“Knowing right but choosing wrong Bible verses that guide us back to the path of righteousness.”
In life, we often face situations where we know what is right but still choose to do what is wrong. This inner struggle can leave us feeling guilty, ashamed, and distant from our faith. The Bible offers guidance and wisdom to help us navigate these challenges. By understanding God’s Word and His desires for us, we can find the strength to make the right choices.
This article will explore 40+ Bible verses that shed light on doing wrong when we know what is right. These scriptures offer practical wisdom, inspiration, and support for anyone facing these moral struggles.
1. Romans 7:15 – The Struggle Between Knowing and Doing
In this verse, the Apostle Paul talks about the internal battle between knowing the good we should do and not following through. This struggle is common to all believers.
“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do, but what I hate, I do.” – Romans 7:15
Prayer:
Dear God, help me to overcome the internal struggles I face when I know what is right but still fall into sin. Strengthen my will to follow Your ways, even when it is difficult.
2. James 4:17 – The Sin of Knowing What is Right
This verse highlights the responsibility we bear when we know the right thing to do but fail to act on it. Ignoring the right course is considered sin.
“Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” – James 4:17
Prayer:
Lord, grant me the wisdom to act on what I know is right. Help me to make decisions that align with Your will, and avoid the temptation to do wrong.
3. Romans 6:16 – Whom Do You Obey?
Paul explains that whoever we obey becomes our master. Even when we know the right path, we can choose to follow sin.
“Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?” – Romans 6:16
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to choose to serve You, rather than yielding to the temptations of sin. Empower me to obey You in all things.
4. Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trusting God’s Guidance
This scripture teaches us to trust in God’s wisdom rather than relying on our understanding. Often, doing the right thing requires full trust in Him.
“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
Prayer:
Lord, I place my trust in You. Lead me down the right path and help me to follow Your guidance, even when it’s hard to understand.
5. Galatians 5:17 – The Battle of the Flesh and the Spirit
Here, Paul acknowledges the constant battle between the desires of the flesh and the leading of the Spirit. Knowing right but doing wrong is often a result of giving in to sinful desires.
“For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.” – Galatians 5:17
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, empower me to resist the desires of the flesh and live in a way that honors God. Guide me to follow Your will, not my own.
6. Matthew 26:41 – Watch and Pray
Jesus speaks to His disciples about staying alert and praying to avoid falling into temptation, especially when we know the right choice but still struggle to do it.
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:41
Prayer:
Lord, strengthen my spirit and help me to stay vigilant in prayer. Guide me away from temptation and give me the courage to do what is right.
7. John 14:15 – Loving God Through Obedience
Jesus teaches that loving Him means obeying His commands. This is a clear reminder that love for God is reflected in our actions, especially when we know the right thing to do.
“If you love me, keep my commands.” – John 14:15
Prayer:
Lord, I desire to love You with all my heart. Help me to demonstrate my love through obedience to Your Word.
8. 1 Corinthians 10:13 – God Provides a Way Out
Even when we know what is right but feel overwhelmed by temptation, God promises that He will provide a way out.
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to human. 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.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13
Prayer:
Thank You, Lord, for always providing a way out of temptation. Help me to recognize Your escape route and choose it, no matter the circumstances.
9. Proverbs 4:23 – Guarding the Heart
The Bible advises us to guard our hearts, as our actions often flow from the desires within us. When we know what is right but do wrong, it may be a sign that our hearts are not fully aligned with God’s will.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23
Prayer:
Father, help me to guard my heart from harmful desires. Fill my heart with Your love, truth, and wisdom so that my actions reflect Your will.
10. Hebrews 10:26-27 – The Danger of Willful Sin
This passage warns of the consequences of deliberately choosing sin after knowing the truth. Willful sin can separate us from God and brings judgment.
“If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.” – Hebrews 10:26-27
Prayer:
Lord, forgive me for any times I have knowingly sinned. Help me to turn away from willful disobedience and choose righteousness in every situation.
11. Matthew 7:24-27 – Building on the Right Foundation
Jesus compares those who hear His words and act on them to wise builders. Obedience to God’s commands helps us build a strong foundation for our lives.
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” – Matthew 7:24
Prayer:
God, help me to build my life on Your Word. May my actions align with Your will, and may I always seek to obey You.
12. Romans 3:23 – All Have Sinned
This verse reminds us that all people have sinned, even though we know what is right. It encourages humility and repentance when we fall short.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23
Prayer:
Lord, I recognize that I have sinned. Please forgive me and restore me to Your perfect will. Help me to do better and seek righteousness.
