In the sacred teachings of the Bible, the institution of marriage is honored and revered as a divine covenant between a husband and wife. Throughout the scriptures, profound insights are shared to guide couples in building and preserving a union that withstands the challenges of life.
As marriages encounter various trials and potential threats, the Bible offers a wealth of wisdom and counsel against forces that could undermine the sanctity of this covenant.
In this collection of Bible verses against marriage destroyers, we explore the timeless truths and principles that illuminate the path to a resilient, God-centered marital relationship. These verses serve as beacons of light, providing guidance on love, communication, fidelity, and the virtues that fortify marriages against destructive influences.
May these scriptures inspire and strengthen couples on their journey to cultivate a union that reflects the divine love and wisdom found in the Word of God.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Marriage Restoration (with Explanations)
Bible Verses Against Marriage Destroyers
Proverbs 14:1
“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.”
In this profound Proverb, Solomon emphasizes the transformative power of wisdom within a marital context. The ‘house’ metaphor represents the marriage, and the wise woman is portrayed as an active participant in its construction.
Wisdom involves discernment, understanding, and the application of knowledge in daily life. A wise spouse contributes positively to the growth and stability of the marriage, while the foolish one, through unwise actions, unwittingly dismantles the very foundation of the relationship.
This verse underscores the ongoing responsibility of each partner to nurture and fortify their marital bond through thoughtful actions and decisions.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud…”
Paul’s poetic description of love in Corinthians encapsulates the essence of enduring and selfless love. The emphasis on patience, kindness, and humility provides a blueprint for couples seeking to counteract destructive forces in their marriage.
Envy, boasting, and pride can act as corrosive elements, gradually eroding the fabric of a relationship. This passage encourages spouses to embody a love that withstands trials, forgives shortcomings, and remains steadfast even in challenging moments.
James 1:19-20
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
James offers practical wisdom for marital communication. By advocating for patience, attentive listening, and controlled anger, the passage guides couples to foster an environment conducive to understanding and righteousness.
Quickness to listen can prevent misunderstandings, and a measured response mitigates the destructive impact of anger within the marriage.
Ephesians 5:33
“However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”
This verse emphasizes the reciprocal nature of love and respect in marriage. It acknowledges the unique needs of both partners and highlights the importance of husbands loving their wives and wives respecting their husbands.
This mutual exchange builds a foundation of mutual understanding and appreciation, countering potential strains on the marital relationship.
1 Corinthians 7:3-5
“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife.”
Paul’s guidance in Corinthians emphasizes the importance of mutual intimacy and selflessness in marriage.
By acknowledging the shared responsibility for physical intimacy, this passage encourages couples to prioritize each other’s needs, fostering a deeper connection and guarding against external threats to marital harmony.
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
In this verse from Romans, the call to devotion and honor sets the tone for selfless love within marriage.
By prioritizing their partner’s well-being above their own, spouses create an atmosphere of mutual care and consideration, countering the destructive forces that can arise from selfishness or neglect.
Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Philippians underscores the importance of humility and selflessness within marriage.
By discouraging selfish motives and promoting a genuine concern for each other’s interests, this passage guides couples towards a harmonious partnership that resists destructive tendencies such as pride and self-centeredness.
Colossians 3:13-14
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Colossians emphasizes forgiveness as a powerful antidote to marriage destroyers. By encouraging couples to bear with each other and forgive grievances, this passage promotes the cultivation of a loving atmosphere that binds virtues together, fostering unity and resilience against potential threats to marital harmony.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
This verse from Thessalonians highlights the role of encouragement in marriage. By consistently uplifting and supporting one another, couples contribute to the emotional and spiritual well-being of their relationship.
This positive reinforcement serves as a buffer against external pressures that may seek to undermine the marital bond.
Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
Hebrews reinforces the sanctity of marriage and the importance of fidelity. By honoring the commitment of marriage and keeping the marital relationship pure, couples guard against destructive behaviors that can erode trust and compromise the sacred nature of their union.
This verse serves as a reminder of the divine significance attached to the marital covenant.
1 John 4:19-21
“We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.”
In these verses from 1 John, the profound connection between God’s love and human relationships is explored. The passage challenges couples to reflect God’s love in their marriage, emphasizing that genuine love for one another is an outpouring of the love received from God.
