One of the hardest things in life is dealing with adversaries. The battle can seem daunting, regardless of whether those adversaries manifest as individuals who oppose us, situations that jeopardize our tranquility, or spiritual forces impeding our advancement. The Bible recognizes this fact and provides insightful guidance on dealing with animosity. Scripture offers a route based on God’s justice, divine protection, and Christlike love rather than letting believers respond with fear, rage, or retaliation.
Scripture makes it clear that God is not unaffected by the existence of adversaries in our lives. He perceives every scheme, every injustice, and every assault, whether it be spiritual, emotional, or physical. The Bible tells us over and time again that God is an upright judge, a shield, and a defender who stands up for His people. These verses serve as a reminder that God has the power to exact revenge and that His justice is far greater than anything we could ever accomplish on our own. Believers learn to rely on God’s strength instead of their own by reflecting on these realities.
The Bible calls us to respond to adversaries in unexpected ways—through compassion, forgiveness, and unwavering faith—while also challenging our innate tendencies. This implies having enough faith in God to put aside resentment, not putting up with damage or acting as though there is no wrongdoing. Examining these biblical passages concerning adversaries reveals a more profound spiritual stance: one that pursues harmony without sacrificing morality, one that safeguards the heart while depending on God, who ultimately provides and justifies. For anyone encountering opposition today, these passages provide strength, hope, correction, and encouragement.
40 Inspiring Bible Verses About Enemies (2025)
1. Psalm 23:5
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”
This verse reveals God’s remarkable ability to bless His people even while opposition surrounds them. Instead of immediately removing the presence of enemies, God demonstrates His sovereignty by honoring, sustaining, and exalting His children right in front of those who oppose them. The table represents abundance, security, and divine favor—proof that no threat can stop what God has ordained. This passage teaches us that God’s blessings are not dependent on peaceful circumstances; His favor can flourish even in hostile environments.
2. Psalm 27:2
“When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.”
Here, David expresses deep confidence in God’s power to overturn the plans of the wicked. Even when enemies rise with strength and intention to cause harm, their efforts ultimately collapse under the weight of God’s protection. This verse demonstrates that the believer’s victory is not rooted in personal might but in divine defense. It shows that the schemes of enemies are temporary, fragile, and destined to fail when God stands with His people.
3. Psalm 37:1
“Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong.”
This verse provides a calming directive in the face of hostility. Rather than allowing worry or resentment to take root, God calls us to keep our focus on Him and His righteous timing. The wicked may appear to prosper temporarily, but their flourishing is fleeting. This passage teaches believers to resist emotional agitation and trust that God sees, knows, and will act. It invites us to shift our hearts from anxiety to faith, remembering that evil never has the final word.
4. Psalm 55:18
“He rescues me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me.”
David speaks of a God who not only rescues but preserves. Even when opposition comes in great numbers, God has the power to deliver His people without damage or defeat. The verse highlights the miraculous nature of divine protection: believers do not survive battles worn out or broken—they emerge upheld by the strength of God. This passage reassures us that no matter how overwhelming the conflict feels, God is capable of shielding us fully and restoring us completely.
5. Psalm 138:7
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes.”
This verse beautifully depicts God’s active intervention in the presence of hostile forces. Even when danger surrounds His people, God preserves, strengthens, and reaches out His hand to counter the anger of enemies. His protection is not distant or passive—it is immediate and powerful. The passage teaches us that God is personally involved in our battles, safeguarding our lives and neutralizing the power of those who rise against us.
6. Proverbs 16:7
“When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
This verse emphasizes the power of a righteous life to influence relationships—even with adversaries. Pleasing God doesn’t mean avoiding enemies altogether, but it can transform hostility into calm, or at least prevent unnecessary conflict. It highlights the subtle, spiritual influence of God in reconciling opposition and turning animosity into peace. Believers are reminded that a life aligned with God’s will can neutralize tension before it escalates.
7. Romans 12:19
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
Paul instructs believers to refrain from retaliation, reminding us that justice ultimately belongs to God. This teaching is radical because it calls for trust and patience in the face of wrongdoing. By resisting the urge to retaliate, believers demonstrate faith in God’s righteousness. The verse encourages spiritual maturity, teaching that vengeance handled by God is far more perfect than anything we can accomplish ourselves.
8. Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Jesus presents a counterintuitive response to hostility—love and prayer instead of hatred or revenge. This verse reframes how believers approach adversaries, shifting the focus from retaliation to transformation. Loving enemies doesn’t condone their actions, but it releases us from bitterness and invites God’s influence into the situation. The passage teaches that spiritual strength often manifests in compassion where the natural reaction would be anger.
9. Luke 6:27
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.”
This verse reinforces the principle that God calls His followers to respond to hate with good. By actively doing good, believers break cycles of enmity and reflect God’s character in tangible ways. The passage also conveys the spiritual paradox: our greatest power over enemies often comes through unexpected kindness rather than confrontation. It challenges us to act with intentional grace, demonstrating that love can disarm hostility.
