Understanding man’s will through the lens of Scripture offers profound insights into our relationship with God. The Bible presents numerous verses that highlight the freedom of human choice and the divine guidance available to us. Let’s explore some key passages that shine a light on this important topic.
Bible Verses About Man’s Will
James 4:13-15 – Our plans should align with God’s will
“Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’” – James 4:13-15
Proverbs 19:21 – Many plans can be set, but God’s purpose prevails
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” – Proverbs 19:21
Matthew 6:10 – Seeking God’s will in our prayers
“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” – Matthew 6:10
Romans 12:2 – We are called to know God’s will
“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.” – Romans 12:2
Proverbs 16:9 – Human intentions are directed by the Lord
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” – Proverbs 16:9
Isaiah 55:8-9 – God’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9
Philippians 2:13 – God empowers our willingness and actions
“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” – Philippians 2:13
Ephesians 5:15-17 – Living wisely according to God’s will
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” – Ephesians 5:15-17
Jeremiah 29:11 – God’s plans are filled with hope
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
1 John 2:17 – The will of God endures forever
“The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” – 1 John 2:17
Matthew 26:39 – Even Jesus submitted to the Father’s will
“Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.’” – Matthew 26:39
Galatians 1:10 – Seeking to please God over man
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” – Galatians 1:10
Romans 8:28 – Everything works together for good
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trusting in the Lord yields direction
“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.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
2 Peter 3:9 – God desires for all to come to repentance
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9
Matthew 7:21 – Doing God’s will leads to the kingdom
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 7:21
John 6:38 – Jesus came to fulfill the will of the Father
“For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.” – John 6:38
1 Peter 4:2 – Living according to God’s will
“As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.” – 1 Peter 4:2
Hebrews 13:21 – God equips us to do His will
“Equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” – Hebrews 13:21
John 5:30 – Jesus’ dependence on the Father’s will
“By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.” – John 5:30
Proverbs 21:1 – The heart of a king is in God’s hand
“In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.” – Proverbs 21:1
Acts 20:24 – Our purpose should be to finish God’s race
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” – Acts 20:24
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Experiencing God’s will through gratitude
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Matthew 12:50 – God’s will creates His family
“For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” – Matthew 12:50
Colossians 1:9-10 – Praying for a knowledge of God’s will
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way.” – Colossians 1:9-10
Romans 15:32 – Praying to experience God’s will
“So that I may come to you with joy, by God’s will, and in your company be refreshed.” – Romans 15:32
2 Timothy 1:9 – God calls us to His purpose by His grace
“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.” – 2 Timothy 1:9
Also Read: 30 Important Bible Verses About Orderliness
What Does the Bible Say About Man’s Will?
When exploring the concept of man’s will in the Bible, we find a few key ideas that help us understand our ability to make choices. The Bible emphasizes that we have been given free will, allowing us to make our own decisions, whether good or bad.
First, let’s consider the story of Adam and Eve. They were given the freedom to eat from any tree in the Garden of Eden, except one. Their choice to eat from the forbidden tree highlights that humans have the power to make decisions, even if they aren’t always the best ones.
We also see examples in the lives of many other biblical figures, like Job and Jonah. Job’s faithfulness amidst suffering shows a strong will aligned with God’s wishes, while Jonah’s initial decision to run from God’s command demonstrates a will that goes against divine plans. These stories illustrate that our choices can align with or contradict what God wants for us.
Furthermore, the Bible often talks about God’s guidance in our decision-making process. Proverbs, for instance, mentions that we should trust in God and not rely solely on our understanding. This implies that while we have free will, seeking God’s wisdom can lead us to better outcomes.
However, the New Testament also offers a perspective on man’s will. Jesus, in His teachings, often spoke about the importance of making choices that reflect love and compassion. For example, the parable of the Good Samaritan encourages us to act with kindness and mercy, showing that our choices can have profound impacts on others.
It’s worth noting that while we have the freedom to choose, our decisions are not without consequences. The Bible recounts many instances where the choices of individuals lead to significant outcomes, either positive or negative. This connection between our will and the consequences of our actions is a central theme throughout Scripture.
To sum up, the Bible teaches us that we have free will to make our own choices, but it also encourages us to seek God’s guidance in making those decisions. Our will plays a critical role in shaping our lives and the lives of those around us.