting boundaries means recognizing when others’ problems are theirs to handle, not ours.
It helps prevent burnout, allowing us to support others without becoming overwhelmed by their burdens.
5. Proverbs 22:24-25 – Avoid Toxic Relationships
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.”
Healthy boundaries involve avoiding relationships that are harmful or that encourage negative behaviors.
Setting limits with those who display anger or unhealthy emotions protects our well-being.
We should seek relationships that promote peace and growth, not those that drag us into conflict.
6. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 – Control Over Personal Behavior
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable.”
Boundaries in relationships extend to maintaining purity and self-control in all areas of life.
We are called to set clear personal boundaries that honor our bodies and the holiness of our relationships.
By honoring God through self-control, we build stronger, healthier relationships that reflect His love and righteousness.
7. Romans 12:18 – Living in Peace
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
While we are called to strive for peace, this verse acknowledges that peace is not always attainable.
Setting boundaries means knowing when to step back to protect our peace, even if others may not respond kindly.
In relationships, it’s vital to preserve our emotional and spiritual well-being by establishing limits that promote peace.
8. Proverbs 13:20 – Influences of Friendship
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
Choosing who we spend time with is a form of boundary-setting, as relationships shape our attitudes and actions.
Healthy relationships involve surrounding ourselves with those who encourage us to grow in wisdom and faith.
This verse reminds us that we must set boundaries with those who lead us into unwise or harmful behavior.
9. 1 Corinthians 10:23 – Boundaries in Freedom
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but not everything is constructive.”
Setting boundaries isn’t about restriction, but about choosing what is beneficial and constructive.
This verse teaches us to evaluate our actions and relationships based on their spiritual and emotional benefit.
We must have the wisdom to set boundaries that honor God and lead us to greater personal and relational growth.
10. Proverbs 14:7 – Avoid Foolishness
“Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.”
Boundaries help us avoid being influenced by those who lack wisdom and understanding.
This verse teaches that we should steer clear of relationships that undermine our growth and understanding.
Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect and shared values, not foolishness or ignorance.
11. Proverbs 4:23 – Guarding Our Minds
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Our hearts, which include our thoughts and emotions, need protection from harmful influences.
Boundaries in relationships help keep us from becoming emotionally drained or manipulated.
Guarding our hearts ensures that our relationships remain healthy and that we can love others freely without losing ourselves.
12. Mark 12:31 – Love Your Neighbor
“The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Healthy boundaries are about loving others, but also loving ourselves enough to set limits that protect us.
We are called to love others, but this does not mean allowing them to take advantage of us.
Setting boundaries allows us to love others from a place of strength and self-respect.
13. Matthew 18:15 – Confronting with Respect
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”
Confrontation is a necessary part of maintaining healthy boundaries in relationships.
Setting boundaries often involves addressing issues directly and respectfully, ensuring that relationships remain honest and open.
This verse shows that healthy conflict resolution when done in love, can strengthen relationships and protect boundaries.
14. 1 Corinthians 5:11 – Setting Boundaries with Wrongdoers
“But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.”
This verse speaks to the importance of maintaining boundaries with people who engage in sinful or harmful behaviors.
In relationships, it’s crucial to set boundaries with those who refuse to repent or live in a way that dishonors God.
Protecting ourselves from negative influences requires discernment and a willingness to walk away from toxic situations.
15. 2 Timothy 2:22 – Flee from Evil Desires
“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
This verse encourages us to avoid relationships and situations that may lead us to sin.
Setting boundaries helps us protect our purity and focus on the things of God, avoiding distractions.
Choosing relationships that lead us toward righteousness and peace strengthens our walk with God and our integrity.
16. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 – Flee from Sexual Immorality
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries for our physical bodies, particularly in sexual relationships.
Boundaries in our relationships must honor God and protect us from harmful behavior that affects our purity.
Respecting our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit helps maintain integrity and keeps us aligned with God’s will.
17. 1 Corinthians 15:33 – Influence of Others
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
Our relationships significantly influence our behavior and spiritual walk.
Setting boundaries involves choosing our companions wisely, and ensuring we don’t allow negative influences to lead us astray.
Healthy relationships with believers strengthen our faith, while toxic ones hinder our spiritual growth.
18. Matthew 5:37 – Honesty in Boundaries
“Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
When setting boundaries, it’s essential to be clear and firm in our commitments.
Being honest and straightforward in our responses helps maintain respect and prevents manipulation.
This verse reminds us that integrity in communication is vital for setting effective and healthy boundaries.
19. Ephesians 4:26-27 – Anger and Boundaries
“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
Setting boundaries in relationships means addressing anger and conflict in a timely and respectful manner.
This verse teaches us not to harbor anger, as it gives room for unhealthy dynamics and spiritual disruption.
Resolving conflicts promptly protects the integrity of our relationships and preserves peace.
20. Proverbs 4:23 – Guard Your Heart
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Our hearts are the source of our desires, emotions, and actions, and we must protect them.
Setting boundaries in relationships protects our hearts from emotional manipulation or unhealthy attachments.
When we guard our hearts, we ensure our actions align with God’s will and purpose for our lives.
21. 2 Corinthians 6:14 – Unequally Yoked Relationships
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”
This verse emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries in relationships with non-believers.
Partnerships or close relationships with those who do not share our faith can lead to spiritual compromise.
Setting clear boundaries in these relationships helps keep our faith strong and our values intact.
