As we age, we may think it is easier to discern between good and bad. But in reality, understanding these moral nuances can be quite complex. When faced with this confusion, your best option is to consult the Bible. In this article, we’ll look at ten things the Bible considers good and ten things it warns against.
To start off, here are ten things that are good according to the Bible:
Wisdom and Understanding
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” – Proverbs 2:6
This means that seeking wisdom from God guides us in living a life that honors Him. When we do our best in everything, whether it’s work, relationships, or daily tasks, we reflect God’s wisdom and bring glory to Him.
Trusting in God
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Trusting God means surrendering our fears and uncertainties to Him and believing He has a plan for our lives. This trust transforms our approach to challenges and decisions, knowing that He directs our paths.
Purity and Excellence
“Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.” – Philippians 4:8
By focusing on purity and excellence, we enhance our own spiritual health and positively influence others, creating a community that reflects God’s goodness.
Doing All for God’s Glory
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
When done with the right intention, every action, no matter how big or small, can be an act of worship. When we approach tasks intending to honor God, even ordinary moments become opportunities to showcase our faith.
Compassion
“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.” – Matthew 25:40
Compassion is a vital part of living out our faith. This verse highlights that showing kindness and care to those in need is a good deed and a way of serving Christ Himself.
Appreciating God’s Creation
“How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom, you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” – Psalm 104:24
Appreciating the natural world reminds us of God’s thoughtful design. Recognizing the beauty of His creation brings us closer to Him and deepens our connection to the world He created.
Honoring God as Creator
“For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him.” – Colossians 1:16
Acknowledging God as the Creator is essential to our faith. It reminds us of our place in the universe and our responsibility to honor Him in all aspects of life. It reminds us that everything we have is a gift from Him.
Humility
“But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’” – James 4:6
Humility is often associated with the “fear of the Lord.” Being humble means acknowledging our limitations and relying on God’s grace rather than our own abilities.
Remaining Faithful to the Truth
“Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.” – 2 John 1:8
Remaining faithful to the truth is crucial to our spiritual journey. It means not compromising our values for the sake of convenience or approval. Instead, it is about staying true to our values and the teachings of the Bible.
Forgiveness
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14
Forgiveness benefits both the person receiving it and the one giving it. It releases bitterness and burden and frees the heart from resentment. Healing and peace come after forgiveness, allowing God’s grace to flow into your life.
Part 2: 10 Bad Things
Just as light contrasts with darkness, the presence of good naturally suggests the existence of its opposite. Aside from emphasizing the good, the Bible also warns us against behaviors and attitudes that can harm our spiritual lives and relationships with others. Here are ten things the Bible clearly states are bad and why we should avoid them.
Pride
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” – Proverbs 16:18
Pride is the root of many sins. It blinds us to our need for God and distorts our view of ourselves and others. This self-centered attitude pushes us away from humility and can lead to our downfall.
Lying
“The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in people who are trustworthy.” – Proverbs 12:22
The Bible condemns falsehood in all its forms. Lying damages trust and relationships, and anyone who gets comfortable with lying may find themselves entangled in a cycle of dishonesty that erodes credibility and integrity.
Gossip
“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.” – Proverbs 20:19
The Bible advises against gossip because it destroys reputations and causes conflict among people. We are encouraged to use our words to build others up, not tear them down.
Greed
“Then He said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” – Luke 12:15
Greed leads to a series of bad things – envy, dishonesty, and a constant sense of dissatisfaction. This verse reminds us that true fulfillment doesn’t come from accumulating wealth or material goods but from a deeper relationship with God and contentment in what we have.
Idolatry
“You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me.” – Exodus 20:4-5
Worshiping false gods or placing anything above God is strictly forbidden. Idolatry is seen as a betrayal of the relationship between God and His people, leading to spiritual corruption.
Anger
“Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” – Ecclesiastes 7:9
Anger isn’t necessarily a sin, but when it’s uncontrolled, it can result in harmful actions and words. The Bible warns against letting anger settle in our hearts, as it can lead to sin and harm relationships.
Envy
“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” – James 3:16
Envy is a powerful emotion that can cause a lot of harm. Letting it take hold in our hearts can damage our relationships and blur our sense of right and wrong. It’s a good reminder to be content and appreciate our blessings.
Drunkenness
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” – Ephesians 5:18
Anything in excess is dangerous. While the Bible doesn’t forbid alcohol consumption, it clearly warns against drunkenness or drinking too much. Instead, it encourages believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit, leading to a life of wisdom and self-discipline
Sexual Immorality
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.” – 1 Corinthians 6:18
The Bible strongly condemns sexual immorality, which includes any sexual activity outside the bounds of marriage. This sin is seen as particularly damaging because it affects not just the body but the soul.
Unforgiveness
“But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:15
Unforgiveness is a heavy burden that weighs down the soul. It prevents the flow of God’s grace in our lives. The Bible teaches that forgiveness is essential because it reflects the forgiveness we have received from God. Holding onto grudges and refusing to forgive others keeps us trapped in bitterness and blinds us from the fullness of God’s love.
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Vidivir is a dedicated high school teacher and a loving mother of three. With over a decade of experience as a blogger and article writer, she has honed her craft in storytelling. As a devoted church lector and servant of God, she combines her passion for writing with her faith, aiming to inspire others through her words.