What does the Bible say about a mans character?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that a man's character is measured not chiefly by outward appearance or reputation, but by the heart, which God sees and transforms by His grace. Proverbs 6:16-19 condemns proud, deceitful, violent, and divisive ways, while Proverbs 10:9 commends the security of integrity. A good name is precious (Proverbs 22:1), yet true honor grows from fearing God and walking uprightly. In Christ, believers bear the fruit of the Spirit described in Galatians 5:22-23 and add virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, and love (2 Peter 1:5-8). Trials also produce proven character through steadfast faith (Romans 5:4).
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Proverbs 6:16-19
[16] There are six things which Yahweh hates; Yes, seven which are an abomination to him: [17] Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood; [18] A heart that devises wicked schemes, Feet that are swift in running to mischief, [19] A false witness who utters lies, And he who sows discord among brothers.
- Proverbs 22:1
A good name is more desirable than great riches, And loving favor is better than silver and gold.
- Galatians 5:22-23
[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
- Romans 5:4
and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope:
- Psalms 1:1
Blessed is the man who doesn't walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the way of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers;
- 1 Timothy 3:2-7
[2] The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, modest, hospitable, good at teaching; [3] not a drinker, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; [4] one who rules his own house well, having children in subjection with all reverence; [5] (but if a man doesn't know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the assembly of God?) [6] not a new convert, lest being puffed up he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. [7] Moreover he must have good testimony from those who are outside, to avoid falling into reproach and the snare of the devil.
- Proverbs 10:9
He who walks blamelessly walks surely, But he who perverts his ways will be found out.
- 2 Peter 1:5-8
[5] Yes, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence; and in moral excellence, knowledge; [6] and in knowledge, self-control; and in self-control patience; and in patience godliness; [7] and in godliness brotherly affection; and in brotherly affection, love. [8] For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to be not idle nor unfruitful to the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- 1 Samuel 16:7
But Yahweh said to Samuel, "Don't look on his face, or on the height of his stature; because I have rejected him: for [Yahweh sees] not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart."
- Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.
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