What does the Bible say about conscience?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that conscience is God’s inner witness in human beings, exposing sin, commending what is right, and calling us to live sincerely before him. Proverbs 20:27 describes the human spirit as the Lord’s lamp, while Romans 2:15 shows that even Gentiles bear the work of God’s law in their hearts, with conscience accusing or excusing them. A troubled conscience may awaken repentance, as in Genesis 42:21, 2 Samuel 24:10, Matthew 27:3, and Acts 2:37. Yet conscience is not infallible and must be instructed by God’s Word. Believers should seek a clear conscience before God and people, as Acts 24:16 teaches, holding faith with integrity and avoiding judgment over disputable matters (Romans 14:22).
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- General scriptures concerning Job 15:21; Job 15:24; Job 27:6; Proverbs 20:12; Matthew 5:15; Matthew 5:16; Matthew 6:22; Matthew 6:23; Luke 11:33-36; Acts 23:1; Acts 24:16; Romans 2:14
- FAITHFUL INSTANCES OF Of Pharaoh, when he took Abraham’s wife for a concubine Genesis 12:18; Genesis 12:19
- Of Abimelech, when he took Isaac’s wife for a concubine Genesis 26:9-11
- Of Jacob, in his care of Laban’s property Genesis 31:39
- Of Joseph, when Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him Genesis 39:7-12
- Of Nehemiah, in the matter of taxes Nehemiah 5:15
- Of Daniel, in refusing to eat of the king’s meat and wine Daniel 1:8
- Of Peter, in declaring the whole counsel of God Acts 4:19; Acts 4:20; Acts 5:29
- See HONESTY
- See INTEGRITY
- GUILTY Job 15:21; Job 15:24; Psalms 51:1-4; Psalms 51:7-14; Psalms 73:21; Proverbs 28:1; Isaiah 59:9-14; Matthew 14:1; Matthew 14:2; Matthew 27:3-5; Mark 6:14; Mark 6:16
- INSTANCES OF
- Of Adam and Eve, after they sinned Genesis 3:7; Genesis 3:8
- Of Jacob, after he defrauded Esau Genesis 33:1-12
- Of Joseph’s brethren Genesis 42:21; Genesis 44:16
- Of Pharaoh, after the plagues Exodus 9:27
- Of Micah, after stealing Judges 17:2
- Of David For having cut off Saul’s skirt 1 Samuel 24:5; 2 Samuel 24:10; Psalms 32; Psalms 38; Psalms 40:11; Psalms 40:12; Psalms 51
- Of Joab, for numbering Israel 1 Chronicles 21:1-7
- Of the lepers of Samaria 2 Kings 7:8-10
- Of the old prophet of Beth-el 1 Kings 13:29-32
- Of Herod for beheading John the Baptist Matthew 14:2; Luke 9:7
- Of Peter, after denying the Lord Matthew 26:75; Mark 14:72; Luke 22:62
- Of Judas, after betraying the Lord Jesus Matthew 27:3-5
- The accusers of the woman taken in adultery John 8:9
- DEAD Proverbs 16:25; Proverbs 30:20; Jeremiah 6:15; Amos 6:1; Amos 6:3-6; John 16:2; John 16:3; Romans 1:21-25; Ephesians 4:17-19; 1 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:15
- See BLINDNESS, SPIRITUAL
Torrey's New Topical Textbook
- Witnesses in man Proverbs 20:27; Romans 2:15
- Accuses of sin Genesis 42:21; 2 Samuel 24:10; Matthew 27:3; Acts 2:37
- We should have the approval of Job 27:6; Acts 24:16; Romans 9:1; Romans 14:22
- The blood of Christ alone can purify Hebrews 9:14; Hebrews 10:2-10; Hebrews 10:22
- Keep the faith in purity of 1 Timothy 1:19; 1 Timothy 3:9
- Of saints, pure and good Hebrews 13:18; 1 Peter 3:16; 1 Peter 3:21
- Submit to authority for Romans 13:5
- Suffer patiently for 1 Peter 2:19
- Testimony of, a source of joy 2 Corinthians 1:12; 1 John 3:21
- Of others, not to be offended Romans 14:21; 1 Corinthians 10:28-32
- Ministers should commend themselves to that of their people 2 Corinthians 4:2; 2 Corinthians 5:11
- Of the wicked, seared 1 Timothy 4:2
- Of the wicked, defiled Titus 1:15
- Without spiritual illumination, a false guide Acts 23:1; Acts 26:9
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