By extending this love to each other, spouses build a foundation of compassion and unity, countering potential marriage destroyers rooted in animosity or resentment.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”
In Galatians, Paul outlines the fruit of the Spirit, presenting a holistic guide for marital behavior. These virtues, including love, peace, and self-control, provide a framework for couples seeking to cultivate a thriving marriage.
By actively embodying these qualities, spouses fortify their relationship against destructive forces, fostering a home filled with the Spirit’s fruit.
Proverbs 24:3-4
“By wisdom, a house is built, and through understanding, it is established; through knowledge, its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”
Proverbs presents wisdom, understanding, and knowledge as essential building blocks for a strong marriage. This imagery of a house being filled with rare treasures suggests that a marriage founded on these virtues will be adorned with enduring qualities.
Couples are encouraged to invest in intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth, creating a resilient foundation that withstands the tests of time.
Psalm 127:1
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.”
This psalm recognizes the divine partnership in building a successful marriage. It emphasizes the need for a foundation rooted in God’s guidance and protection.
Couples are reminded that their efforts alone may be futile without God’s involvement. By acknowledging the divine aspect of their union, spouses guard against the destructive forces that may arise when they rely solely on their own strength.
Matthew 7:24-27
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall because it had its foundation on the rock.”
In this metaphorical teaching from Jesus, the importance of a solid foundation is highlighted. By applying biblical principles and teachings to their marriage, couples build a foundation that can withstand the storms of life.
This passage serves as a call to intentional living and adherence to God’s Word, countering potential marriage destroyers that may arise from a weak foundation.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
Corinthians offers reassurance to couples facing challenges. By acknowledging the commonality of temptations, this verse encourages spouses to rely on God’s faithfulness during difficult times.
The promise of a way out provides hope and resilience, offering a countermeasure against destructive influences that may threaten the marital relationship.
Genesis 2:24
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
This foundational verse from Genesis underscores the sacredness of the marital bond. By recognizing the oneness in marriage and the intentional separation from parental households, couples establish a unique and exclusive union.
This verse serves as a reminder of the divine design for marriage, countering potential threats to unity and commitment within the marital relationship.
Matthew 19:8-9
“Jesus replied, ‘Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.'”
In this exchange, Jesus addresses the topic of divorce. The emphasis on the hardness of hearts highlights the fallen nature of humanity.
The exception clause underscores the seriousness of marital fidelity, presenting a countermeasure against destructive actions that could threaten the sanctity of marriage.
1 Corinthians 6:18-20
“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.”
Paul’s words in Corinthians emphasize the sacredness of the marital union and the need for fidelity. The passage encourages couples to flee from sexual immorality, recognizing the profound impact it can have on the sanctity of the marital bond.
By honoring God with their bodies, spouses fortify their commitment to each other, guarding against destructive behaviors that can erode trust and intimacy.
Proverbs 5:15-19
“Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well… Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth.”
Proverbs offers poetic wisdom regarding marital intimacy. The metaphor of water from one’s own well emphasizes the exclusivity and joy found in the marital relationship.
By celebrating and cherishing the spouse of one’s youth, couples cultivate a deep, satisfying connection, countering potential marriage destroyers rooted in neglect or seeking fulfillment outside the marriage.
Ephesians 4:2-3
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Ephesians underscores the virtues of humility, gentleness, and patience within marriage. By fostering an attitude of love and actively maintaining unity, couples build a resilient bond that withstands the pressures that could otherwise lead to discord and fragmentation.
Psalm 34:14
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
This Psalm offers a concise yet powerful directive for marital harmony. The call to turn from evil, do good, and actively seek and pursue peace guides couples in cultivating an environment where destructive behaviors are replaced with actions that nurture and preserve the peace within the marriage.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
Peter’s instruction in this verse highlights the transformative power of deep love within marriage. The emphasis on love covering sins underscores the role of compassion and forgiveness.
By cultivating a profound, selfless love, couples create a protective layer against the destructive impact of mistakes and shortcomings, fostering a resilient and enduring marital bond.
Song of Solomon 8:6-7
“Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away.”
The Song of Solomon beautifully portrays the intensity and endurance of love. The imagery of a seal conveys the idea of commitment and permanence.
The unyielding nature of love described in these verses serves as a powerful antidote against marriage destroyers, illustrating the strength and resilience that a deep and unwavering love brings to the marital relationship.
