Ever found yourself making excuses instead of taking action? The Bible has a lot to say about this common struggle. Let’s look at some key verses that remind us of God’s call to trust Him and move forward, even when excuses seem easier. Join us as we explore these powerful scriptures.
Bible Verses About Excuses
Exodus 3:11
“But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
This verse depicts Moses making excuses and feeling inadequate in the face of God’s call. It reminds us that God can use anyone, regardless of their perceived limitations.
Often, when God calls us to a task or purpose, we may be tempted to make excuses and doubt our abilities. However, this verse challenges us to trust in God’s strength and guidance, rather than relying on our own weaknesses.
Jeremiah 1:6
“Alas, Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”
Jeremiah’s response mirrors Moses’ excuses in the previous verse. He doubts his own capability due to his age, highlighting how we often underestimate ourselves when facing God’s call.
Like Moses, God reassures Jeremiah and us that He will be with us and equip us for the tasks He has called us to. Excuses based on our perceived inadequacies do not limit God’s power or plan for our lives.
1 Samuel 15:15
“Saul answered, “The soldiers brought them from the Amalekites; they spared the best of the sheep and cattle to sacrifice to the LORD your God, but we totally destroyed the rest.””
Saul attempts to justify his disobedience and make excuses for his actions. Instead of taking full responsibility for his disobedience, he blames the soldiers and tries to shift the blame.
This verse teaches us the danger of making excuses to evade accountability. It’s crucial to acknowledge our mistakes and take ownership of our actions, seeking forgiveness and a fresh start in God’s grace.
Luke 14:18
“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.””
In this parable, Jesus illustrates the tendency of people to make excuses when invited to partake in His kingdom. The excuses given are mundane and represent worldly distractions that hinder us from accepting God’s invitation.
This verse urges us to examine our hearts and consider the excuses we make when it comes to responding to God’s call. It challenges us to prioritize our relationship with Him above worldly pursuits and distractions.
John 9:18
“They[b] still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight; so they sent for the man’s parents.”
In this account, the Pharisees continue to doubt Jesus’ miracle of healing the blind man. They refuse to accept the truth and instead seek alternative explanations.
This verse warns us about the dangers of skepticism and making excuses to deny God’s power. It encourages us to have faith and believe in the miraculous works of God that may not align with our limited understanding.
Proverbs 20:4
“Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time, they look but find nothing.”
This verse serves as a cautionary reminder against making excuses for laziness or procrastination. It highlights the consequences of failing to take action when necessary.
Procrastination is often driven by fear, doubt, or a lack of motivation. This verse encourages us to be diligent, disciplined, and proactive in our pursuits, knowing that excuses can hinder our progress and lead to missed opportunities.
Ecclesiastes 11:4
“Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.”
This verse speaks to the dangers of indecisiveness and overthinking, which can lead to a perpetual cycle of making excuses and delays. It warns against being overly cautious and focusing too much on uncertain circumstances.
To move forward in life and fulfill God’s purposes, we must take bold steps and trust in His guidance. Making excuses based on external circumstances can prevent us from experiencing the blessings and fruits of our labor.
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
This verse addresses the issue of making excuses when it comes to giving or supporting others. It emphasizes the importance of generosity from a willing heart, rather than making excuses or feeling obligated.
When we make excuses for not giving, whether it be our time, resources, or love, we hinder the blessings that come from living selflessly. This verse encourages us to give cheerfully and freely, trusting that God will provide for our needs.
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 dialogue, Jesus challenges the disciple’s excuse of burying his father first before committing to follow Him. Jesus emphasizes the urgency and priority of following Him, implying that excuses to delay obedience are not valid.
This verse urges us to prioritize our relationship with Christ above all else. Making excuses to delay or postpone our commitment to Him can hinder our spiritual growth and prevent us from fully experiencing the abundant life He offers.
Psalm 84:10
“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.”
This verse expresses the psalmist’s desire and willingness to serve God, even in the most humble position. It illustrates the contrast between making excuses for worldly pleasures and choosing to prioritize a life devoted to God.
When we make excuses to pursue worldly desires or compromise our faith, we miss out on the true joy and fulfillment found in God’s presence. This verse inspires us to embrace opportunities to serve and worship Him wholeheartedly.
Luke 14:16-20
“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.””
This parable illustrates how people often prioritize their own agendas and possessions over responding to God’s invitation. The excuses given by the guests highlight the distractions and worldly attachments that hinder their participation in the kingdom of God.
