The story of Samson and Delilah is told in the Old Testament book of Judges, chapter 16, starting in verse 4.

Samson, who appears to have troubled relationships with women, falls in love with a woman from the Valley of Sorek named Delilah. The Philistines are going to use her to learn the secret of Samson’s strength.

In the story that follows, she asks him directly about the secret and says, “How can you be tied up and subdued?” Her intentions could not be clearer. Samson lies and claims that she needs only to use fresh bow strings. Then, she ties him up to test the story.

Again, she asks, “Tell me how you can be tied.” This time, he weaves a tale about using new ropes. Again, she tries it on him and tests the accuracy. Again, she is unhappy with his deception and says, “Tell me how you can be tied.”

The third time, he tells a lie about weaving his hair into a loom. One more time, she tests his honesty to discover that it does not work.

Finally, it says in verse 16 that “with such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was sick to death of it.” Then in verse 17, “So he told her everything.”

At no point in the account do we ever get the impression that Delilah has Samson’s best interest at heart. She never hides her desire to know the secret to his strength. Not once does she ever give any proof that she is reliable or that she will not hurt him. Samson appears to be blind to her intentions even before he loses his eyes.

Here is the question I kept asking as I read through this narrative again: “Why does he stay in a relationship with her?” Maybe it is willful blindness. Perhaps it is arrogance and pride. Maybe he tries to see the best in others. All the while, the truth is that he is in a toxic relationship.

Let me ask you, “Are there any people in your life who do not have your best interest at heart?” There is a good chance they have not even tried to hide it. They keep putting you in situations that test your strength and the limits of your weakness.

Sometimes the best advice for a toxic relationship is to leave it. I know that is hard to hear, but for the sake of your future, walking away will be less painful than the road that lies ahead if you keep going this way. Sometimes the best thing to say to someone is, “Goodbye.”