Being a good person is something many of us strive for, but what does the Bible say about it? The Bible offers clear guidance on how to live a righteous life, but it also reminds us that no one is truly perfect. This makes the concept of “good people” an interesting one to explore in scripture.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Abandoning Friends
What Does The Bible Say About Good People
Psalm 37:3
Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
This verse emphasizes the importance of trusting in the Lord and doing good. It encourages believers to live in obedience to God’s commands and promises that when they do, they will experience safety and blessings.
Proverbs 11:27
Whoever seeks good finds favor, but evil comes to one who searches for it.
This verse teaches that those who seek to do good will find favor, while those who seek evil will face the consequences of their actions. It highlights the importance of choosing righteousness and pursuing the things that honor God.
Matthew 7:17
Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
This verse uses the analogy of trees and their fruit to illustrate the principle that a person’s actions reveal their true nature. Just as a good tree naturally produces good fruit, a person who is rooted in goodness will bear good deeds and exhibit righteous behavior.
Romans 12:9
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
This verse emphasizes the importance of genuine love that is devoid of hypocrisy. It encourages believers to have a deep hatred for evil and to hold fast to what is good, emphasizing the need to align with God’s moral standards.
1 Peter 3:11
They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.
This verse encourages individuals to actively turn away from evil and instead choose to do good. It encourages believers to actively seek peace and actively pursue it in their relationships and interactions with others.
Psalm 34:14
Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
This verse reiterates the importance of turning away from evil and actively choosing to do good. It emphasizes the pursuit of peace, encouraging individuals to strive for harmony, both internally and in their relationships with others.
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.
This verse reminds believers of the importance of doing good to all people, regardless of their background or beliefs. However, it also emphasizes the significance of showing special care and kindness to fellow believers, demonstrating love and unity within the community of faith.
Ephesians 4:28
Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
This verse speaks specifically to those who have engaged in dishonest practices, urging them to change their ways and instead work diligently and honestly. It highlights the importance of using one’s abilities and resources to benefit others, especially those in need.
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 instructs believers to actively engage in doing good, not just occasionally, but by being consistently rich in good deeds. It also encourages a generous and willing spirit, promoting the sharing of blessings with others.
Hebrews 13:16
And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
This verse reminds believers of the importance of continuing to do good and to share what they have with others. It highlights that acts of kindness, sacrifice, and generosity are pleasing to God.
1 John 3:17
If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?
This verse challenges believers to reflect on their response to the needs of others. It emphasizes that true love, which is a reflection of God’s nature, prompts individuals to have compassion and take action to help those who are in need.
James 4:17
Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.
This verse emphasizes the responsibility of believers to act in accordance with the knowledge of what is good. It highlights the sinfulness of failing to do the good that one knows they should, emphasizing the importance of aligning actions with convictions.
3 John 1:11
Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.
This verse encourages believers to resist imitating evil but instead to emulate what is good. It affirms that those who consistently choose to do good are evidence of their relationship with God, while those who perpetuate evil demonstrate a lack of true understanding of Him.
Luke 3:10-11
“What should we do then?” the crowd asked. John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”
In response to the question of how to live righteously, John the Baptist exhorts the crowd to practice kindness and generosity. This verse underscores the importance of sharing our resources with those in need, acknowledging that true goodness is displayed through acts of compassion and provision for others.
Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.
This verse calls believers to actively pursue righteousness and justice. It emphasizes the importance of standing up for the marginalized and vulnerable, ensuring their fair treatment, and advocating for their rights and well-being.
Romans 2:10
But glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
This verse highlights the universal rewards that come to those who consistently do good. It emphasizes that regardless of one’s background or heritage, when individuals choose righteousness, they will receive glory, honor, and peace.
Titus 3:8
This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
In this verse, the apostle Paul encourages believers to prioritize and excel in doing good. He emphasizes the importance of diligently devoting oneself to acts of goodness, highlighting the benefits and blessings that result for both the individual and others.
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 encapsulates three key aspects of living a good and righteous life. It emphasizes the importance of acting justly, showing mercy, and maintaining a humble attitude before God. These qualities demonstrate a heart devoted to doing what is pleasing and honorable in His sight.
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.
This verse assures believers that God is able to abundantly bless and provide for them, enabling them to engage in every good work. It emphasizes that through His provision, believers can have a positive impact in all aspects of their lives.
1 Peter 2:15
For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.
This verse reminds believers that living a life characterized by goodness and righteousness can serve as a powerful testimony. It encourages Christians to engage in good deeds, not only for their own growth but also as a means of countering negative perceptions and false accusations.
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.’
In the parable of the sheep and the goats, Jesus emphasizes the significance of caring for others. This verse teaches that when believers show compassion and extend help to those in need, they are demonstrating their love for Christ Himself.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
This passage lists the fruit of the Holy Spirit, which includes goodness. It highlights how goodness is a natural outflow of the Holy Spirit’s work within a believer’s life. It also emphasizes that such qualities are not restricted by any law, as they are inherently good and noble.
Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
This verse reminds believers that all their endeavors, whether big or small, should be done with wholeheartedness and excellence. It encourages them to do good in their daily work, knowing that ultimately they are serving the Lord and will receive His eternal rewards.
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 defines true religion as caring for the most vulnerable members of society—orphans and widows—and living a life that is set apart from the corrupting influence of the world. It emphasizes the importance of both outward acts of goodness and personal purity.