The Bible provides timeless wisdom on how to live a life that is pleasing to God, characterized by goodness, righteousness, and compassion. Being a good person, according to Scripture, is about following God’s commandments, loving others, and living with integrity, humility, and kindness. Throughout the Bible, we see the characteristics of a good person—one who seeks after righteousness, practices justice, shows mercy, and lives in harmony with others. This article will explore 40 Bible verses that guide believers in how to be a good person in the eyes of God.
40 Bible Verses About Being a Good Person
1. Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
This verse highlights the core values of being a good person: justice, mercy, and humility. God desires these qualities in His people as they interact with others and serve Him.
2. Matthew 5:16
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
A good person lets their actions reflect their faith, causing others to see God’s goodness through their behavior. Living out goodness not only benefits others but glorifies God.
3. Romans 12:9-10
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
These verses remind us that love is the foundation of goodness. We are called to love others sincerely and place their needs before our own, seeking good in all things.
4. Galatians 6:10
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
Being a good person means actively seeking opportunities to do good for others, especially for fellow believers, fostering a community of love and support.
5. Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Kindness, compassion, and forgiveness are essential elements of a good person. We are called to model the forgiveness God has shown us in our interactions with others.
6. 1 Timothy 6:18
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”
This verse encourages believers to be generous with their resources, showing goodness through acts of charity and kindness toward others.
7. Romans 2:7
“To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.”
Persisting in doing good leads to God’s favor and the promise of eternal life. A good person continues to do good despite challenges, knowing that their reward is in heaven.
8. Psalm 34:14
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
A good person actively turns away from evil and seeks peace, striving to live a life that promotes harmony with others.
9. Proverbs 3:27
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.”
Being a good person involves using your resources and abilities to do good for those who are in need or who deserve your help, especially when you have the power to act.
10. Luke 6:27-28
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
Jesus teaches that goodness is not limited to those who treat us well. A good person shows kindness and love even to those who do not reciprocate.
11. Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
Generosity is a hallmark of a good person. When we share with others, especially in times of need, we are not only being good but are also blessed in return.
12. Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Goodness has the power to overcome evil. A good person chooses to respond to wrongs with kindness, allowing their actions to counteract the negative influences around them.
13. Matthew 7:12
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
This verse highlights the principle of treating others with the same respect and kindness we wish to receive, which is a fundamental aspect of being a good person.
14. 1 Peter 3:11
“They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.”
A good person actively seeks peace, refrains from evil, and works toward creating an environment of goodwill and harmony.
15. Philippians 4:8
“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.”
To be a good person, one’s thoughts must be focused on what is good, pure, and honorable. A good heart and mind are key to good actions.
16. James 1:27
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
True goodness, according to God, involves caring for the vulnerable and remaining morally untainted by the world’s temptations.
17. Titus 3:1-2
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.”
A good person is respectful to authority, acts with humility, and strives to live in peace with others, avoiding negative behaviors like slander.
18. Hebrews 13:16
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Goodness is sacrificial. A good person shares what they have and seeks to bless others, knowing that such acts please God.
19. 1 John 3:18
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
True love and goodness are shown through our actions, not just words. A good person demonstrates love through tangible acts of kindness and care.
20. 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.'”
A good person serves others, especially those who are often overlooked or marginalized. Serving others is equated with serving Christ Himself.
21. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
Love, as described here, is the essence of being a good person. It involves patience, kindness, and humility, and it seeks the welfare of others above one’s own.
22. Proverbs 12:25
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”
A good person brings encouragement and comfort to others, offering kindness and words of hope, especially when others are weighed down by anxiety.
23. Romans 15:2
“Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.”
A good person strives to build others up, looking out for their well-being and seeking to help them grow spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.
24. Proverbs 3:3-4
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”
Goodness is rooted in love and faithfulness. A person who is faithful to God and others gains favor and respect.
25. John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Self-sacrifice is the ultimate act of goodness. A good person is willing to put others’ needs before their own, even to the point of sacrifice.
26. Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
Love is the greatest expression of goodness. When we love others, we fulfill God’s commandments and live righteously.
27. Proverbs 14:21
“It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.”
A good person shows kindness to those in need and refrains from any form of contempt or neglect toward others, especially the vulnerable.
28. Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
These virtues should define every good person. Living with compassion, kindness, and patience reflects God’s love for us.
29. Psalm 37:3
“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.”
Trusting in God and doing good are inseparable. A good person lives by faith and continues to act righteously, knowing that God’s provision is sure.
30. Luke 10:27
“He answered: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
Loving God fully and loving others as ourselves is the foundation of goodness. A good person loves God and serves others out of that love.
31. Proverbs 16:3
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
A good person commits their work to the Lord, trusting that He will guide and bless their efforts to do good.
32. Philippians 2:4
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
A good person cares about the well-being of others and takes their needs into consideration, showing love and concern beyond self-interest.
33. Psalm 23:6
“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
God’s goodness is a constant presence in the life of a believer. A good person is someone who experiences and reflects this divine goodness in their daily life.
34. Romans 5:7-8
“Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
The ultimate act of goodness is Christ’s sacrificial love. A good person reflects this selfless love toward others.
35. 2 Corinthians 9:8
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
A good person is equipped by God to do good works, and they share generously with others, knowing that God’s blessings are abundant.
36. James 3:17
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
Goodness is a fruit of wisdom that comes from God. A wise person embodies peace, mercy, and sincerity, reflecting God’s character.
37. 1 Peter 2:12
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”
A good person’s life is a testimony of God’s goodness, leading others to praise God even in the face of criticism or accusation.
38. Matthew 7:17-18
“Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.”
A good person produces good fruit—righteous actions and kindness—because their heart is aligned with God.
39. Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Goodness is expressed through how we respond to others. A good person uses gentleness and kindness to defuse conflict and promote peace.
40. Hebrews 10:24
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
A good person encourages others to live righteously, actively building up their community and encouraging acts of love and kindness.
Conclusion
The Bible offers comprehensive guidance on how to be a good person, emphasizing love, kindness, justice, humility, and generosity. Through following God’s commandments and living out the principles found in these Scriptures, we can reflect God’s goodness and demonstrate His love to those around us. A good person is one who seeks to honor God in their thoughts, actions, and relationships, always striving to make the world a better place through the power of His love.
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