If you are reading this, I want to offer my readers a Bible verse about behavior. It is important to have these verses as a reminder when we are struggling with unruly behavior. Now that disclaimer aside, let’s get down to business.
Bible verses about behavior is a great way to draw people in. If you have been teaching or preaching on any of the following topics, then these are perfect for your next message: Love and Marriage, Hate, Anger, Forgiveness, Contentment, Meekness, Being Jealous, Pride and Lust. This would also make a great sermon or lesson on one of these subjects as well.
In a perfect world, our kids would be angels. They’d be wonderful behaved beings that we’d never have to tell “no” to or instruct on behavior . Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world. It’s filled with constant reminders of the evil that lurks around us. In fact, there are times when you feel like your child could be the reincarnation of the personification of Satan (or at least a member of his legion)!
Bible Verses About Behavior
The Bible is full of verses about behavior. Here are a few examples:
- “Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.” (Romans 13:13)
- “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” (Galatians 6:7)
- “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” (Matthew
The Bible is full of examples of good and bad behavior. There are also many verses that address the subject of how people should behave. Below, we’ve gathered some of our favorite Bible verses about behavior.
- “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.”
- “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a man who lacks self-control.”
- “The tongue has the power of life and death.”
- “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law.”
- “If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.”
- “It is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”
- “Those who guard their mouths preserve their lives; those who open wide their lips come to ruin.”
“The wicked man flees when no one is pursuing, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” (Proverbs 28:1)
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” (James 1:19-20)
1 Peter 3:15-16
But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
- The wise person’s heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. (Proverbs 16:23)
- A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. (Proverbs 18:7)
- People who conceal their hatred have deceit in their hearts; when they speak graciously, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts. (Proverbs 26:24-25)
- Truly my soul quietly waits for God only; from him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.” (Psalm 62:1-2 NIV)
- For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)
1. Do not withhold good (Proverbs 3:27-28)
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
when it is in your power to act.
Do not say to your neighbor,
“Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”-
when you already have it with you.
This proverb takes on added significance in light of Jesus’ ministry. The author tells us not to withhold good from those to whom it is due. But who is that? As we learn in the Parable of the Good Samaritan, our neighbor is anyone who is in need. In fact, Jesus sums up the Old Testament writings by telling us to do for others what we wish them to do for us (Matthew 7:12).
These two verses help us navigate the trap of good intentions. If we have the means to help someone right now, we should do so. It’s too easy to convince ourselves that we will when we’re in a better position or when we’re not as busy. Whatever excuse we give ourselves, it tends to turn “someday” into “never.”
2. Our good deeds have an evangelistic effect (Matthew 5:14-16)
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Jesus’ message about being salt and light is critical. For instance, in this metaphor, light is offering a service. It is doing its job. The idea that you’d light a lamp and then hide it is absurd. The only reason that you light a lamp is to help you see. And the great thing about the light is that it offers its service indiscriminately. It shines its light on everyone in the house: the family members and the visitors, the righteous and the unrighteous.
Sometimes, Jesus intentionally leaves His metaphors a little vague, but He’s crystal clear in this case. First, He lets His listeners know that the light He is talking about is good deeds. But then He makes a significant statement. When the world associates our good deeds with our faith, the response is that they glorify God themselves. These acts become a tool the Holy Spirit uses to convince them of our sincerity and God’s presence.
3. Whatever you did for the least of these (Matthew 25:40)
The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats is very challenging. In it, Jesus tells a story about the final judgment. The sheep are ushered into God’s kingdom because of the good deeds they did for others who couldn’t care for themselves. On the other hand, the goats are denied access to the kingdom because of the good things they didn’t bother doing. As the King in the story tells the goats, their refusal to help others was a refusal to serve Him.
What’s challenging about this parable is that everyone who heard it that day would have walked home with the idea that their works were the only thing that mattered. Of course, in light of the full testimony of Scripture, we know that’s not the case. But this parable should remind us that kingdom life looks like service.
4. Appearing for the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10)
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
One of the last things Jesus says in Scripture is, “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done” (Revelation 22:12). We all will stand before Christ’s throne and have our works examined.
Paul soberly explained this process in an earlier letter to the Corinthians:
If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved-even though only as one escaping through the flames (1 Corinthians 3:12-15).
