The Bible presents a clear distinction between good and evil, providing wisdom on how to discern between the two. Scripture guides us in understanding God’s standard of righteousness and the consequences of turning away from it. Let’s explore what the Bible says about the battle between good and evil and how we can choose what is right in our daily lives.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About seeking approval from others
What Does The Bible Say About good and evil
Genesis 2:17
“But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”
This verse introduces the concept of good and evil, warning Adam and Eve not to partake of the forbidden fruit. It emphasizes the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience.
Proverbs 3:7
“Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.”
This verse cautions against self-reliance and encourages humility. It emphasizes the need to trust in the Lord, fear Him, and avoid evil.
Isaiah 5:20
“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”
This verse condemns the distortion of values and moral relativism. It warns against those who confuse good with evil and pervert truth for their own gain.
Matthew 7:17
“Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit, but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.”
This verse teaches about the correlation between good and evil actions. It emphasizes that a person’s character is reflected in their deeds, comparing it to the analogy of good and bad trees producing corresponding fruits.
Romans 12:21
“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
This verse encourages believers to combat evil by responding with good. It reminds us that by embodying goodness and love, we have the power to overcome and transform evil.
James 4:17
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
This verse highlights the responsibility to act in accordance with what is good. It admonishes those who have knowledge of what is right and fail to carry it out, declaring it as sin.
1 Peter 3:11
“Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.”
This verse instructs believers to actively avoid evil and pursue goodness. It promotes the pursuit of peace and encourages a life that is characterized by righteous actions.
Psalm 34:14
“Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.”
This verse echoes the previous verse in urging believers to turn away from evil and actively pursue goodness and peace.
Proverbs 14:22
“Do they not err that devise evil? But mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.”
This verse contrasts those who plot evil with those who seek to do good. It emphasizes that mercy and truth accompany those who engage in righteous acts.
Galatians 6:10
“As we have, therefore, opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
This verse encourages believers to seize every opportunity to do good to everyone, with a special focus on fellow believers. It emphasizes the importance of kindness and generosity towards others.
1 Peter 3:12
“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.”
This verse reassures the righteous that God watches over them and hears their prayers. It also declares that God opposes those who engage in evil deeds, emphasizing the consequences of wickedness.
Matthew 5:39
“But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
This verse challenges the human inclination for revenge and retaliation. Jesus teaches turning the other cheek as an act of love and forgiveness, displaying goodness even in the face of evil.
Psalm 97:10
“Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.”
This verse calls upon those who love the Lord to despise evil. It promises God’s protection and deliverance for His faithful ones.
Ephesians 4:31
“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil-speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.”
This verse urges believers to rid themselves of negative emotions and actions associated with evil. It emphasizes the need for a transformed character marked by love, kindness, and forgiveness.
Proverbs 14:16
“A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.”
This verse contrasts the actions of a wise person and a fool. It encourages the wise to fear God and turn away from evil, while highlighting the arrogance and self-assurance of the fool.
Romans 12:9
“Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of genuine love that is free from hypocrisy. It encourages believers to abhor evil and cling to what is good, highlighting the need for discernment.
1 Thessalonians 5:22
“Abstain from all appearance of evil.”
This verse calls believers to avoid any form of evil, even that which may seem innocent or merely appear sinful. It promotes an attitude of purity and holiness.
Psalm 119:101
“I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.”
This verse declares the Psalmist’s commitment to shun every path of evil in order to remain obedient to God’s Word. It reflects the desire to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Proverbs 8:13
“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.”
This verse highlights that true reverence for God involves detesting evil in all its forms. It lists specific manifestations of evil, including pride, arrogance, and wicked speech.
Psalm 23:4
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
This verse instills confidence and trust in God’s presence and protection even in the face of evil and death. It reminds believers that God’s presence and guidance bring comfort and assurance.
Proverbs 15:3
“The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.”
This verse affirms that God’s eyes are constantly watchful, observing both evil and good. It reinforces the principle that nothing escapes God’s knowledge and judgment.
Ephesians 6:12
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
This verse reminds believers that the ultimate battle is not against human adversaries but against spiritual forces of evil. It urges them to be spiritually prepared and equipped for this unseen warfare.
Matthew 7:15
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”
This verse warns of the presence of deceptive individuals who masquerade as leaders but harbor ulterior motives. It cautions believers to discern between true and false teachers.
Psalm 97:10
“Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.”
This verse calls upon those who love the Lord to despise evil. It promises God’s protection and deliverance for His faithful ones.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”
This verse warns against the influence of bad company and urges believers to be discerning in their associations. It emphasizes the impact of negative influences on one’s conduct and character.
Proverbs 16:6
“By mercy and truth, iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.”
This verse highlights the purifying power of mercy and truth. It emphasizes that a reverential fear of the Lord leads to a turning away from evil.