Everyone makes excuses from time to time, but what does the Bible say about it? The Bible encourages personal responsibility and integrity, reminding us that God values honesty and effort. By examining scriptural examples of people who made excuses and those who stepped up in faith, we can learn the importance of accountability in our lives.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Wishing Death On Someone
What Does The Bible Say About Excuses
Exodus 4:10-11
Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
This verse depicts Moses making excuses to God for his lack of eloquence and ability to speak. Despite Moses’ excuses, God reminds him that He is the one who created his mouth and can equip him for the task at hand. It teaches us that our limitations and excuses are inconsequential when God is with us and will provide the necessary help and guidance.
Often, we make excuses for why we cannot fulfill God’s calling on our lives or accomplish certain tasks. However, this verse reminds us that when we surrender to God’s will, He will empower us and overcome our limitations.
1 Samuel 15:20-22
Saul answered, “But I did obey the Lord! I went on the mission the Lord assigned me. I destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their king. The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the Lord your God at Gilgal.” But Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.”
Saul attempts to justify his disobedience to God by offering sacrifices as an excuse. However, Samuel corrects him by emphasizing that obedience is far more important than external rituals or sacrifices. This verse teaches us that making excuses or finding religious justifications for disobedience is unacceptable to God.
Sometimes, we may rationalize our actions or make excuses for not obeying God’s commands. However, this verse reminds us that true obedience is a matter of the heart, and it requires our full commitment and submission to God’s will.
Proverbs 22:13
The sluggard says, “There’s a lion outside! I’ll be killed in the public square!”
This verse portrays the mindset of a lazy person who makes excuses to avoid taking necessary action. The sluggard uses the fear of a lion to justify their inaction and unwillingness to face the challenges of life. It serves as a cautionary tale against using baseless excuses to avoid responsibilities or opportunities for growth.
Oftentimes, we may find ourselves making flimsy excuses out of fear, laziness, or a desire to remain in our comfort zones. However, this verse reminds us to confront our excuses and embrace the tasks and opportunities God presents to us with courage and diligence.
Jeremiah 1:6-7
“Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.”
Jeremiah expresses his inadequacy and young age as excuses to avoid the task of being a prophet. However, God rebukes him and declares that his age or lack of experience does not disqualify him. This verse illustrates that God can use anyone, regardless of their perceived deficiencies or limitations.
At times, we may feel inadequate or believe that we are too young, inexperienced, or unqualified to serve God or fulfill a particular role. Nevertheless, this verse reminds us that God equips and empowers those whom He has called, regardless of their age or worldly qualifications.
Luke 14:18-20
“But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ Still, another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’”
In this parable, Jesus illustrates people making excuses to avoid an invitation to a feast. The excuses offered highlight worldly priorities and distractions that hinder them from accepting the invitation. It serves as a warning against allowing temporal concerns to take precedence over God’s call.
We encounter numerous distractions and busyness in our lives that can lead us to make excuses for neglecting our spiritual growth or disregarding God’s invitation to walk in His ways. This verse reminds us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else and not allow temporary circumstances to hinder our obedience.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Paul acknowledges his weaknesses and embraces them rather than using them as excuses. He recognizes that it is through his weaknesses that Christ’s power is displayed and truly perfected. This verse encourages us to embrace our weaknesses and allow God’s strength to work through us.
Instead of using our weaknesses as excuses or feeling inadequate, this verse teaches us to acknowledge our limitations and rely on God’s grace and power. It reminds us that in our weakness, God is able to demonstrate His strength and accomplish great things through us.
Matthew 8:21-22
Another disciple said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” But Jesus told him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”
In this encounter, a disciple attempts to use his father’s funeral as an excuse not to follow Jesus immediately. However, Jesus challenges him to prioritize his commitment to discipleship over worldly obligations. It teaches us the need for wholehearted devotion to Christ, surpassing even the most significant earthly responsibilities.
Often, we may use legitimate responsibilities, such as family obligations, work commitments, or personal aspirations, as excuses to postpone or neglect our devotion to God. However, this verse reminds us of the urgency and priority of following Jesus wholeheartedly, and not allowing temporal matters to hinder our commitment to Him.
