Temptation is a common struggle, and the Bible offers wisdom on how to overcome it. From stories of people who faced temptation to verses about self-control, scripture reminds us to rely on God’s strength when faced with difficult choices. God provides the help we need to avoid temptation and stay on a righteous path.
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What Does The Bible Say About Temptation
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
This verse assures us that God is faithful and will not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability to resist. He promises to provide a way for us to escape from temptation and endure it with His help.
James 1:12-14
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.
This verse teaches us that those who endure temptation and remain faithful to God will receive the crown of life. It reminds us that God does not tempt us, but rather, we are tempted by our own evil desires. It is important to resist temptation and not blame God for it.
1 Peter 5:8
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
This verse serves as a warning to be watchful and clear-minded because the devil is constantly seeking to devour and destroy us. It reminds us to be vigilant in resisting temptation and staying close to God.
Matthew 6:13
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
This verse is part of the Lord’s Prayer, reminding us to pray for God’s guidance and protection to avoid falling into temptation and to be delivered from the power of the evil one. It emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s help in overcoming temptation.
Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
This verse encourages us to not grow tired or discouraged in doing what is right and resisting temptation. It reminds us that if we persevere, we will eventually reap the rewards of our faithfulness to God.
1 Corinthians 10:12
So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!
This verse serves as a cautionary reminder not to become complacent or overconfident in our ability to resist temptation. It is a humble reminder to always be on guard and rely on God’s strength rather than our own.
Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
This verse highlights the importance of staying vigilant and praying to avoid falling into temptation. It acknowledges that our spirits may be willing to do what is right, but our flesh is weak and prone to yielding to temptations.
1 Timothy 6:9
Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
This verse warns against the dangers of greed and the temptation to pursue wealth. It highlights the negative consequences that come from being lured into the pursuit of material possessions, which can lead to ruin and destruction.
2 Peter 2:9
…if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.
This verse assures us that God is capable of rescuing His faithful followers from trials and temptation. It also reminds us that those who give in to temptation and choose unrighteousness will face punishment on the day of judgment.
1 Peter 2:11
Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.
This verse encourages believers to live as strangers and pilgrims in this world and resist sinful desires that seek to wage war against their souls. It reminds us that our true citizenship is in heaven and calls us to live in a manner that pleases God.
Matthew 5:28
But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
This verse teaches us the seriousness of lustful thoughts, equating them to the act of adultery itself. It emphasizes the need to guard our minds and hearts against impure thoughts and desires.
Luke 4:13
When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.
This verse follows Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, highlighting the fact that the devil only temporarily left Him until another opportunity arose. It serves as a reminder that temptation may come and go but to remain vigilant in resisting it.
Proverbs 4:14-15
Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.
This verse advises us to stay away from the path of the wicked and avoid associating with evildoers. It encourages us to turn away from temptation and choose a different, righteous path.
1 John 2:16
For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.
This verse highlights the three main sources of temptation: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. It reminds us that these temptations come from the world and not from the Father.
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
This verse warns against the dangers of pride, which often leads to destruction and downfall. It reminds us to remain humble and not allow pride to lead us into temptation.
Ephesians 6:11
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
This verse encourages us to put on the spiritual armor of God, which includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. By doing so, we can effectively resist and stand against the schemes of the devil.
Psalm 119:9
How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.
This verse emphasizes the importance of living according to God’s Word to remain pure and stay on the right path. It reminds us that the Bible is a guide for living a life free from temptation.
Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
This verse encourages us to reject conformity to the world’s values and instead be transformed by the renewing of our minds. By doing so, we will be able to discern and align ourselves with God’s will, which is good, pleasing, and perfect.
James 4:7
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
This verse instructs us to submit ourselves to God and resist the devil. When we do so, the devil will flee from us. It reminds us of the importance of maintaining a close relationship with God in order to overcome temptation.
Proverbs 1:10
My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them.
This verse advises us not to give in to the temptation of sinful people who try to entice us. It serves as a reminder to stay strong in our resolve to do what is right even when faced with pressure from others.
Psalm 141:4
Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers; do not let me eat their delicacies.
This verse is a plea to God to guard our hearts and keep us from being drawn to evil and participating in wicked deeds with those who are evildoers. It expresses the desire to remain pure and not indulge in sinful pleasures.
1 John 3:8
The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.
This verse reminds us that those who continue to live in sin are aligned with the devil because he has been sinning from the beginning. It also highlights the purpose of Jesus’ appearance on earth, which was to destroy the works of the devil.
Titus 2:11-12
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age.
This verse emphasizes the transforming power of God’s grace, which not only offers salvation but also teaches us to reject ungodliness and worldly passions. It calls us to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.
1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
This verse warns us about the influence of bad company, emphasizing that it can corrupt our good character. It reminds us to be mindful of the people we surround ourselves with and to choose companions who will encourage us in our faith.
2 Timothy 2:22
Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
This verse urges us to avoid and flee from the evil desires commonly associated with youth. Instead, we are called to pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, joining others who call on the Lord with pure hearts.