Colossians 3:18-19
“Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
This passage from Colossians provides guidance for marital roles. The call for wives to submit is not about inferiority but rather an acknowledgment of the unique responsibilities within marriage.
Husbands are directed to love their wives, emphasizing the importance of kindness and avoiding harshness. This balanced approach fosters a harmonious marital relationship, countering potential conflicts arising from misunderstandings of roles.
Proverbs 31:10-12
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”
Proverbs extols the virtues of a noble wife, emphasizing her value and the trustworthiness of her character. This passage encourages mutual trust and respect between spouses, providing a countermeasure against marriage destroyers rooted in mistrust and harm.
By celebrating the worth of a virtuous wife, it fosters an environment of appreciation and admiration within the marriage.
1 Timothy 5:8
“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
This verse from 1 Timothy underscores the responsibility of providing for one’s family. By addressing the importance of material provision within the household, the passage serves as a reminder for couples to fulfill their obligations and guard against financial stresses that could potentially threaten the stability of their marriage.
James 3:17-18
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”
James provides a comprehensive view of heavenly wisdom, emphasizing its purity and the qualities it produces. This wisdom, when applied within marriage, creates an atmosphere of peace, consideration, and submission.
By cultivating these virtues, couples contribute to a righteous and resilient marital relationship, countering destructive forces that may arise from conflicts and discord.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Hebrews encourages mutual encouragement within the community of believers. Applied to marriage, this passage emphasizes the importance of spurring each other on toward love and good deeds.
Regularly meeting together and providing mutual encouragement fosters a supportive environment that guards against isolation and potential marriage destroyers rooted in neglect.
Malachi 2:16
“The man who hates and divorces his wife, says the Lord, the God of Israel, does violence to the one he should protect, says the Lord Almighty. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful.”
Malachi addresses the serious consequences of divorce, emphasizing the harm it causes. The language of violence underscores the profound impact on the emotional and spiritual well-being of the spouse.
This verse serves as a warning against actions that could lead to the destruction of the marital relationship and highlights the importance of fidelity and protection within marriage.
Mark 10:9
“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
In Mark, Jesus reaffirms the sacredness of the marital union and the divine intent for its permanence. This verse serves as a powerful reminder to resist anything that may threaten the oneness of the marital bond.
The emphasis on God’s role in joining couples together reinforces the sanctity of marriage and provides a foundation for couples to withstand potential threats to their unity.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Marriage Restoration (with Explanations)
What Does the Bible Say About Marriage Destroyers?
The Bible offers insight into various aspects of marriage, including potential threats or “destroyers” that can harm the marital relationship. Here are some key teachings from the Bible regarding marriage destroyers:
Infidelity and Adultery:
Adultery, the act of being unfaithful to one’s spouse, is strongly condemned in the Bible. It violates the commitment and trust within the marital bond. Scriptures emphasize the importance of fidelity and purity within marriage (Exodus 20:14; Matthew 5:27-28).
Lack of Communication:
Communication is vital in any relationship, including marriage. The Bible encourages open, honest communication between spouses, urging them to speak truthfully with love and respect (Ephesians 4:25; Proverbs 15:1; Colossians 4:6).
Selfishness and Pride:
Selfishness and pride can lead to conflicts and division within marriage. The Bible teaches humility and selflessness, urging spouses to prioritize the needs and well-being of their partners above their own (Philippians 2:3-4; James 4:6).
A Short Prayer Against Marriage Destroyers
Heavenly Father,
We come before you with humble hearts, seeking Your guidance and protection over our marriage. Lord, we acknowledge the challenges that may arise, and we recognize the existence of forces that seek to harm and destroy the sacred bond of matrimony. We lift our union before You, asking for Your divine intervention.
Lord, guard us against the temptations of infidelity and selfishness. Grant us the strength to communicate openly and honestly, fostering understanding and love. Help us to forgive as You have forgiven us, releasing any bitterness or resentment that may threaten our unity.
Father, instill in us a spirit of humility, that we may prioritize the needs and well-being of our spouse above our own. Shield us from the influences of the world that may seek to pull us apart. Protect our marriage from neglect, financial strain, and any form of violence or abuse.
In the name of Jesus, we rebuke any destructive force that may come against our marriage. We declare Your Word over our union, believing that what You have joined together, no one can separate. May our marriage be a testimony of Your love and faithfulness.
Amen.