The Bible teaches that believers should be wise in how they interact with the world, and not be manipulated by it. Specifically, believers are to be on their guard against those who would seek to take advantage of them or deceive them. The Bible warns against being “taken captive by philosophy and empty deceit” (Colossians 2:8) and urges believers to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16).
Luke 6:31-32 says, “Do to others as you would have them do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that.”
2 Timothy 2:3-8 says, “Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.”
