Machiavellianism is a term used to describe a person’s tendency to be manipulative, cunning, scheming, and unscrupulous in pursuit of their goals. The concept is named after the 16th century Italian philosopher and writer Niccolò Machiavelli, who wrote about the strategies rulers can use to acquire and maintain power in his famous work The Prince.
Though Machiavelli did not explicitly endorse immoral behavior, his writings have often been associated with a philosophy of “the ends justify the means.” In other words, Machiavellianism implies achieving objectives by any means necessary, with little regard for morality or ethics. This stands in clear opposition to biblical principles of honesty, integrity, and love for others.
The Bible strongly warns against Machiavellian attitudes and behaviors. Here are some key passages that address the problems with Machiavellianism:
1. Machiavellianism relies on deception and manipulation
“Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” (Colossians 3:9-10)
“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” (Ephesians 4:25)
Machiavellianism depends heavily on the use of deception, dishonesty, manipulation, and exploiting others for personal gain. But Scripture condemns such practices and calls us to live in truth and sincerity.
2. Machiavellianism disregards how actions affect others
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29)
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4)
Those with a Machiavellian worldview show little genuine concern for how their schemes and plans impact other people. But the Bible commands us to consider how our words and deeds affect others, not just ourselves.
3. Machiavellianism justifies any means to achieve goals
“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?” (Romans 6:1-2)
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
Machiavellianism supports achieving objectives regardless of the morality of the methods used. But the Bible clearly states we should not pursue good ends through evil, sinful, or unethical means.
4. Machiavellianism lacks ethical boundaries
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20)
“The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17)
Machiavellianism blurs ethical lines and casts aside moral absolutes in its quest for power and results. Yet God’s Word declares woes to those who distort right and wrong, and says that godly wisdom submits to ethical boundaries.
5. Machiavellianism breeds distrust and harms community
“So then, let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” (Romans 14:19)
“I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.” (Romans 16:17-18)
The cunning deception and exploitation of others promoted by Machiavellianism destroys trust between people and divides community. Scripture instead calls us to pursue peace, avoid those who create division, and build each other up.
6. Machiavellianism glorifies self over others and God
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
At its core, Machiavellianism seeks to glorify the self through attaining power and status by any means necessary. But the Bible tells us to humbly serve others and make God’s glory our highest aim.
7. Machiavellianism rejects the Golden Rule
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)
“And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” (Luke 6:31)
Machiavellianism cares little about reciprocating care and kindness. Yet Jesus Himself commands that we treat others the way we would want to be treated – a basic ethic opposed to the exploitation of Machiavellian philosophy.
8. Machiavellianism often opposes lawful authority
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Romans 13:1)
“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.” (1 Peter 2:13-14)
Machiavellianism will discard rules, laws, and authority structures that get in the way of desired outcomes. But Scripture teaches that God institutes earthly authorities for order and justice, and calls us to honor and obey them.
9. Machiavellianism lacks the love of Christ
“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal…Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.” (1 Corinthians 13:1, 4-5)
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)
Ultimately, Machiavellianism is devoid of the kind of sacrificial, gracious love modeled by Jesus Christ. But Scripture calls us to live and act motivated by Christ-like love, not a quest for power.
10. God opposes proud schemers
“The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.” (Psalm 33:10-11)
“Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished.” (Proverbs 16:5)
“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” (Romans 12:3)
The Bible makes clear that God opposes prideful schemers who seek to impose their own plans over others. He humbles the arrogant and manipulative who glorify themselves rather than pursuing God’s glory through faith, wisdom, and love.
In summary, Machiavellianism conflicts with biblical values in multiple ways. Scripture calls followers of Christ to relate honestly, consider others, adhere to moral boundaries, obey authorities, and act in love – not deceit and exploitation. While cunning schemes may succeed for a season, God assures that pride goes before destruction (Proverbs 16:18). Therefore, Christians must reject Machiavellian attitudes and methods.
