Other Resources

*See “How to Use Character Training Verses” (link at bottom of page)

  • Accepting Discipline
    • “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.” Proverbs 1:8-9
    • “Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.” Proverbs 10:17
    • “Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.” Proverbs 13:18
    • “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
  • Anger and Forgiveness
    • “Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.” Proverbs 12:16
    • “Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.” Proverbs 29:11
    • “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48
    • “Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” Luke 17:4
    • “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3
    • “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32
    • “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the LORD forgave you.” Colossians 3:12-13
  • Arguing With Parents
    • “The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.” Proverbs 10:8
  • Bad Attitude
    • “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.” Proverbs 15:30 (NLT)
    • “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22
  • Beauty
    • “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:3-4
  • Bragging/Boasting
    • “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18
  • Complaining/Being Content/Thankfulness
    • “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky…” Philippians 2:14-15
    • “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as LORD, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7
    • “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6
    • “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
  • Confessing Sin
    • “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Proverbs 28:13
    • “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in 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 1:8-9
  • Controlling Our Thoughts
    • “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.” 2 Corinthians 10:5
  • Dealing with Criticism
    • “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31
    • “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18
    • “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.” 1 John 4:4-6
  • Double-Minded
    • “Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” Psalm 86:11
    • “So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:16 ut the rest?” Luke 12:25-26 • “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32 • “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our LORD.” Romans 8:37-39 • “But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith you.” 1 Peter 5:7 • “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4
  • Fear
    • “The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
    • “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” Luke 12:25-26
    • “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32
    • “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our LORD.” Romans 8:37-39
    • “But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.” Hebrews 10:39 • “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7
    • “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
    • “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4
  • Friends
    • “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33
    • “This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.” 1 John 3:10
  • Giving
    • “’Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the LORD Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.’” Malachi 3:10
    • “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38
  • Giving Up Our Own Way for God’s Way
    • “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. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7
    • “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9
    • “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21
    • “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
    • “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?’” Matthew 16:24-26
  • Gossiping
    • “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.” Proverbs 20:19
    • “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.” Romans 14:13
    • “With the tongue we praise our LORD and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.” James 3:9-12
    • “Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!” James 5:9
  • Honoring God with What We Watch and Listen To
    • “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.” Ephesians 5:11-12
    • “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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9
  • How Do I Know if I Love God
    • “If you love me, keep my commands.” John 14:15
    • “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” John 14:21
    • “In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome…” 1 John 5:3
  • Making Decisions/How to Live, Speak, and Answer Others
    • “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the LORD, because you know that your labor in the LORD is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
    • “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
    • “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel” Philippians 1:27
    • “Rejoice in the LORD always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The LORD is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7
    • Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
    • “and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” Titus 2:8
    • “But in your hearts revere Christ as LORD. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” 1 Peter 3:15-16
    • “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” 1 John 2:17
    • “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death.” 1 John 3:14
  • Pleasing God vs. Man
    • “Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.” Proverbs 14:26-27
    • “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25
  • Priorities
    • “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33
    • “Jesus replied: ‘Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40
  • Responsibility/Doing Things Halfway/Laziness
    • “Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.” Proverbs 22:29
    • “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.” Luke 16:10
    • “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the LORD, not for human masters,” Colossians 3:23
    • “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” James 4:17
  • Retaliating/Getting Even
    • “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Romans 14:19
    • “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.” 1 Thessalonians 5:15
  • Seeking Advice from Wise People
    • “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” Proverbs 12:15
    • “Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” Proverbs 13:10
    • “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22
    • “Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” Proverbs 19:20
    • “Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.” Proverbs 20:18
  • Speaking Rashly or Harshly/Knowing When to Be Silent
    • “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18
    • “Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.” Proverbs 13:3
    • “Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.” Proverbs 17:28
    • “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” Luke 6:45
    • “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29
    • “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:6
    • “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” James 1:19-20
    • “When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” James 3:3-6
  • Trying to Shine or Get Ahead/Jealousy
    • “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave-“ Matthew 20:26-27
    • “The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Matthew 23:11-12
    • “When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.” Luke 14:15
    • “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:14
    • “He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30
    • “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:9-10
    • “No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.” 1 Corinthians 10:24
    • “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,” Philippians 2:3
    • “Humble yourselves before the LORD, and he will lift you up.” James 4:10