Through this parable, Jesus challenges us to examine the excuses we make when it comes to accepting His invitation into His kingdom. It reminds us to prioritize our relationship with Him and not allow worldly distractions to hinder our response to His call.
Proverbs 26:13
“The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion on the road! Yes, I’m sure there’s a lion out there!””
This verse humorously depicts the excuses made by lazy individuals to avoid work or responsibility. The excuse of a lion on the road is obviously false, highlighting the absurdity of making baseless justifications.
Excuses born out of laziness undermine our productivity, growth, and potential. This verse encourages us to overcome our slothfulness and embrace diligence, recognizing that excuses are often fabricated to avoid taking responsibility.
Isaiah 6:5
“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.””
Isaiah’s response to encountering God’s holiness highlights his realization of his own sinfulness and unworthiness. This genuine acknowledgment leads to repentance and a willingness to accept God’s forgiveness and calling.
This verse reveals that making excuses to avoid confronting our own faults and sins only hinders our spiritual growth. Instead, we should humbly acknowledge our imperfections, seek God’s cleansing, and embrace His plans and purposes for our lives.
Matthew 25:24-30
“Then the one who had received the one talent came and said, “Master, 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 talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.””
In this parable, the servant makes excuses to justify his failure to invest and multiply the talents given to him. He blames his fear of the master’s expectations as the reason for his inaction and lack of faithfulness.
This verse warns us about the dangers of allowing fear to paralyze us into making excuses for inactivity or disobedience. It encourages us to trust in God’s provision and step out in faith, utilizing the gifts and resources He has given us for His glory.
Genesis 3:12-13
“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.””
Both Adam and Eve make excuses when confronted with their disobedience. Adam blames Eve, while Eve blames the serpent. These excuses reveal a reluctance to accept responsibility for their actions and instead shift the blame elsewhere.
This verse teaches us the destructive nature of making excuses and refusing to take ownership of our mistakes. It reminds us of the importance of confessing our sins, seeking reconciliation, and accepting the consequences of our choices.
Psalm 37:5
“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:”
This psalm encourages us to trust God and commit our ways to Him, rather than making excuses or trying to control our own paths. It reaffirms the faithfulness and reliability of God in fulfilling His promises to those who entrust their lives to Him.
Making excuses can stem from a lack of trust in God’s plan and timing. This verse urges us to surrender our plans, desires, and worries to God, acknowledging that He is in control and will lead us on the right path.
Deuteronomy 1:27
“You grumbled in your tents and said, “The LORD hates us; so, he brought us out of Egypt to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us.””
Here, the Israelites make excuses and blame God for their unfavorable circumstances. They perceive God’s actions as lacking love and assume that He intends their destruction rather than deliverance.
This verse serves as a reminder of the dangers of doubt and unbelief, which can lead to making excuses to justify distrust in God’s plans. It encourages us to trust in God’s love, even in challenging times, knowing that He works all things for our good.
Ruth 1:15-16
“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.”
In this dialogue, Naomi attempts to persuade Ruth to return to her family and gods. However, Ruth makes a firm decision to remain faithful and committed to Naomi, embracing her people and God as her own.
This verse demonstrates Ruth’s commitment and lack of excuses, even in challenging circumstances. It inspires us to wholeheartedly follow God’s calling, without making excuses or turning back when faced with difficult choices.
Matthew 12:30
“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”
Jesus’ words challenge us with the reality of either being for or against Him. There is no neutral ground or viable excuse for not fully aligning ourselves with Him and His purposes.
This verse compels us to examine our commitment to Christ and the excuses we may make to distance ourselves or remain lukewarm in our faith. It calls us to wholeheartedly gather with Him, actively participating in His mission and building His kingdom.
Mark 10:21
“Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.””
This verse highlights Jesus’ call to radical discipleship to the wealthy young ruler. Jesus challenges him to let go of his earthly possessions and follow Him wholeheartedly, without making excuses or compromises.
When Jesus calls us to surrender something valuable in our lives, whether it be material possessions, relationships, or personal ambitions, we may be tempted to make excuses to hold onto these things. This verse challenges us to release our attachments and follow Jesus unconditionally.
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.””
In this interaction, Felix, the Roman governor, listens to Paul’s teaching but makes excuses to postpone his decision to follow Christ. He deems it inconvenient and delays responding to the gospel.