5. Let’s not become weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9-10)
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Paul’s missionary journeys took him all over the known world, and the cost was huge. In his second letter to the Corinthians, he shares how hard it had been. He was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, and in constant danger. He suffered from regular hunger, thirst, and exposure (2 Corinthians 11:25-27). He knew what it meant to sacrifice himself for the greater good.
So when Paul tells the Galatians not to grow weary of doing good, he’s talking from experience. He understands the temptation to throw in the towel. But he explains to them that their harvest depends upon the work they do.
6. Created for good works (Ephesians 2:10)
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Paul explains the work/faith dilemma well here. We don’t have to do a certain number of good things before Jesus accepts us. That’s not how it works. But once we are His, we’re being transformed into God’s handiwork, and our good works are a consequence of God’s work in us.
Redemption isn’t just about us; it’s also about our relationship with our Creator. And He has redeemed us in Christ Jesus to do the work that He has prepared for us.
7. It is the Lord you are serving (Colossians 3:23-24)
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
It’s interesting to note that Jesus often motivated His listeners with both warnings of loss and also promises of reward. He wasn’t afraid to tell people that certain behaviors led to heavenly compensation. Here we see Paul doing the same thing.
Like Jesus, Paul encourages the Colossian church to have the faith necessary to believe that their kingdom work will lead them to receive a reward. This isn’t easy. It’s much easier to put our hope in working for temporal pleasures and rewards because we get reimbursed for them right away. But the New Testament challenges us to have the necessary faith to believe in God’s delayed remuneration.
8. Be rich in good deeds (1 Timothy 6:17-18)
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
Everyone has an opportunity to do good works but it’s not an equal playing field. Like the characters in the Parable of the Talents, God distributes varying gifts and responsibilities to His servants. Someone born in a village in Tanzania has people to love and care for, but they don’t have the same reach, influence, and opportunities as a millionaire in Canada.
Paul reminds a young pastor named Timothy that he needs to be very intentional about how he shepherds the rich people in his congregation. It’s easy for those people to put their hope in their riches, which means that they tend to hold onto it instead of sharing it. So instead of being rich in worldly possessions, Timothy needs to encourage them to be rich in good deeds.
9. Devote yourself to doing what is good (Titus 3:8)
This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
After communicating to Titus that we’re indeed saved by grace and not by works, Paul encourages Titus to help the folks in his church devote themselves to doing good deeds. The important thing to note here is that everyone benefits when God’s people devote themselves to good works. No one has to worry about outgiving everyone else or being left out because burdens are equally shared.
10. Spur one another on to good deeds (Hebrews 10:24)
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
The book of Hebrews is jam-packed with thought-provoking truths and essential encouragements. One important prompting is the call for believers to take it upon themselves to provoke one another to do good works and love others. It is our responsibility to be cheerleaders for one another and to empower each other to grow in other-oriented service.
This is a critical element of mentoring others. We aren’t just filling them with information or providing accountability; we’re in their corner, helping them identify opportunities to serve and give. We’re equipping them with eyes that see need and hearts that long to help.
11. Do not forget to do good (Hebrews 13:16)
And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
The Bible is full of warnings to do good. The thing that’s noteworthy about this verse is that the author of Hebrews isn’t just asking you to do good. He’s reminding you not to forget. This is important because it removes our last excuse. We can’t simply say, “I forgot to do good and share with others.”
It’s our responsibility to read this directive and ask ourselves, “OK. What do I need to do to remember to do good works? Do I need to start a journal? A calendar? Is there a group I need to start or join? How can I be sure that I don’t stand before Jesus and say, ‘Oops. I forgot to do good.’”
This is a critical command because it reveals the need to be proactive about doing good. Of course we should help people whenever needs arise, but that’s not what the author of Hebrews is addressing. If you have a starving person in front of you, you’re not going to forget to do good. You’re either going to choose to help or not. In this context, Hebrews reminds us that we can’t forget to find opportunities to do good.
12. What good is faith with no deeds? (James 2:14-17)
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
This passage from James is part of a larger section on the topic of faith and works. In it, James addresses this integral issue. From James’ point of view, this isn’t a huge knot that’s impossible to untie. If you have faith, you will have deeds-the two go hand in hand.
When we pit the two against each other, we end up in a situation that downplays one or the other. But James demonstrates that there isn’t any real disconnect here. If one follows Jesus, they’ll feel a compulsion to serve like Jesus. The metaphor James offers is wishing someone well, but doing nothing to help them. That’s as empty as saying you have faith but focusing only on your own needs.