10. Psalm 18:48
“He delivered me from my enemies; you exalted me above those who rose against me; you rescued me from the violent.”
David celebrates God’s deliverance and exaltation in the face of enemies. This verse highlights both protection and elevation—God not only rescues His people but also positions them victoriously above their foes. It teaches that God’s intervention is comprehensive, addressing both the threat and the believer’s status. Believers are reminded that God is capable of turning attacks into opportunities for honor and divine vindication.
11. Psalm 91:7
“A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.”
This verse portrays the extraordinary protection God offers in dangerous situations. Even when enemies are numerous and powerful, God’s faithful preservation surrounds those who trust in Him. The imagery emphasizes both the severity of threats and the assurance of divine safety. Believers are encouraged to rely on God’s protection rather than fear the numbers or strength of opposition.
12. Exodus 23:22
“But if you carefully obey his voice and do all that I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries.”
God promises direct engagement against the enemies of His people. This verse demonstrates that obedience invites divine defense, showing that God fights actively on behalf of those who honor Him. It reassures believers that the battle is not theirs alone; God’s presence guarantees that opposition will face His power. Obedience, faith, and alignment with God’s will are highlighted as keys to experiencing His intervention.
13. Deuteronomy 28:7
“The Lord will grant that the enemies who rise against you will be defeated before you; they will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven.”
This promise of victory reflects God’s sovereignty in battles against opposition. It illustrates that the Lord orchestrates situations for His people’s protection and triumph. Believers are reminded that God is strategic, turning seemingly overwhelming odds into complete deliverance. The verse encourages faith in divine guidance and the certainty that God can outmaneuver any enemy.
14. Psalm 27:1
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
This powerful declaration communicates that fear becomes irrelevant when God is our protector. Even in the face of enemies, the believer’s confidence rests in God’s strength and salvation. The verse teaches that spiritual security comes from trusting God, not the absence of danger. It calls believers to embrace courage, knowing that God’s presence dispels fear and guarantees deliverance.
15. Isaiah 54:17
“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.”
This verse offers assurance of victory over verbal, spiritual, or physical attacks. It conveys that God’s protection renders enemy strategies ineffective. The promise extends beyond survival to active refutation, ensuring the believer’s integrity remains intact. It reminds us that God not only shields but also vindicates His people in every arena of opposition.
16. Proverbs 25:21-22
“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.”
This verse teaches the transformative power of responding to hostility with kindness. By providing for an enemy’s needs, the believer participates in a divine strategy that exposes wrongdoing while demonstrating righteousness. It emphasizes the role of God’s justice working through loving actions, showing that spiritual victory often comes through generosity and integrity.
17. 2 Chronicles 20:15
“Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”
This declaration reassures believers that their conflicts are ultimately God’s responsibility. Even overwhelming threats are subject to divine intervention. The verse calls for faith and calmness, reminding us that trusting God’s power is more important than relying on human ability. It emphasizes that surrendering battles to God is both wise and spiritually victorious.
18. Psalm 144:1
“Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.”
This verse recognizes God as both protector and trainer, equipping His people to confront challenges with skill and wisdom. Spiritual or physical battles require preparation, and God actively strengthens His children for these encounters. The passage teaches that God’s empowerment combines divine protection with practical readiness, ensuring believers can face enemies with confidence.
19. Psalm 121:7-8
“The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
This verse emphasizes continual divine surveillance and protection. God’s guardianship is not temporary or situational; it is perpetual. The imagery of “coming and going” portrays total coverage of the believer’s life. It reassures us that no matter where enemies lie in wait, God’s watchful care ensures safety, peace, and ultimate security.
20. Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Here, God directly addresses fear, promising both presence and empowerment. His “righteous right hand” symbolizes strength, protection, and faithful support. This verse teaches that the believer’s confidence in the face of enemies stems from God’s nearness, not from personal ability. It is a call to trust, courage, and unwavering reliance on divine strength.
21. Psalm 35:1
“Contend, Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me.”
David calls upon God to take up his cause, demonstrating that prayer can be a form of spiritual warfare. Rather than relying on human strength, the believer invites God’s intervention to handle adversaries. This verse teaches that God is an active participant in defending His people and that calling on Him in moments of opposition is both appropriate and powerful.
22. Psalm 41:11
“By this I know that you delight in me: my enemy will not shout in triumph over me.”
This verse highlights God’s protection against the pride or celebration of enemies. Even when adversaries anticipate our downfall, God’s favor ensures they will not prevail. It reassures believers that divine delight secures their position and prevents enemies from having the last word.
23. Psalm 56:9
“Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. This I know because God is for me.”
David affirms confidence in God’s help, emphasizing that enemies ultimately retreat in the presence of divine support. The verse teaches the principle of calling upon God as a refuge and a shield, trusting that He is always on the side of the faithful.
24. Psalm 59:1-2
“Deliver me from my enemies, O God; protect me from those who rise up against me. Deliver me from evildoers and save me from those who are after my blood.”