This verse cautions us against the dangers of procrastination and complacency when it comes to making a decision to follow Christ. It urges us to prioritize our eternal destiny over temporal convenience, recognizing the urgency of responding to the gospel today.
2 Timothy 4:10
“For Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica…”
Paul mentions Demas, who deserted him and the ministry, driven by his love for the world. Demas made excuses to prioritize his worldly desires over remaining faithful and committed in the service of God.
This verse serves as a reminder of the destructive consequences of making excuses driven by worldly desires and priorities. It encourages us to guard our hearts and align our affections with God’s will, rather than making excuses to pursue worldly pleasures.
Proverbs 22:13
“The sluggard says, “There’s a lion outside! I’ll be killed in the public square!””
This proverb portrays the lazy individual making an excuse, claiming there is a lion outside as a justification for his inactivity. This verse exposes the foolishness of fabrication and exaggeration to avoid work.
Excuses based on exaggerated fears or false circumstances hinder our growth and potential. This verse encourages us to confront the reality of our laziness and overcome it, rather than succumbing to irrational excuses.
Acts 7:39
“But our ancestors refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt.”
Stephen recounts the Israelites’ rebellion against God’s appointed leader, Moses. They made excuses to reject the call to obedience and turned their hearts back to their former bondage in Egypt.
This verse reminds us of the dangers of nostalgia and making excuses to return to our past sinful ways. It encourages us to persevere in following God’s commands, resisting the temptation to make excuses for disobedience.
James 1:13
“When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.”
This verse dispels the excuse of blaming God for our temptations and sinful actions. It clarifies that God cannot be tempted by evil, and He does not entice or coerce anyone into sin.
Instead of making excuses for our own sinfulness, this verse calls us to take responsibility for our choices and recognize that God provides a way out of temptation. It encourages us to seek His strength and guidance to resist the allure of sin.
Galatians 6:7
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”
This verse warns against deceiving ourselves or trying to deceive God. It stresses the principle of sowing and reaping, emphasizing that our actions and choices have consequences.
When we make excuses to justify sinful behavior or disregard the consequences of our actions, we deceive ourselves into thinking we can outsmart God. However, this verse reminds us that God sees and knows all things, and ultimately, we will reap what we sow.
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 of God’s faithfulness and provision in times of temptation. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and that God will always provide a way to resist and overcome temptation.
Instead of making excuses to justify our sinful actions or succumbing to temptation, this verse encourages us to rely on God’s strength and seek His guidance in order to endure and overcome the trials we face.
Hebrews 12:1-2
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
This passage inspires us to persevere in our faith journey, throwing off any hindrances and excuses that may impede our spiritual growth. It encourages us to fix our eyes on Jesus as our ultimate model and source of strength.
By embracing the example of those who have gone before us and turning away from sinful habits or excuses that hold us back, we can run the race of faith with endurance and ultimately receive the rewards of our obedience.
Also Read: 30 Bible Verses About Tomorrow Not Being Promised
What Does the Bible Say About Excuses
When we look at the Bible, it’s clear that making excuses is generally viewed in a negative light. The scriptures emphasize accountability and taking responsibility for our actions and decisions.
One of the most compelling examples is in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). After Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command, they immediately began making excuses when God confronted them. Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent. However, God did not accept these excuses; instead, He held each of them accountable for their actions. This story suggests that making excuses does not exempt us from the consequences of our choices.
In the New Testament, we find another example in the Parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:15-24). Here, Jesus tells a story of a man who invited many guests to a great feast. When the time came for the banquet, those invited began to make excuses for why they couldn’t attend. One had bought a field, another had purchased oxen, and a third had just gotten married. These excuses symbolize how people often prioritize their own affairs over responding to God’s invitation. The host in the parable becomes angry and decides to invite others who will appreciate the opportunity, highlighting that excuses can lead to lost opportunities and missed blessings.
Moreover, Proverbs 22:13 speaks about the excuses of the lazy, saying, “The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets!'” This verse illustrates how excuses can stem from fear and laziness, preventing us from taking necessary actions. It serves as a reminder that we often create excuses to avoid taking responsibility or stepping out of our comfort zones.
In our own lives, we can learn from these biblical lessons by recognizing when we are making excuses and instead choosing to face our responsibilities head-on. By doing so, we align ourselves more closely with the teachings of the Bible, which encourages us to be accountable, proactive, and sincere in our actions.