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What does the Bible say about bad habits?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that sinful habits flow from the heart but need not rule those who belong to Christ, for God forgives, renews, and strengthens His people to pursue holiness. Mark 7:20-23 identifies the heart as the source of defiling actions, while 1 John 1:9 calls believers to honest confession and trust in God’s faithful forgiveness. Romans 12:2 urges transformation through the renewing of the mind, and Philippians 4:6-8 directs anxious thoughts toward prayer and what is true and pure. In temptation, God provides a way of endurance (1 Corinthians 10:13); therefore believers resist the devil (James 4:7), depend on grace, and remember that in Christ they have been washed and made new (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Romans 12:2

    Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:13

    No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

  • 1 John 1:9

    If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

  • Philippians 4:6-8

    [6] In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. [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.

  • James 4:7

    Be subject therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

  • Mark 7:20-23

    [20] He said, "That which proceeds out of the man, that defiles the man. [21] For from within, out of the hearts of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, sexual sins, murders, thefts, [22] covetings, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness. [23] All these evil things come from within, and defile the man."

  • 1 Timothy 4:12

    Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.

  • Romans 10:9

    that if you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

  • Hebrews 13:5

    Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for he has said, "I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you."

  • 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

    [9] Or don't you know that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don't be deceived. Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals, [10] nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor extortioners, will inherit the Kingdom of God. [11] Such were some of you, but you were washed. But you were sanctified. But you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and in the Spirit of our God.

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