13. Luke 6:46 – The Importance of Obedience
Jesus asks why people call Him Lord but do not follow His commands. This question challenges us to ensure that our actions align with our words.
“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” – Luke 6:46
Prayer:
Father, forgive me for the times I have not followed Your commands. Help me to show my love for You by obeying Your Word.
14. Titus 2:11-12 – Living a Godly Life
This passage reminds us that God’s grace teaches us to live righteously, especially when we are faced with choices between right and wrong.
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age.” – Titus 2:11-12
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your grace. Teach me to say no to sin and live a life that reflects Your goodness.
15. Proverbs 12:1 – Loving Correction
This verse teaches that those who love wisdom will accept correction, while those who resist will be lost. Knowing right from wrong involves not only knowledge but also a willingness to change.
“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is irrational.” – Proverbs 12:1
Prayer:
Lord, help me to embrace correction and learn from my mistakes. Teach me to love discipline and grow in wisdom.
16. 1 John 1:9 – Confession and Forgiveness
When we sin, even after knowing the right thing to do, God is faithful to forgive if we confess our sins. This verse assures us of God’s grace and willingness to cleanse us.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Prayer:
Father, I confess my wrongdoings before You. Please forgive me and cleanse me from my sins, and help me walk in Your righteousness.
17. Matthew 5:29 – Radical Steps to Avoid Sin
In this passage, Jesus teaches that we must take radical steps to avoid sin. If we knowingly choose to do wrong, we must make changes to prevent it.
“If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.” – Matthew 5:29
Prayer:
Lord, show me the areas of my life where I need to make radical changes to avoid sin. Help me to be obedient and take the necessary steps to follow You faithfully.
18. Romans 12:21 – Overcoming Evil with Good
This verse teaches us how to respond to wrongdoing, emphasizing that we should not repay evil for evil but rather overcome evil with good. Doing what is right, even when others do wrong, is a sign of spiritual maturity.
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21
Prayer:
Lord, help me to overcome evil with good. Give me the strength to respond in love and righteousness, even when faced with wrongdoings.
19. Luke 12:47-48 – Accountability for What We Know
This passage speaks about the responsibility we bear when we know what is right but fail to do it. God holds us accountable for what we know and the actions we take.
“The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” – Luke 12:47-48
Prayer:
Father, help me to be faithful in doing what You have entrusted to me. Teach me to be accountable for the knowledge and wisdom You’ve given me.
20. Proverbs 14:12 – The Path of Destruction
This scripture reminds us that sometimes what seems right in the moment can lead to destruction. We need to trust in God’s guidance to keep us on the right path.
“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” – Proverbs 14:12
Prayer:
Lord, protect me from the paths that seem right but lead to destruction. Guide me in the way of life and righteousness.
21. Romans 8:5-6 – Mindset of the Flesh vs. Spirit
This verse shows us the difference between a life led by the flesh and one led by the Spirit. Choosing to do what is wrong often comes from being controlled by worldly desires rather than the Spirit of God.
“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. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” – Romans 8:5-6
Prayer:
Lord, help me to set my mind on Your Spirit and not on the desires of the flesh. Lead me in the path of life and peace, and keep me from the temptation to follow worldly desires.
22. 1 Peter 1:14-16 – Be Holy in All Your Actions
Peter calls us to live lives of holiness, as God is holy. Even when we know what is right, we must strive to live in a way that reflects God’s holiness.
“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” – 1 Peter 1:14-16
Prayer:
Holy Father, help me to live a life of holiness that reflects Your nature. Empower me to resist evil desires and follow Your righteous ways.
23. Psalm 32:5 – Confession Brings Healing
In this verse, David speaks about the freedom and healing that comes from confessing our sins. When we choose to do wrong but acknowledge it, we open the door to healing.
“Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord’—and You forgave the guilt of my sin.” – Psalm 32:5
Prayer:
Lord, I acknowledge my sin before You and ask for Your forgiveness. Heal me and restore me to a right relationship with You.
24. Ephesians 4:22-24 – Putting Off the Old Self
Paul urges believers to put off their old selves, which are tainted by sinful desires, and put on the new self, created in God’s likeness. Living righteously requires an intentional change of heart and mind.
“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.” – Ephesians 4:22-24
Prayer:
Lord, help me to put off my old self and live in the newness of life that You provide. Transform my mind and heart to reflect Your holiness.
25. Philippians 4:8 – Focusing on the Right Things
This verse calls us to think about things that are pure, lovely, and worthy of praise. By filling our minds with good thoughts, we can more easily make the right choices.
