50 Bible Verses for Doing the Right Thing: A Path to Righteousness

The quest to consistently make the right choices is an essential aspect of personal growth. Turning to the wisdom of scripture, we can discover a wealth of guidance on how to do the right thing in various situations.

The Bible is an invaluable source of inspiration and direction, with numerous passages that encourage us to act with integrity, love, and kindness. As we explore these diverse ranges of scripture, their insight may offer valuable lessons into how we can align our actions with God’s will, such as reflecting on the words of Proverbs 10:9:

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.

Proverbs 10:9, ESV

Let us uncover these powerful truths and make a path towards righteousness and ethical living.

Bible Verses about Doing the Right Thing

Acts 20:35, NIV

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

2 Timothy 2:22, ESV

So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

1 Peter 4:10, NIV

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

Proverbs 22:9, ESV

Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.

Matthew 25:40, NIV

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Luke 6:31, NIV

Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Galatians 6:9, ESV

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Titus 3:1-7, NIV

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Proverbs 11:3, NIV

The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.

James 4:17, ESV

So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

1 Peter 3:14, NIV

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.’

Colossians 3:17, ESV

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Proverbs 21:3, NLT

The LORD is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices.

Romans 12:21, NIV

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

1 Corinthians 10:13, NIV

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.

John 14:23, NIV

Jesus replied, ‘Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.’

Micah 6:8, NIV

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.

2 Thessalonians 3:3, ESV

But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.

1 John 3:18, ESV

Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

Philippians 4:13, NKJV

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Colossians 3:23, ESV

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

Romans 15:2, ESV

Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.

Leviticus 19:18, NIV

“‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.

Galatians 6:2, NIV

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

1 Timothy 6:18, NIV

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

1 Thessalonians 5:15, ESV

See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.

James 1:27, ESV

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Proverbs 3:27, NIV

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.

Romans 7:15, NIV

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.

Ephesians 6:1, NIV

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

James 2:8, NIV

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right.

Ephesians 5:1, NLT

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.

Isaiah 1:17, NIV

Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.

Philippians 2:3-4, NKJV

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

1 John 1:9, ESV

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 Peter 2:15, NIV

For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.

Galatians 5:22-23, NIV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.

Proverbs 31:8-9, NIV

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Romans 12:9, ESV

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.

Hebrews 13:16, NIV

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Deuteronomy 6:18, NIV

Do what is right and good in the LORD’s sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take over the good land the LORD promised on oath to your ancestors.

1 John 3:7, NIV

Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.

Romans 14:23, ESV

But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.

Matthew 7:12, ESV

So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

1 Corinthians 16:14, ESV

Let all that you do be done in love.

Embracing the Biblical Principles of Righteousness

The concept of righteousness is deeply ingrained in the Bible and serves as a guiding light for Christians seeking to make ethical, godly, choices.

By understanding what it means to do the right thing, we can strengthen our moral compass and foster a deeper connection with God.

These teachings emphasize compassion, humility, and justice… all qualities that we should strive to embody in our daily lives. The Bible encourages us to make ethical choices by:

  • Offering guidance on how to treat others
  • Respond to adversity
  • Remain steadfast in our faith

So let scripture serve as a beacon of clarity and remind us that living a life aligned with God’s will and purpose will allow us to navigate life’s complexities with wisdom and grace.

What does God say about doing the right thing?

God encourages people to do the right thing by acting with love, kindness, justice, and mercy.

God values integrity, honesty, and treating others as we would like to be treated (Luke 6:31). He also emphasizes following His commandments and pursuing righteousness (Micah 6:8). Both verses can be found above.

What does the Bible say about doing the right thing at the right time?

The Bible teaches the importance of discernment and wisdom in knowing when to act, and encourages us to be patient while trusting in God’s timing to ensure we do the right thing at the right time. To reference scripture, Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us that “there is a time for everything.”

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

Ecclesiastes 3:1, NIV

What does the Bible say about making the right decision?

When it comes to making the right decision, the Bible advises seeking wisdom from God when making decisions (James 1:5).

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

James 1:5, NIV

It also promotes the importance of prayer (Philippians 4:6) and seeking counsel from others (Proverbs 11:14).

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:6, NIV

For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.

Proverbs 11:14, NIV

Ultimately, the Bible teaches that making the right decision involves following God’s commandments and aligning one’s actions with His will.

What Bible verse says do not stop doing what is right?

Galatians 6:9, NLT encourages believers not to stop doing what is right: “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of perseverance in doing good deeds, even when it’s difficult or challenging.

For more articles on biblical themes within the Bible and their scriptural support, please see our articles here.