Matthew 19:20-22
The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
In this encounter, a rich young man comes to Jesus seeking eternal life. However, he walks away sorrowful when Jesus challenges him to give up his worldly possessions and follow Him. This verse serves as a reminder of how material possessions and attachments can hinder our commitment to Christ.
We often make excuses or find it difficult to fully surrender ourselves to God’s will because we become attached to material wealth or worldly desires. This verse encourages us to examine our hearts and let go of anything that hinders us from wholeheartedly following Jesus.
Luke 9:59-60
He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
In this interaction, Jesus calls a man to follow Him, but the man responds with an excuse to first fulfill his filial duty of burying his father. Jesus challenges him to prioritize the kingdom of God over earthly obligations, illustrating the need for unwavering commitment to discipleship.
Similarly, we may find ourselves using valid obligations, responsibilities, or societal expectations as excuses to postpone or neglect our commitment to following Christ wholeheartedly. This verse reminds us of the importance of actively seeking and proclaiming the kingdom of God above all else.
Proverbs 26:13-16
The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion on the road! Yes, I’m sure there’s a lion out there!” As a door turns back and forth on its hinges, so the lazy person turns over in bed. Lazy people consider themselves smarter than seven wise counselors. Lazy people are too lazy to put food in their own mouths.
This verse vividly depicts the excuses and behaviors of a lazy person. They use baseless fears and imaginary obstacles to justify their idleness and lack of initiative. It illustrates the destructive nature of making excuses and neglecting responsibilities.
Excuses rooted in laziness prevent us from fulfilling our potential and hinder us from being productive in various areas of life. This verse challenges us to confront our laziness and take responsibility for our actions, not allowing unfounded excuses to hinder our growth and fulfillment.
Luke 14:15-20
When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.” Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’”
In this parable, Jesus shares a story about a great banquet and invited guests who make excuses to avoid attending. Their excuses revolve around worldly possessions and commitments, demonstrating how earthly attachments can hinder participation in God’s kingdom.
We often prioritize material possessions, personal ambitions, and worldly commitments over responding to God’s invitation to partake in His kingdom. This verse highlights the importance of setting aside earthly distractions and embracing God’s call without hesitation or excuse.
Ruth 1:15-18
“Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.” But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely if even death separates you and me.” When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.
Ruth refuses to make excuses and displays unwavering commitment to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and to the God of Israel. Despite Naomi’s urging to return to her own people and gods, Ruth pledges loyalty and devotion to Naomi and embraces the Israelite community and their God.
This verse exemplifies Ruth’s faithfulness and demonstrates the importance of unwavering commitment to both God and others. Rather than making excuses or seeking personal comfort, Ruth chooses to align herself with God’s people and purpose, providing us with a powerful example of obedience and selflessness.
Jonah 1:1-3
The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.
Jonah’s response to God’s command to preach against Nineveh is to make excuses and flee in the opposite direction. His disobedience and attempt to escape God’s call demonstrate the consequences of using excuses to avoid fulfilling God’s purpose.
Like Jonah, we may try to evade God’s calling or make excuses to avoid uncomfortable or challenging tasks. However, this verse serves as a reminder that running from our responsibilities or using excuses will ultimately lead us away from God’s blessings and will bring consequences upon ourselves and others.
Matthew 25:24-30
“Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So, I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’” His master replied, “You wicked, lazy servant! So, you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned, I would have received it back with interest.”
In this parable, the servant who received one bag of gold makes excuses out of fear and laziness, burying the master’s money rather than investing it. The master rebukes the servant for his lack of faith and initiative, highlighting the consequences of making excuses instead of using our talents and resources wisely.
Sometimes, we might make excuses out of fear, uncertainty, or a lack of confidence in our abilities. However, this verse reminds us of the importance of being faithful stewards of the gifts and opportunities God has entrusted to us, rather than allowing fear or laziness to hinder our growth and impact.
Haggai 1:2-4
“This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘These people say, “The time has not yet come to rebuild the Lord’s house.”’ Then the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: “Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?”
The people in Haggai’s time make excuses for not rebuilding the Lord’s temple, prioritizing their personal comfort and homes over God’s dwelling place. Haggai challenges them to reconsider their actions and priorities, emphasizing the need to place God’s house above their own.
