The concept of the “evil eye” is found throughout history and across many cultures. It generally refers to the idea that certain people can inflict harm simply by looking at someone with envy or ill intent. The Bible does not specifically mention the phrase “evil eye,” but it has some things to say related to this topic.
Envy and Jealousy
The Bible warns against envy and jealousy, which are closely associated with the evil eye concept. Proverbs 14:30 says, “A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.” James 3:16 states, “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” The envy and jealousy that underly the evil eye are portrayed as destructive forces that lead to sin.
The Power of the Tongue
Words have power, for good or evil. This is very relevant to the idea of cursing someone with the evil eye. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” James 3:5-6 adds, “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness.” Our words can build up or tear down.
God’s Protection
While people may wish harm on others, God is our ultimate protector. Psalm 121:7-8 says, “The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.” And Psalm 91:9-10 states, “Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—the Most High, who is my refuge—no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.” God guards His people.
Avoiding Superstition
Rather than give credence to superstitions like the evil eye, the Bible emphasizes trusting in God. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 warns against occult practices: “There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord.” We should avoid unbiblical fears.
Focus on Christ
Colossians 3:1-4 reminds us to focus on Christ: “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” Keeping our eyes on Jesus guards against superstition and fear.
Love, Not Harm
While the evil eye comes from a place of envy and harm, Jesus taught us to love others. Mark 12:30-31 says, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” And Romans 12:14 adds, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.” We should desire good, not harm.
Light Over Darkness
First John 1:5 proclaims, “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” Dark powers are not equal to God. James 4:7 instructs, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” And Luke 10:19 says, “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.” We have victory in Christ.
Guard Your Heart
While we need not fear harm from the evil eye, we do need to guard our own hearts. Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” And Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Our thought life impacts our lives.
Test Everything
We need to test every teaching to see if it aligns with Scripture. 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 says, “Test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” And Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans for “examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” Any idea must be measured against God’s Word.
Our Weapons
Second Corinthians 10:4-5 reminds us of our spiritual weapons: “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” We refute false ideas with God’s truth.
Christ’s Protection
As Christians, we can have confidence in Christ’s protection. Romans 8:31 assures us, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” And Psalm 27:1 declares, “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?” We need not fear any “evil eye” when God is on our side.
Guard Against Harmful Influences
The Bible warns against occult practices that could expose us to harmful spiritual forces. Deuteronomy 18:10 states, “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft.” Ephesians 6:11 also reminds us to “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” We must guard against spiritual attacks.
Renew Your Mind
Rather than focus on fears like the evil eye, the Bible tells us to renew our minds with God’s truth. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” And Philippians 4:8 advises, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Filling our mind with God’s truth casts out fear.
Jesus’ Example
Jesus demonstrated love and forgiveness when falsely accused and harmed. Luke 23:34 says, “And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ And they cast lots to divide his garments.” And 1 Peter 2:23 notes, “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.” Rather than cursing, we bless others and entrust ourselves to God.
God’s Judgment
While people may seek to harm others, God promises to ultimately judge evil. Ecclesiastes 12:14 warns, “For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.” And Romans 12:19 reminds us, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'” We can trust God to deal justly with evildoers.
Bless, Don’t Curse
The Bible tells us to speak blessings over others, not curses. Romans 12:14 instructs, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.” And Matthew 5:44 adds, “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” James 3:10 notes, “From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” Our words should build up, not tear down.
Avoid Evil Associations
To avoid falling into fear or superstition, we need to be careful of what we consume and who we associate with. 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'” And Psalm 1:1-2 advises, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” Our influences impact us, so we must choose wisely.
Stand Firm in Faith
Rather than give in to irrational fears, Christians are called to stand firm in our faith. Ephesians 6:13 urges, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” And 1 Corinthians 16:13 exhorts, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” When we are rooted in God’s truth, we cannot be shaken.
Our Battle is Spiritual
Ephesians 6 reminds us our battle is a spiritual one. Ephesians 6:12 notes, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” And 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 adds, “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” We take our concerns to God in prayer.
The Armor of God
To protect ourselves spiritually, Ephesians 6 instructs us to put on the armor of God – truth, righteousness, sharing the gospel, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. Verses 13-17 say, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” God equips us powerfully!
Prayer for Protection
We can pray the words of Psalm 140:1-4, which asks God for protection from evil:
“Rescue me, Lord, from evildoers; protect me from the violent, who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day. They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent’s; the poison of vipers is on their lips. Keep me safe, Lord, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from the violent, who devise ways to trip my feet. The arrogant have hidden a snare for me; they have spread out the cords of their net and have set traps for me along my path.”
Be a Light
As Christians, we can counter darkness with light. Matthew 5:16 declares, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” And Ephesians 5:8 adds, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” We overcome evil with good.
Abide in Christ
Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12). As we abide in Him, we have nothing to fear. John 15:4-5 reminds us, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” Staying close to Jesus keeps us in His love and protection.
God is With Us
No evil force can overpower God. Deuteronomy 31:6 assures us, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” And Psalm 23:4 comforts us, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” God’s presence casts out fear.
Cultural Considerations
It’s important to approach beliefs like the evil eye sensitively, understanding the cultural context and people’s lived experiences. However, as Christians, we can graciously point people to the spiritual freedom and protection offered in Christ. Our battle ultimately isn’t against people but spiritual forces of darkness. Praying blessing over people offers more protection than counter-curses.
Trust God’s Sovereignty
We can have confidence in God’s complete sovereignty over all things. As 1 John 4:4 declares, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” And Psalm 135:6 affirms, “The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.” Nothing happens outside of God’s control or permission. He works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
Focus on Christ
Rather than be distracted by fears of spiritual harm, we can keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Hebrews 12:2 directs our gaze: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” And Isaiah 26:3 promises, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Christ is our focus and peace.
God Protects His Children
As God’s beloved children, we can trust in His protection and care. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 assures us, “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” And Psalm 91:14-15 declares, “‘Because he loves me,’ says the Lord, ‘I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.” God guards His own.
In summary, while the concept of the “evil eye” stems from cultural superstitions, the Bible provides trustworthy truth showing we need not fear. For believers in Jesus Christ, God promises to be our protector and deliverer from every evil. Fixing our eyes on Christ dispels fear and equips us to walk in love. The light of God’s presence and truth drives out darkness and fear. Through prayer and God’s Word, Christians can stand firm against any spiritual attack. We can have confidence in God’s power and sovereignty over all things. Rather than return harm for harm, we can trust God and bless others – even enemies. Our security rests in our relationship with Him.
