What can tempt someone to take advantage of another person?

1 Samuel 24:4-7“Now’s your opportunity!” David’s men whispered to him. “Today the Lord is telling you, ‘I will certainly put your enemy into your power, to do with as you wish.’” So David crept forward and cut off a piece of the hem of Saul’s robe. But then David’s conscience began bothering him because he had cut Saul’s robe. He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this to my lord the king. I shouldn’t attack the Lord’s anointed one, for the Lord himself has chosen him.” So David restrained his men and did not let them kill Saul.

Peer pressure and the temptation of success and control can cause us to take advantage of others. We must be certain that the counsel of others is God-focused rather than self-focused.

Deuteronomy 24:14Never take advantage of poor and destitute laborers, whether they are fellow Israelites or foreigners living in your towns.

Zechariah 7:10Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor. And do not scheme against each other.

2 Timothy 3:5-6They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires.

We should pay close attention to the character of those we surround ourselves with. Some people like to take advantage of those who are vulnerable. Seek out relationships with people who support and encourage, lift you up, love you well, and set a godly example.

Genesis 27:35-36Isaac said, “Your brother was here, and he tricked me. He has taken away your blessing.” Esau exclaimed, “No wonder his name is Jacob, for now he has cheated me twice. First he took my rights as the firstborn, and now he has stolen my blessing. Oh, haven’t you saved even one blessing for me?”

Romans 16:18Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people.

Those who are most concerned about their own personal interests often take advantage of others. Pray for wisdom to tell the difference between those who genuinely desire to serve God and those who only care about their own interests and happiness.

Jeremiah 23:10The land is full of adultery, and it lies under a curse. The land itself is in mourning—its wilderness pastures are dried up. For they all do evil and abuse what power they have.

Ezekiel 22:27Your leaders are like wolves who tear apart their victims. They actually destroy people’s lives for money!

Micah 7:3Both their hands are equally skilled at doing evil! Officials and judges alike demand bribes. The people with influence get what they want, and together they scheme to twist justice.

Power and money often combine to tempt people to take advantage of others.