Character is an important theme that runs throughout the Bible. God cares deeply about our character and integrity. Here are some key Bible verses about character:
1. Proverbs 20:11 – Integrity
“Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.”
This proverb emphasizes that our true character is revealed through our conduct and actions. Even from a young age, people can discern if someone has integrity and good character.
2. 1 Corinthians 15:33 – Character Matters
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
The company we keep and the influences we allow into our lives impact our character. That’s why it’s important to surround ourselves with people of strong moral character who will be a positive influence.
3. Galatians 5:22-23 – The Fruit of the Spirit
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
The Bible emphasizes developing Christlike character traits such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and self-control. Cultivating the fruit of the Spirit transforms us from the inside out.
4. Philippians 2:3 – Humility
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
Pride and selfish ambition destroy our character. But humility and considering others’ needs shapes us into people of compassion and grace.
5. Colossians 3:12 – Clothe Yourself in Virtue
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
We must make a daily choice to “put on” virtuous qualities. Asking God to help us consistently live out virtues like compassion, humility and patience should be part of our spiritual disciplines.
6. Titus 2:7 – Integrity
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness…”
Leaders carry a responsibility to model good character. When we live with integrity, it sets a standard for others to aspire to.
7. James 3:17 – Wisdom from Above
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
There is a clear connection between good character and godly wisdom. Developing character traits like purity, peace, mercy and sincerity is evidence of spiritual maturity.
8. 2 Peter 1:5-6 – Grow in Virtue
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.”
Maturing as a believer involves intentionally cultivating virtues like goodness, self-control, perseverance and love. We grow in character through disciplined effort over time.
9. Proverbs 4:23 – Guard Your Heart
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Our thoughts, attitudes and motivations shape our actions. That’s why vigilant self-examination is key to protecting our integrity and cultivating godly virtues in our character.
10. Hebrews 13:18 – Live Honorably
“Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.”
A clear conscience and honorable living are high priorities for followers of Christ. Our deepest desire should be to reflect His upright character.
11. Proverbs 3:3-4 – Let Love and Faithfulness Never Leave You
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”
When love and faithfulness shape our character, it benefits our relationships and reputation. Most importantly, it pleases God.
12. Psalm 15:1-2 – Who May Dwell with God?
“Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart…”
God cares deeply about integrity. Our actions, words and lifestyle reveal the state of our character.
13. Proverbs 28:6 – Integrity vs. Perversity
“Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.”
Outward measures of success like wealth matter far less than the state of one’s character. God values integrity much more than prosperity.
14. Psalm 26:1-3 – Test Me and Try Me
“Vindicate me, Lord, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the Lord and have not faltered. Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.”
Those with blameless character do not fear examination and testing because they lead lives of integrity before God.
15. 1 Timothy 4:12 – Set an Example
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
No matter our age or station in life, modeling upright character is vital. Our example can inspire others to pursue virtue.
16. Psalm 119:9-11 – Seek the Lord with All Your Heart
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Immersing ourselves in God’s truth keeps us from sin and enables us to walk in purity. Hiding His word in our hearts cultivates virtue.
17. Micah 6:8 – What the Lord Requires
“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.”
God desires that we develop a lifestyle of justice, mercy and humility before Him.
18. Romans 12:2 – Renewing Your Mind
“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.”
We must reject ungodly cultural influences and instead allow God’s truth to renew our thinking, so we can discern and live out His perfect will.
19. Ephesians 4:22-24 – Put On the New Self
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
We are called to intentionally put off sinful ways and put on righteousness, purity and Christlike character.
20. Philippians 4:8 – Think About These Things
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
We must make the effort to dwell on pure, uplifting thoughts that are pleasing to God. Our thought life impacts our character.
In summary, the Bible has much to say about cultivating virtuous character that honors God. As these verses demonstrate, God cares about our integrity, self-discipline, purity, humility, and how we treat others. Living by God’s principles shapes us into people of moral excellence and Christlike character.
Continually meditating on Bible verses about character keeps us vigilant about protecting our integrity. Hiding God’s word in our heart empowers us to live righteously and resist the influence of sinful cultural patterns. Examining our thoughts and conduct in light of God’s commands enables us to recognize areas for growth and to intentionally “put on” godly virtues. Our choices, thoughts and habits make all the difference in molding our character into Christ’s image.
21. Job 2:3 – Blameless and Upright
“Then the Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.'”
The highest compliment the Lord paid Job was saying there was no one on earth like him – that Job was blameless, upright, feared God and hated evil. What greater commendation of godly character could there be?
22. Psalm 119:1 – Blessed are Those who Walk in God’s Ways
“Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord.”
God blesses those who diligently follow His commands and lead lives of moral purity and integrity before Him.
23. 2 Corinthians 6:3-7 – Commending Ourselves as Servants of God
“We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love…”
Paul says he and his co-workers commended themselves as servants of God through purity, patience, hard work and enduring suffering with grace. Our character and conduct matter greatly.
24. 1 Timothy 3:1-13 – Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons
In his instructions to Timothy about church leadership, Paul lists numerous character traits like being above reproach, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, gentle, not quarrelsome or greedy. God cares deeply about the integrity and reputation of those who lead His people.
25. Hebrews 5:14 – Discerning Good and Evil
“But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”
Spiritual maturity involves strengthening our discernment through God’s word so we can readily distinguish right from wrong. Wisdom and discernment preserve our integrity.
26. Psalm 1:1-2 – Blessed is the One Who Delights in God’s Law
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.”
The righteous find joy in God’s commands and avoid those who would lead them into sin. They cultivate character by regularly meditating on Scripture.
27. Proverbs 10:9 – Integrity Safeguards Your Life
“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.”
A blameless life provides security and peace of mind. But sinful choices inevitably come to light and result in consequences.
28. Psalm 112:2 – Blessed is the Man of Integrity
“Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands. His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.”
Those who revere God and obey His precepts experience His favor and blessing. Their godly influence positively impacts their children as well.
29. Proverbs 11:3 – Integrity Guides Us
“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”
A lifestyle of honesty and uprightness provides direction and preserves us, while dishonesty leads to downfall.
30. Proverbs 29:10 – Hatred Stirs Up Conflict
“The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity and seek to kill the upright.”
The wicked despise those of moral character who expose evil through their integrity. But God defends the righteous from harm.
These Bible verses demonstrate how consistently the theme of godly character runs from Genesis to Revelation. Whether in the Old or New Testament, God cares deeply about integrity, purity, humility and living by His principles. As we meditate on what Scripture teaches about virtue and righteousness, we can grow in Christlike character that honors the Lord.