“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.” – Philippians 4:8
Prayer:
Father, help me to focus my thoughts on what is pure, noble, and true. May my mind be filled with Your goodness so that I can make righteous decisions.
26. Proverbs 15:3 – God Sees Everything
This scripture reminds us that God is always watching, and He sees both our good and bad actions. Even when no one else is around, we are accountable to God for our choices.
“The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.” – Proverbs 15:3
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for watching over me. Help me to live in a way that honors You, knowing that You see everything I do.
27. James 4:17 – Knowing Right and Not Doing It
James emphasizes that when we know what is right but fail to act on it, we sin. This verse encourages us to take responsibility for our actions and choices, recognizing that knowing the good we ought to do is not enough without following through.
“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” – James 4:17
Prayer:
Lord, give me the courage to do what is right when I know it. Help me to act in obedience to Your will, not just know it.
28. Romans 7:15 – The Struggle Between Right and Wrong
Paul shares his personal struggle between knowing the good he should do and yet choosing to do what he knows is wrong. This passage highlights the internal battle that believers face when they are tempted to act contrary to their values.
“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” – Romans 7:15
Prayer:
Father, I admit my struggles and weaknesses. Help me to overcome the temptations that pull me away from Your will and to live in obedience to You.
29. Matthew 26:41 – Watch and Pray
In this verse, Jesus instructs His disciples to watch and pray to avoid falling into temptation. Even when we know the right thing to do, temptation can still pull us toward wrong actions, but prayer and vigilance can help us stand firm.
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:41
Prayer:
Lord, help me to be vigilant in prayer and resist the temptation to do wrong. Strengthen my spirit to remain faithful to You.
30. Galatians 5:16 – Walking by the Spirit
Paul teaches that by walking in the Spirit, we can overcome the desires of the flesh. When we choose to do what is right, it is through the strength that the Holy Spirit provides, enabling us to resist the temptation to sin.
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” – Galatians 5:16
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, guide my steps and help me to walk in obedience to God’s Word. Empower me to resist the flesh and live according to the Spirit.
31. Proverbs 4:23 – Guarding the Heart
This verse speaks to the importance of guarding our hearts, as our actions come from the desires within. When we know right and choose to do wrong, it often stems from a heart not fully surrendered to God.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23
Prayer:
Lord, help me guard my heart and align my desires with Your will. Cleanse my heart from anything that leads me away from You.
32. Titus 2:11-12 – Living Rightly by God’s Grace
The grace of God teaches us to live righteous lives. Even when we are tempted to do wrong, God’s grace empowers us to live in accordance with His will.
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” – Titus 2:11-12
Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your grace that teaches me to live upright and godly. Help me to rely on Your grace to make the right choices.
33. 2 Corinthians 5:17 – New Creation in Christ
When we choose to follow Christ, we are made into a new creation. Our old sinful nature is replaced by a desire to do what is right. Knowing right from wrong becomes part of our transformed nature in Christ.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for making me a new creation in Christ. Help me to live out my new identity by choosing what is right and pleasing to You.
34. 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 – Testing Everything
Paul encourages believers to test everything and hold on to what is good, rejecting every form of evil. This is an important step when we are faced with the temptation to do wrong. By testing our thoughts and actions against God’s Word, we can determine the right course.
“But test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22
Prayer:
Lord, give me wisdom to test everything I do and think, holding on to what is good and rejecting what is evil. Guide me in making righteous choices.
35. John 14:15 – Obeying Out of Love
Jesus teaches that obedience is a natural response of love. If we truly love God, we will desire to do what is right, even when it is difficult. Our love for God motivates us to make the right decisions.
“If you love me, keep my commands.” – John 14:15
Prayer:
Lord, I love You, and I want to obey Your commands. Help me to stay faithful to You and live in a way that honors Your Word.
36. James 1:22 – Be Doers of the Word
James emphasizes that merely hearing God’s Word is not enough; we must also act on it. Knowing the right thing to do requires us to follow through with our actions.
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22
Prayer:
Father, help me not only to hear Your Word but to live it out in my daily actions. Guide me to follow Your instructions and do what is right.
37. Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trusting in God’s Guidance
This passage reminds us that trusting in God’s wisdom is key to making the right decisions. Even when we know what is right, it’s important to seek God’s direction and trust Him to lead us on the right path.
“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
Prayer:
Lord, I trust You with all my heart. Guide me in making the right decisions and help me to follow Your path.
