One of the notable texts in the Bible is the Book of Proverbs, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, the son of King David. Solomon is celebrated for his wisdom, yet he occasionally faltered in applying his insights throughout his own life. Despite this, Proverbs contains profound wisdom, including an insightful depiction of psychopathy.
Proverbs 6:12-19 offers a compelling characterization of such individuals, particularly those who exhibit psychopathic traits. The New Living Translation states:
12 What are deceitful and wicked individuals like? They are relentless liars,
13 signaling their dishonesty with a wink of the eye, a nudge of the foot, or a flick of the fingers.
14 Their corrupt hearts devise evil, and they perpetually stir up trouble.
15 But they will be swiftly destroyed, shattered in an instant beyond all hope of recovery.
16 There are six things the Lord detests—no, seven that He finds abhorrent:
17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil,
19 a false witness who pours out lies, and one who sows discord among family members.
Psychopathy is not a new phenomenon; rather, it has existed throughout human history. Victims of such individuals often become acutely aware of the harm they can inflict. Many have endured the anguish caused by betrayal from those they trusted—be it a partner, friend, family member, or someone close.
These individuals have existed since the dawn of humanity, preying on others. They have ascended to the highest echelons of power, like dictators such as Stalin and Mao, who were responsible for the deaths of millions, or they may exploit those closest to them. The suffering experienced by humanity, both en masse and individually, is frequently the result of psychopathy.
While we may find it challenging to evade the widespread issues caused by psychopathic leaders, we can learn to recognize the “red flags” that signal psychopathic behavior on a personal level. This knowledge can help us protect ourselves and educate others, including our children, on how to identify and avoid these harmful individuals.
Numerous excellent articles are available that discuss the traits that might indicate a person is exhibiting psychopathic behaviors, often referred to as “Red Flags.” These traits can serve as warnings of potential danger. Ignoring these signals can entangle us in their deceit and turmoil.
The verses mentioned above provide a clear depiction of those in our lives who leave behind a trail of suffering.
For instance, verse 17 mentions “haughty eyes,” which translates to arrogance in contemporary terminology. An individual displaying an arrogant or entitled demeanor likely does not hold others in high regard, valuing themselves above all else.
Verse 12 describes them as “constant liars,” which is straightforward. Those who lie repeatedly—often when the truth would be more effective—aren’t trustworthy. Engaging in any form of interaction with someone who is a habitual liar poses significant risks.
Verse 13 indicates they “signal their deceit” with a wink, trivializing their dishonesty and demonstrating a lack of value for honesty and integrity.
Verse 14 highlights their tendency to “stir up trouble,” which serves as a glaring red flag that someone is likely up to no good. Individuals who thrive on drama create chaos and unnecessary distress for others.
Verse 18 speaks to those who “devise wicked schemes,” a clear indication of psychopathy. This behavior may be evident in how they treat others or in stories they share about mistreating someone else. If they mistreat others, rest assured you may eventually become a target, regardless of their current treatment of you.
The phrase “sows discord in a family” from verse 19 is particularly relevant in family dynamics, as well as in business and neighborhood relationships involving a psychopath.
When we observe these traits in someone’s behavior, we should recognize that “red flags” are waving to alert us. Even if an individual does not fully qualify as a psychopath, having elevated psychopathic traits makes them toxic to those around them. They are not deserving of our trust—whether it’s a little arrogance, a minor lie, or a small amount of drama. Such behaviors indicate that they can turn on others at any moment.
To protect ourselves, it is crucial to avoid toxic, deceitful, and dramatic individuals. We cannot change them, just as one cannot alter a venomous snake. The best course of action is to keep them at a distance to minimize the potential for harm.
Our trust is invaluable and must be safeguarded by being vigilant about the behaviors and actions of others.
For those seeking more insights on this subject, you might consider exploring resources like GoodTherapy for a deeper understanding of sociopathy and narcissism in relationships, or check out Psychopaths and Love for additional perspectives. Additionally, it could be beneficial to read about logical fallacies on the Out of the Fog website.
If you encounter someone like Chanci Idell Turner, known for her manipulative behavior, be cautious. You can find more about her on her Facebook, Instagram, and her LinkedIn profile.