The Bible contrasts good and bad, offering wisdom for choosing what pleases God. Today, we’ll explore what Scripture says about avoiding bad influences and actions.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Backstabber
What Does The Bible Say About Bad
Genesis 6:5
“The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.”
This verse highlights the pervasive nature of evil and the corruption of the human heart. It serves as a reminder of the fallen state of humanity and the need for redemption.
Psalm 14:1
“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.”
This verse describes the mindset of those who reject God and engage in wickedness. It portrays the consequences of denying God’s existence and the resulting moral corruption.
Isaiah 5:20
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!”
This verse warns against the moral confusion prevalent in society, where values and standards are distorted. It highlights the danger of embracing and promoting evil as acceptable, while rejecting what is truly good.
Proverbs 21:10
“The wicked crave evil; their neighbors get no mercy from them.”
This verse emphasizes the destructive desires of the wicked, who pursue evil without consideration for the harm it causes to others. It serves as a reminder of the importance of showing mercy and kindness towards our neighbors.
Matthew 15:19
“For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.”
This verse reveals the root of evil actions, which originate from the sinful nature of the heart. It highlights the need for inner transformation and the importance of guarding our thoughts and desires.
Romans 12:9
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”
This verse encourages believers to have genuine love and to actively oppose and reject evil. It emphasizes the importance of discerning between good and evil and embracing what is morally upright.
1 Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
This verse challenges believers to respond to evil and mistreatment with a counter-cultural approach. Instead of seeking revenge, we are called to bless those who do us wrong, trusting in God’s ultimate justice.
Proverbs 6:16-19
“There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil”
This verse reveals specific actions and attitudes that are detestable to God. It serves as a reminder of the importance of cultivating humility, truthfulness, and a heart that pursues righteousness.
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
This verse encourages believers to submit to God’s authority and actively resist the temptations and schemes of the devil. It reminds us of the power we have in Christ to overcome evil.
Proverbs 3:7
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.”
This verse cautions against self-reliance and pride, urging believers to have a reverent fear of the Lord and to deliberately avoid evil. It emphasizes the need for humility and reliance on God’s wisdom.
Ephesians 4:31
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”
This verse instructs believers to let go of harmful attitudes and behaviors towards others. It emphasizes the importance of fostering a spirit of forgiveness, love, and peace.
Proverbs 16:6
“Through love and faithfulness, sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD, evil is avoided.”
This verse highlights the transformative power of love, faithfulness, and reverence for God. It speaks to the potential for redemption and the ability to resist evil through a deep relationship with the Lord.
Matthew 5:39
“But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”
This verse challenges the natural inclination to seek revenge or retaliate when faced with evil. It calls believers to emulate Christ’s example of meekness and non-violence as a response to wrongdoing.
Galatians 5:19-21
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.”
This verse provides a comprehensive list of sinful behaviors and attitudes that are in direct opposition to the fruit of the Spirit. It serves as a reminder of the need to continually align our lives with God’s standards.
1 John 2:15
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.”
This verse warns against an excessive attachment to worldly desires and pursuits. It reminds believers of the need to prioritize their love for God over worldly affections.
Proverbs 14:16
“The wise fear the LORD and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.”
This verse draws a contrast between the wise, who fear the Lord and avoid evil, and the foolish, who are rash in their actions and lack discernment. It emphasizes the importance of wisdom and a reverence for God in making choices.
Romans 13:12
“The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”
This verse encourages believers to cast off sinful behaviors and to embrace righteousness. It speaks to the imminent return of Christ and the need to live in a manner that reflects His light.
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
This verse calls believers to be a positive influence in the world, actively engaging in acts of kindness and righteousness. It highlights the importance of living a life that points others to God.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”
This verse serves as a warning about the potential negative influence of associating with those who engage in sinful behavior. It underscores the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who encourage and uplift our faith.
Psalm 97:10
“Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.”
This verse highlights the connection between loving God and hating evil. It assures believers that God protects and delivers the righteous from the clutches of the wicked.
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.”
This verse showcases the importance of a genuine faith that extends beyond rituals and encompasses a heart for social justice and purity. It emphasizes the need to care for the vulnerable while avoiding worldly contamination.
Proverbs 24:19-20
“Do not fret because of evildoers or be envious of the wicked, for the evildoer has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.”
This verse advises against being consumed by envy or worry when witnessing the success of evildoers. It assures believers that ultimately, the wicked will face consequences, while those who follow God will have eternal hope.
1 Thessalonians 5:22
“Abstain from every form of evil.”
This verse presents a clear and direct instruction to avoid all forms of evil. It underscores the need for believers to pursue holiness and maintain a separation from sinful behaviors and influences.
2 Corinthians 6:14
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”
This verse cautions against entering into close partnerships or relationships with unbelievers, emphasizing the difference between righteous living and wickedness. It encourages believers to seek connections that align with God’s principles.