Similarly, we may make excuses for neglecting our spiritual growth, failing to engage in the work of the church, or disregarding our responsibility in building God’s kingdom. This verse reminds us to examine our priorities and ensure that we are not using excuses to avoid our obligations or the commission to advance God’s purposes.
Matthew 23:16-17
“Woe to you, blind guides! You say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but anyone who swears by the gold of the temple is bound by that oath.’ You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred?”
Jesus rebukes the religious leaders of His time for using excuses and manipulative reasoning to avoid fulfilling their vows. He exposes their flawed thinking and highlights the importance of integrity and sincerity in honoring commitments, regardless of technicalities or excuses.
We may encounter situations where we are tempted to use loopholes, justifications, or excuses to avoid fulfilling our promises or responsibilities. However, this verse reminds us of the significance of maintaining integrity and upholding our obligations with genuine faithfulness and sincerity.
Genesis 3:11-13
And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
Adam and Eve’s response to God’s inquiry after eating the forbidden fruit is marked by excuses and blame-shifting. Adam blames Eve, and Eve blames the serpent, illustrating the destructive nature of using excuses to avoid taking responsibility for one’s actions.
We too may be prone to shifting blame or making excuses to evade accountability for our choices and behavior. However, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of owning our actions, confessing our wrongdoing, and seeking forgiveness rather than resorting to excuses or deflecting blame.
Numbers 13:31-33
But the men who had gone up with him said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.” And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, “The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.”
The majority of the Israelite spies make excuses and spread a negative report about the Promised Land, focusing on their perceived weaknesses compared to the inhabitants. They allow fear and self-doubt to prevent them from trusting God’s promise and moving forward in faith.
Similarly, we may make excuses and spread negativity when faced with challenges or new opportunities, allowing fear and self-doubt to hinder our progress. This verse reminds us of the importance of trusting in God’s strength rather than relying on our own abilities and allowing excuses to limit our faith and potential.
Matthew 26:40-41
Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Jesus finds His disciples sleeping in the Garden of Gethsemane, despite His request for them to watch and pray. He points out their failure to stay alert and cautions them about the dangers of giving in to temptation due to the weakness of their flesh.
We, too, may have moments of spiritual slumber or make excuses for our lack of vigilance in our walk with God. This verse serves as a reminder to prioritize prayer and spiritual watchfulness, recognizing our own weaknesses and the ever-present temptation that surrounds us.
Acts 24:25
As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.”
Felix, the Roman governor, listens to Paul speak about righteousness, self-control, and judgment but chooses to delay making a decision and makes an excuse for sending Paul away. Felix’s response exhibits a lack of conviction and a willingness to prioritize convenience over responding to the truth.
We may also find ourselves making excuses or delaying our response when confronted with the truth of God’s Word or the call to repentance and faith. This verse warns against complacency and encourages us to respond promptly to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, rather than making excuses or seeking convenient timing.
2 Timothy 4:10
For Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica.
The apostle Paul writes about Demas, who abandoned him and the ministry due to his love for the world. Demas’ departure reflects the danger of allowing worldly desires and attachments to lead us astray and make excuses for prioritizing temporal pleasure over God’s calling.
We too can be enticed by the allure of the world and make excuses for clinging to worldly pursuits that distract us from God’s purpose for our lives. This verse serves as a reminder to evaluate our priorities and guard against making excuses that compromise our devotion to Christ.
Galatians 5:17
For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.
This verse highlights the ongoing struggle between our sinful flesh and the guidance of the Holy Spirit within us. It emphasizes that our natural inclinations often lead us to make excuses and fulfill our selfish desires, despite the contradicting desires of the Spirit.
Human nature tends to make excuses or rationalize our actions, aiming to justify fulfilling our fleshly desires. However, this verse reminds us of the inner conflict between flesh and spirit, urging us to choose surrender to the Spirit’s leading over making excuses for indulging in sinful behavior.
Hebrews 4:15-16
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
This verse highlights the empathy and understanding of Jesus Christ, who experienced temptation and overcame it without sinning. It encourages us to approach God boldly, knowing that we can receive His mercy and find grace to resist making excuses or succumbing to sinful temptations.
In our struggles and weaknesses, we might be tempted to make excuses or feel unworthy of approaching God. However, this verse assures us that Jesus fully understands our human nature and offers the grace and help we need to overcome our weaknesses and resist the allure of excuses.