Human nature is complex, and the Bible gives us a clear understanding of our tendencies, both good and bad. Whether it’s our strengths or our struggles, the Bible speaks to the heart of who we are. Let’s look at verses that explain the nature of humanity and how we can grow to be more like Christ.
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Bible Verses About Human Nature
Jeremiah 17:9 – The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?
“This verse reminds us that our human nature is inherently sinful and cannot be trusted. Only God can truly understand the depths of our hearts.” – Jeremiah 17:9
Mark 7:21-23 – For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.
“This verse emphasizes that our human nature is prone to sin and leads us to commit various immoral acts. It highlights the need for constant spiritual renewal and transformation.” – Mark 7:21-23
Romans 3:23 – For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
“This verse reminds us that every human being is born with a sinful nature, and as a result, we all fall short of God’s perfect standard. It underscores our need for God’s forgiveness and salvation.” – Romans 3:23
Psalm 51:5 – Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
“This verse acknowledges that our human nature is marred by sin from the moment of conception. It highlights the universal need for God’s grace and redemption.” – Psalm 51:5
Ecclesiastes 9:3 – This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of people, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and afterward they join the dead.
“This verse recognizes that our human nature is characterized by evil and madness. It emphasizes the inescapable reality of sin and its consequences in the world.” – Ecclesiastes 9:3
Genesis 8:21 – The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: ‘Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.’
“In this verse, God acknowledges that every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood. It reveals the fallen nature of humanity and God’s mercy and grace in not destroying us despite our sinful tendencies.” – Genesis 8:21
Proverbs 14:12 – There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
“This verse warns us that our human nature often deceives us into thinking that certain paths are right, but they ultimately lead to destruction. It emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s guidance and following His ways.” – Proverbs 14:12
Matthew 15:19 – For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.
“This verse reminds us that our human nature is prone to evil thoughts and actions. It serves as a reminder of the need for continual surrender to God and His transformative power in our lives.” – Matthew 15:19
Isaiah 64:6 – All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.
“This verse illustrates that even our best efforts at righteousness are insufficient in the sight of God because of our sinful human nature. It underscores our dependence on God’s grace and the need for genuine repentance.” – Isaiah 64:6
Galatians 5:19-21 – The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
“These verses list various sinful acts that stem from our human nature. They serve as a reminder of the importance of living in accordance with the Spirit and not indulging in the desires of the flesh.” – Galatians 5:19-21
Romans 7:18 – 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.
“This verse acknowledges the struggle between our desires to do good and our sinful nature. It highlights the need for God’s grace and power to transform us from within.” – Romans 7:18
Psalm 14:1 – The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.
“This verse exposes the foolishness of denying the existence of God. It affirms that our human nature is inherently corrupt and incapable of doing good apart from God’s intervention.” – Psalm 14:1
Galatians 5:16 – So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
“This verse encourages us to live in obedience to the Holy Spirit and rely on His power to overcome the sinful desires of our human nature. It reminds us that our spiritual walk can triumph over our fleshly desires.” – Galatians 5:16
1 John 1:8 – If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
“This verse cautions against self-deception by acknowledging that we all have sinful tendencies. It calls us to humble ourselves and seek the truth of God’s forgiveness and cleansing.” – 1 John 1:8
Romans 8:5 – Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
“This verse highlights the importance of aligning our thoughts and desires with the leading of the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes the contrast between living according to our sinful nature and living a life surrendered to God.” – Romans 8:5
Proverbs 20:9 – Who can say, ‘I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin’?
“This verse provokes introspection by revealing the impossibility of claiming pure hearts and sinlessness apart from God’s grace. It reminds us of our constant need for repentance and reliance on God’s forgiveness.” – Proverbs 20:9
Romans 3:10 – As it is written: ‘There is no one righteous, not even one.’
“This verse declares the universal fallenness of humanity, highlighting our inability to achieve righteousness on our own. It points us to our need for God’s righteousness through faith in Jesus.” – Romans 3:10
James 1:14-15 – but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
“These verses illustrate the progression of sin in human nature, starting with inner desires and leading to its devastating consequences. They serve as a cautionary reminder to be vigilant against temptation.” – James 1:14-15
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 resist and abstain from the sinful desires that wage war against our souls. It reminds us that even as Christians, we must be vigilant in guarding against the temptations of our human nature.” – 1 Peter 2:11
Colossians 3:5 – Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
“This verse instructs us to actively put to death the sinful aspects of our human nature and pursue a holy and righteous lifestyle. It reminds us that our old, earthly nature must be continually put to death in order to live according to God’s will.” – Colossians 3:5
Mark 8:38 – If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.