22. Galatians 6:2 – Carry Each Other’s Burdens
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
While boundaries are necessary, we are also called to be compassionate and help others in need.
Setting healthy boundaries ensures we can help others without becoming overwhelmed or neglecting our own well-being.
This verse teaches that we should support others, but not at the cost of our own emotional or spiritual health.
23. Psalm 141:3 – Protection from Harmful Words
“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
Setting boundaries includes being mindful of the words we speak and allowing God to guide our communication.
This verse emphasizes that our speech can either build up or harm relationships, and boundaries help maintain respect.
Protecting ourselves from harmful words helps create safe, healthy spaces in relationships.
24. Colossians 3:13 – Forgiveness and Boundaries
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Setting boundaries also involves forgiveness, but it’s important to know when to forgive and how to protect ourselves from further harm.
This verse teaches that forgiveness is essential for healing, but boundaries ensure that we don’t subject ourselves to repeated harm.
We are called to forgive, but also to set healthy limits to protect our emotional and spiritual well-being.
25. 1 Peter 4:8 – Love and Forgiveness
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
While setting boundaries, we must balance them with love and understanding.
Love does not mean allowing ourselves to be mistreated, but it does call for grace and patience.
This verse encourages us to love deeply while also protecting ourselves from toxic behavior.
26. Proverbs 25:17 – Boundaries in Personal Space
“Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house—too much of you, and they will hate you.”
This proverb emphasizes the importance of respecting personal space in relationships. This is a very important principle that everyone must live by, irrespective of what faith they belong to.
Setting boundaries includes knowing when to step back to avoid overwhelming others.
Healthy relationships thrive on mutual respect, which includes understanding the need for personal space and time.
27. 1 Corinthians 6:12 – Freedom and Boundaries
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but I will not be mastered by anything.”
Setting boundaries involves recognizing that not everything permissible is beneficial for our well-being.
We are free to make choices, but we must set boundaries to ensure our actions align with God’s purposes.
By exercising self-control, we avoid being mastered by harmful behaviors or relationships.
28. 2 Timothy 2:22 – Fleeing Evil Desires
“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
Setting boundaries in relationships helps us avoid temptations and pursue godliness.
This verse emphasizes the need to flee from behaviors that compromise our values and spiritual growth.
By establishing boundaries, we protect ourselves from harmful influences and grow closer to God.
29. Proverbs 14:7 – Choosing Who to Associate With
“Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.”
Boundaries include knowing who we should and shouldn’t associate with.
This verse teaches that surrounding ourselves with wise people helps us grow in knowledge and wisdom.
Choosing the right relationships ensures we’re supported in our walk with God and avoid negative influences.
30. Romans 12:2 – Renewing Your Mind
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Setting boundaries in relationships includes protecting our minds from negative or ungodly influences.
By renewing our minds through God’s Word, we can discern what relationships align with His will.
Transforming our thinking helps us set boundaries that honor God and lead to spiritual growth.
31. Titus 2:11-12 – Living a Godly Life
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”
Setting boundaries involves saying “no” to things that pull us away from godliness.
This verse teaches that grace empowers us to resist worldly temptations and pursue righteousness.
By saying “no” to ungodliness, we establish boundaries that lead to a more godly and fulfilling life.
32. Matthew 18:15 – Reconciliation with Boundaries
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”
Setting boundaries in conflict resolution means addressing issues directly but with respect and love.
This verse teaches us to approach reconciliation with a heart to restore, not to condemn.
Setting healthy boundaries in relationships encourages honest communication and the opportunity for healing.
33. Psalm 119:11 – Hiding God’s Word in Our Heart
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Boundaries in relationships are rooted in understanding and applying God’s Word.
By filling our hearts with Scripture, we set boundaries that guide our behavior and choices.
The Word of God helps us recognize what relationships are life-giving and what ones need limits.
34. 2 Samuel 22:31 – God’s Protection
“As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.”
God is our ultimate protector, helping us set boundaries in relationships to shield us from harm.
Leaning on God’s protection ensures that we don’t fall victim to manipulation or abuse.
This verse reminds us that God’s perfect ways safeguard our emotional and spiritual health.
35. Hebrews 12:14 – Pursuing Peace and Holiness
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
Setting boundaries helps us pursue peace while maintaining holiness in our relationships.
We must strive for peace, but it is equally important to keep ourselves holy and unspotted.
This verse calls us to establish boundaries that preserve both peace and personal holiness.
Our Thoughts On What the Bible Says About Setting Boundaries in Relationships
Setting boundaries in relationships is not just about self-preservation but about ensuring that our interactions reflect God’s love, truth, and grace.
The Bible is full of wisdom on how to maintain healthy relationships that honor God and promote emotional well-being.
Boundaries are essential for protecting our hearts, minds, and spirits from negative influences while ensuring that we can love others without compromising our own integrity.
Through setting boundaries, we learn to respect both ourselves and others, keeping our relationships healthy and godly.
By following biblical principles of discernment, humility, and wisdom, we can cultivate relationships that honor God’s will, bring peace, and foster growth for everyone involved.
Say This Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your wisdom in setting boundaries.
Help me to guard my heart and mind from unhealthy influences and to set boundaries that reflect Your love and truth.
Give me the discernment to recognize when to step back, and the strength to do so with grace and humility.
Teach me how to love others from a place of strength, while respecting my own needs.
I trust in Your guidance as I navigate relationships, and I ask for Your help to honor You in all I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.