This plea reflects the intensity of facing adversaries and the believer’s need for God’s protection. The verse underscores that God is both a rescuer and a protector, capable of thwarting plots and preserving life. It teaches reliance on God rather than self-defense in moments of peril.
25. Psalm 68:1
“May God arise, may his enemies be scattered; may his foes flee before him.”
This verse celebrates God’s power to cause enemies to scatter and flee. It reminds believers that divine action is decisive and often public, visibly demonstrating God’s supremacy. The passage encourages trust in God’s strength to handle opposition on His timetable and in His perfect way.
26. Psalm 121:3
“He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber.”
God’s constant vigilance is emphasized here, portraying Him as a tireless guardian. Even when enemies attempt to cause harm, God’s unwavering attention prevents believers from stumbling. This verse teaches that divine protection is continuous, reliable, and dependable at all times.
27. Proverbs 24:17
“Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice.”
Wisdom here instructs believers to respond to the misfortune of enemies with restraint and humility. It teaches that rejoicing over someone’s downfall is not righteous, even if they oppose us. Instead, the verse encourages moral integrity and trust that God will handle justice appropriately.
28. Psalm 27:3
“Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.”
David expresses unshakable confidence in God’s protection, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. This verse demonstrates that faith can triumph over fear, providing peace and courage during crises. It teaches believers that divine assurance surpasses any threat posed by enemies.
29. Isaiah 43:2
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
This verse emphasizes God’s presence in life’s trials, which often include opposition and hostility. Whether the threat is overwhelming or dangerous, God promises protection and deliverance. Believers are reassured that no enemy or circumstance can overpower God’s safeguarding power.
30. Psalm 34:17
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”
This verse affirms God’s responsiveness to prayer and His commitment to deliver His people from trouble, including enemies. It teaches that calling upon God in times of distress is effective, and His deliverance is comprehensive, addressing both immediate threats and long-term challenges.
31. Psalm 44:5
“Through you we push back our enemies; through your name we trample our foes.”
David emphasizes that victory over adversaries is achieved not by human strength but by reliance on God. The verse teaches believers that spiritual and physical battles are ultimately won through faith, obedience, and divine empowerment rather than personal prowess.
32. Deuteronomy 20:4
“For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”
This verse reminds believers that God is actively involved in their battles, guaranteeing victory for those who follow Him. It teaches that confidence in God’s presence removes fear and enables faithful action even in the face of formidable opposition.
33. Psalm 31:15
“My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.”
This verse emphasizes surrender and trust, acknowledging that God controls every moment of life. By placing our times in His hands, believers accept His timing for deliverance and justice, trusting that He is capable of handling enemies perfectly.
34. Psalm 37:39
“The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.”
God is portrayed as both savior and refuge, providing protection during trials and against enemies. The verse reassures believers that salvation is not merely future-oriented but practical and present, offering safety and stability amid opposition.
35. Psalm 91:4
“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
This imagery depicts God’s protection as tender, personal, and steadfast. Enemies may threaten externally, but God offers intimate security and unwavering defense. The verse teaches believers that divine protection combines strength with care, offering both refuge and confidence.
36. 2 Thessalonians 3:3
“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”
Paul emphasizes God’s faithfulness in providing both strength and protection from spiritual and worldly adversaries. The verse teaches that believers can rely on God’s consistent support in all forms of opposition, ensuring perseverance and safety.
37. Psalm 138:7
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes.”
This verse highlights God’s proactive intervention against the anger and attacks of enemies. Believers are reassured that preservation is not passive; God actively counters hostility to ensure their safety and well-being.
38. Nahum 1:7
“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.”
This verse emphasizes God’s goodness and care in the face of adversity. Even when enemies threaten or circumstances become dire, God provides refuge and sustains those who place their trust in Him.
39. Psalm 56:4
“In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
Trusting in God diminishes fear of human adversaries. This verse teaches believers that faith in God’s Word provides courage, perspective, and confidence against any enemy or threat.
40. 1 Peter 5:7-8
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Peter reminds believers to trust God with their burdens while remaining vigilant against spiritual enemies. The verse balances faith and awareness, teaching that reliance on God paired with discernment ensures both protection and spiritual readiness.
Conclusion
The Bible makes it apparent that while confronting adversaries is a common occurrence, believers are never left on their own. Scripture offers guidance, consolation, and a divine plan for handling animosity in a way that praises God and shields the heart. God’s Word reminds us that He is both our judge and our defender, regardless of the nature of the conflict—emotional, physical, or spiritual. We find hope that endures every assault, strength bigger than fear, and peace stronger than strife when we rely on His promises.
Ultimately, Bible passages regarding adversaries instruct us that triumph comes from trusting God’s perfect justice and unwavering love, rather than from retribution, resentment, or human might. We can overcome hardship with grace, bravery, and spiritual development when we reflect on these texts. God’s presence continues to be our shield, regardless of who or what opposes us. We walk with confidence as we put His Word into practice because we know that He stands up for us, provides for us, and guides us toward enduring peace.