“This verse warns against allowing our sinful human nature to hinder our allegiance to Christ. It challenges us to boldly embrace and declare our faith, even in the midst of a corrupt world.” – Mark 8:38
Romans 6:6-7 – For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.
“These verses affirm that through faith in Christ, our old self—the one controlled by our sinful human nature—has been crucified and rendered powerless. They remind us that we are no longer slaves to sin, but free to live for God.” – Romans 6:6-7
2 Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
“This verse declares the transformative power of Christ in our lives. It affirms that through faith in Him, our old sinful nature is replaced with a new nature. It reminds us of the ongoing process of renewal and growth in our spiritual journey.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Galatians 2:20 – I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
“This verse emphasizes the identification of believers with Christ’s death and resurrection. It highlights the surrender of our old sinful nature and the indwelling presence of Christ within us. It calls us to live by faith, relying on His love and sacrifice.” – Galatians 2:20
Romans 8:13 – For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.
“This verse calls us to actively put to death the sinful deeds of the body through the power of the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes the importance of aligning our lives with the leading of the Spirit and the blessings that come from a life lived in obedience.” – Romans 8:13
2 Corinthians 10:5 – We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
“This verse encourages us to actively guard our minds against thoughts and ideas that go against God’s truth. It calls us to filter our thoughts through the lens of Christ’s obedience and to align our thinking with His Word.” – 2 Corinthians 10:5
Ephesians 2:3 – All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.
“This verse acknowledges that before coming to Christ, we all lived in accordance with the desires and thoughts of our sinful nature. It serves as a reminder of the grace and mercy that rescued us from our deserving wrath.” – Ephesians 2:3
James 4:7 – Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
“This verse encourages us to submit ourselves to God’s authority and actively resist the temptations of the devil. It reminds us that through the power of God, we can overcome the sinful inclinations of our human nature.” – James 4:7
John 3:6 – Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.
“This verse highlights the dichotomy between our sinful human nature and the new birth that comes through the Holy Spirit. It reinforces the need for spiritual transformation in order to live in alignment with God’s will.” – John 3:6
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 calls us to resist the influences of our sinful human nature and the world around us. It encourages us to continually renew our minds through the Word of God, allowing His truth to transform us and aligning our will with His.” – Romans 12:2
James 3:8 – But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
“This verse emphasizes the difficulty of controlling our speech, which can be influenced by our sinful human nature. It reminds us of the importance of surrendering our tongues to God’s control and seeking His guidance in our communication.” – James 3:8
Galatians 5:24 – Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
“This verse declares the victory of believers over their sinful human nature through their identification with Christ’s death. It emphasizes the need to continually crucify the flesh and walk in the power of the Spirit.” – Galatians 5:24
Colossians 3:2 – Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
“This verse challenges us to redirect our thoughts and desires from the things of this world to the things of God. It reminds us that our human nature often fixates on temporary and worldly things, but our focus should be on eternal matters.” – Colossians 3:2
Romans 8:12 – Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation – but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it.
“This verse highlights our responsibility as believers to resist the desires of our sinful human nature and live according to the leading of the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes the need to prioritize our spiritual growth and obedience to God.” – Romans 8:12
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 will always provide a way of escape when we face temptations arising from our sinful human nature. It gives us hope and confidence in His faithfulness and strength to resist and overcome temptation.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13
Ephesians 4:22-24 – 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.
“These verses highlight the process of transformation that occurs when we surrender our old self and allow God to renew our minds. They emphasize the contrast between our old way of life driven by deceitful desires and the new self created to reflect God’s righteousness and holiness.” – Ephesians 4:22-24
Proverbs 28:26 – Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.
“This verse warns against relying on our own understanding and instincts, which are influenced by our sinful human nature. It encourages us to seek wisdom from God and walk in His ways for true safety and security.” – Proverbs 28:26
Galatians 6:8 – Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
“This verse presents a contrast between sowing to please our sinful nature and sowing to please the Spirit. It highlights the consequences of our choices and actions, reminding us of the importance of sowing seeds that align with God’s purposes.” – Galatians 6:8
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 urges us to be vigilant and conscious of the schemes and temptations of the devil. It reminds us that our human nature makes us susceptible to his attacks, but with God’s help, we can stand firm against his schemes.” – 1 Peter 5:8
Jude 1:18-19 – They said to you, ‘In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.’ These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.
“This passage warns against the influence of those who follow their own ungodly desires, driven by their sinful human nature. It reminds us to discern false teachings and influences in order to remain unified and guided by the Holy Spirit.” – Jude 1:18-19