Taking good works seriously
As we’ve seen, it’s easy to tell ourselves works matter but then pass up opportunities or simply forget to make it a priority. If you’re looking for ways to get proactive about good works, talk to your church about service opportunities. Check out classifieds or community groups for local needs. And support ministries doing good works around the world.
Bible Verses About Attitude And Behavior
“He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.”
Proverbs 16:32
“The wise man is one who can rule his spirit.”
Proverbs 16:32 (NKJV)
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
“The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked, but he delights in those of the pure.” – Proverbs 15:26
“A good person produces good things from the treasury of a righteous heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart.” – Luke 6:45
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” – Proverbs 19:17
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)
“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.” (Romans 12:2)
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable – if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise – meditate on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
This page contains a list of verses by topic. Please use the menus to your left to find the verse you need.
A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. (Prov 16:9)
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he… (Prov 23:7)
And he said unto them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. (Luke 9:23)
And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beats the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (1 Cor 9:25-27)
How to Change Your Attitude
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
-Proverbs 16:9
“Today I will be happy because I have been given a brand new day to live.”
-Alma Bryant
“If you want to be happy, be.”
-Dalai Lama
“If you’re not growing, you’re dying.”
-Unknown Author
“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”
-Oprah Winfrey
How to Change Your Attitude
If you want to change your attitude, you need to start with yourself. Here are some ways you can do that:
- Ask yourself what you want
- Think about how good it will feel when you get what you want
- Imagine yourself already having what you want, and listen to the words that come out of your mouth as if they were true
- Start telling yourself positive affirmations that reflect what you want, like “I am happy” or “I am successful” or “My life is great”
The most important thing you can do is change your attitude.
Attitude is everything.
You are what you think. You are what you believe. You are what you think about all day long. Your thoughts create your feelings, and your feelings guide your actions.
If you’re in a bad mood on a daily basis, chances are that you’re thinking negatively and focusing on the negative aspects of life.
This leads to more stress, anxiety, worry and fear — not just for yourself but for others as well. It’s like walking around with a dark cloud over your head. When people see that cloud, they can’t help but feel gloomy as well!
People with positive attitudes tend to be happier and more successful than those who live their lives in a negative way. They have better relationships because they’re more pleasant to be around; they get along better with others because their thoughts are not filled with pessimism; they enjoy life more because they don’t spend so much time worrying about things that may or may not happen; and they’re generally healthier because they don’t allow stress to take over their bodies prematurely (which can cause health problems).
How to Change Your Attitude
You may not realize it, but your attitude makes a big difference in your life. It can make you more successful, or keep you stuck at the same level. Here are some tips on how to change your attitude:
- Be thankful for what you have.
- Don’t dwell on problems or failures in the past; they do not help move you forward!
- Be positive and optimistic! Believe that good things will happen to you, because they will!
- Get rid of negative people from your life; they will drag you down if you let them!
- Focus on what’s going right rather than what’s going wrong — this will improve your mood and increase productivity!
A positive attitude is important for success in any area of your life. When you have a positive attitude, you tend to be more successful at what you do and achieve more of your goals. A negative attitude, on the other hand, can lead to depression and anxiety.
The following are some ways in which you can change your attitude:
1) Stop focusing on the negative things in life.
2) Stop comparing yourself with others and start appreciating yourself as who you are.
3) Look at things positively instead of negatively by looking at the bright side of things or seeing how they can be beneficial to us in some way or another.
4) Be open-minded about new experiences and try not to judge them before giving them a chance to prove themselves worthy of our attention and interest.
5) Don’t take everything so seriously — focus on having fun instead!
If you want to change your attitude, you have to change the way you think.
A good place to start is by asking yourself what you’re grateful for.
But it’s not just about saying thank you; it’s about truly feeling gratitude.
Here’s how it works:
Think of something that happened in your life recently and ask yourself, “What do I have to be grateful for?” Write this down on a piece of paper so that you can refer back to it later.
Next, think about something in your life that makes you happy or that brings joy into your life, and write down what makes it so special to you. Don’t worry if the answer isn’t something big or important — even small things can bring us happiness and joy!
Finally, take a moment to reflect on the things that make you who you are today. What qualities do you admire? What makes you unique? How do these qualities help others?