Habits shape our daily lives and spiritual journey. The Bible offers guidance on cultivating good habits that lead us closer to God and improve our well-being. Let’s discover some key scripture verses that encourage us to develop righteous, healthy patterns in our everyday living.
Bible Verses About Habits
Proverbs 13:20 – The company we keep influences our habits.
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
1 Corinthians 15:33 – Unhealthy influences can corrupt good habits.
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”
Galatians 6:7 – We will reap the results of our habits.
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”
Philippians 4:8 – Our thoughts shape our habits.
“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.”
Romans 12:2 – Transformation begins with the renewal of our minds.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Colossians 3:2 – Setting our minds helps develop healthy habits.
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
James 1:22 – Acting on the Word creates lasting habits.
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
Proverbs 4:23 – Guarding our hearts is essential for good habits.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Hebrews 12:1 – Shedding unhealthy habits can lead to victory.
“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.”
2 Peter 1:5 – Diligence strengthens our good habits.
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;”
James 4:7 – Submitting to God fosters healthy habits.
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Matthew 6:33 – Prioritizing God establishes beneficial habits.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Romans 7:18 – Without God, our habits can lead to struggle.
“For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.”
1 Thessalonians 5:21 – Testing our habits ensures they are good.
“Test all things; hold fast what is good.”
Proverbs 16:3 – Committing our plans to God shapes our habits.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Philippians 3:14 – Pursuing the goal leads to better habits.
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
2 Timothy 1:7 – Developing habits of courage and power.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
Proverbs 22:6 – Training up children builds strong habits.
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
Matthew 7:17 – Good habits bear good fruit.
“Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.”
1 Corinthians 9:24 – A disciplined approach leads to victory.
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.”
Psalm 119:11 – Hiding God’s word shapes our habits.
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Galatians 5:16 – Walking in the Spirit develops good habits.
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
Hebrews 10:24 – Encouraging one another helps strengthen our habits.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
Isaiah 40:31 – Renewing our strength is a vital habit.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Ephesians 5:16 – Making the most of every opportunity forms wise habits.
“Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
Matthew 12:35 – Our actions reveal our true habits.
“A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.”
Philippians 3:1 – Rejoicing is an important habit.
“Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trusting in the Lord shapes our daily habits.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Luke 16:10 – Faithfulness in small things builds good habits.
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”
John 8:31 – Abiding in Christ leads to true discipleship.
“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.'”
Psalm 139:23-24 – Seeking God helps us examine our habits.
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 – A new life means new habits.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm
What Does the Bible Say About Habits
Though the term “habit” may not be frequently mentioned, the scriptures emphasize the principle of consistent actions that shape our character and conduct.
Firstly, we see that God encourages us to cultivate habits that bring us closer to Him. The regular practice of prayer, for instance, is highlighted numerous times. Jesus Himself set an example by frequently withdrawing to pray (Luke 5:16). This habit of communication with God is integral to spiritual growth and sustaining our faith.
Moreover, reading and meditating on the Scriptures is another crucial habit the Bible promotes. Psalm 1:2 speaks of the righteous person who delights in God’s law and meditates on it day and night. This pattern of habitual engagement with the Word of God helps us internalize His teachings and apply them in our daily lives.
The Bible also warns us about negative habits that can lead us away from God’s path. Habits of lying, greed, and other sinful behaviors are clearly condemned. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists behaviors that are detestable to God, many of which can become habitual if not corrected. It serves as a reminder that our actions, if repeated, can turn into practices that define us.
Fostering good habits extends beyond personal spirituality into how we treat others. The practice of kindness, generosity, and humility aligns with Jesus’s teachings. Acts of service and love toward our neighbors should not be sporadic but rather habitual. Galatians 6:9 encourages us not to become weary in doing good, suggesting that these deeds should be a regular part of our lives.
In conclusion, the Bible underscores the development of positive habits that lead us to a closer relationship with God and a more righteous life. By consistently practicing prayer, studying the Word, and performing acts of love and kindness, we build a foundation that strengthens our faith and character. Conversely, we are cautioned against habits that harm our spiritual well-being and distance us from God’s will.