38. Hebrews 12:11 – The Discipline of the Lord
Discipline can feel painful in the moment, but it produces righteousness. When we do wrong, God disciplines us to guide us back to the right path. His discipline is a sign of His love and care for us.
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” – Hebrews 12:11
Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your loving discipline. Help me to learn from Your correction and grow in righteousness.
39. Romans 6:12-13 – Offering Ourselves to Righteousness
Paul urges us to offer ourselves as instruments of righteousness, not sin. We have a choice: to either obey sin, which leads to death, or to obey righteousness, which leads to eternal life.
“Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.” – Romans 6:12-13
Prayer:
Lord, help me to offer every part of myself to You as an instrument of righteousness. Strengthen me to resist sin and live according to Your will.
40. 1 John 3:7 – Practicing Righteousness
John encourages us that those who are born of God will live in righteousness. It’s through God’s love that we are able to choose what is right, not just know what is right.
“Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as He is righteous.” – 1 John 3:7
Prayer:
Father, help me to live in righteousness as You are righteous. Lead me away from deception and help me to follow Your truth.
41. Philippians 4:13 – Strength in Christ
This powerful verse reminds us that with Christ, we can do all things, including choosing righteousness over sin. When we face challenges or temptations, we can rely on Christ’s strength to help us make the right choice, even when we know it’s difficult.
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the strength You give me through Christ. Help me to rely on Your power to make the right choices and to live according to Your will.
42. Romans 8:5-6 – Setting Our Minds on the Spirit
Paul teaches that those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live by the Spirit set their minds on what the Spirit desires. When we know the right thing to do, we must choose to set our minds on godly desires and pursue them with all our hearts.
“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. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” – Romans 8:5-6
Prayer:
Lord, help me to set my mind on the things of the Spirit, not on the desires of the flesh. Fill my heart with Your peace and guide me to live in a way that honors You.
43. Matthew 7:21-23 – Obedience Over Words
Jesus warns that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of the Father. It is not enough to know what is right; we must also obey God’s commands and follow through with action.
“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 7:21-23
Prayer:
Lord, I want to follow Your will. Help me to obey Your commands and live out my faith through my actions, not just my words.
44. 1 Peter 1:14-16 – Be Holy as God is Holy
Peter calls believers to be holy, just as God is holy. Knowing the right thing to do requires a heart that desires holiness, and this holiness reflects God’s character. When we choose to do wrong, we step away from the holiness that God has called us to.
“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.'” – 1 Peter 1:14-16
Prayer:
Father, help me to live a holy life as You are holy. Transform my heart and mind so that my actions reflect Your righteousness and purity.
45. Hebrews 10:26-27 – The Danger of Deliberate Sin
This passage serves as a warning against deliberately continuing in sin after knowing the truth. It emphasizes the seriousness of willfully choosing to do wrong despite knowing what is right. We are called to repent and live in the light of God’s grace and truth.
“If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.” – Hebrews 10:26-27
Prayer:
Lord, help me to turn away from deliberate sin and to live in Your truth. Forgive me for my wrong choices and guide me back to Your righteous path.
Key Insight
What does the Bible say about doing wrong when you know what is right?
The Bible encourages us to make the right choice, even when tempted to do wrong, and warns of the consequences of willful disobedience.
How can I stop doing what I know is wrong?
Through prayer, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and meditating on God’s Word, you can resist temptation and align your actions with God’s will.
What should I do if I’ve sinned after knowing the right thing?
Repent, seek God’s forgiveness, and strive to turn away from sin. God is faithful to forgive those who genuinely seek Him.
Why is it important to obey God even when it’s hard?
Obeying God is a reflection of our love for Him and is essential for living a righteous and fulfilling life.
How does God help me overcome the temptation to do wrong?
God promises to provide a way out of temptation and to strengthen us through the Holy Spirit to resist sin.
What can I do to build a stronger relationship with God?
Spend time in prayer, read the Bible, and seek to obey His commands. Build your life on the foundation of His Word.
Conclusion
Choosing to do the right thing, even when it’s difficult, is a key part of our journey as Christians. The Bible offers profound wisdom for those struggling with sin, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles.
Through prayer, obedience, and reliance on God’s grace, we can overcome the temptation to do wrong and live a life that honors Him. Let us continuously seek God’s guidance and strength to walk in righteousness.
Hi! I’m Lauren Reynolds, author of biblepulze.com. I make Bible teachings easy to understand and accessible for everyone. Join me as we explore the wisdom and inspiration of the Scriptures together!
