*See “How to Use Character Training Verses” (link at bottom of page)
- Anger
- “A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.” Proverbs 12:16
- “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” Proverbs 29:11
- Arguing/Fighting with Others/Not Putting Others First
- “A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.” Proverbs 19:11
- “Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” 1 Corinthians 10:24
- “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4
- Bad Attitude/Sulking/Grimacing
- “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.” Proverbs 15:30
- “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22
- Complaining/Being Ungrateful
- “Do everything without complaining or arguing.” Philippians 2:14
- “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
- Forgiving
- “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
- Hiding Sin/Not Confessing
- “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Proverbs 28:13
- Ignoring Commands and Instruction
- “He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.” Proverbs 10:17
- “The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.” Proverbs 12:15
- “He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.” Proverbs 13:18
- Interrupting Parents While They Are Giving Commands
- “The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.” Proverbs 10:8
- Gossiping/Speaking Ill of Others
- “Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!” James 5:9
- Laziness/Not Completing Work/Irresponsibility
- “Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.” Proverbs 10:4
- “He who works is land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.” Proverbs 12:11
- “The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.” Proverbs 13:4
- “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.” Proverbs 22:29
- “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23
- Lying
- “The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in men who are truthful.” Proverbs 12:22
- “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.” Proverbs 12:19
- “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” Ephesians 4:25
- Rebellion/Not Following God’s Way
- “The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.” Proverbs 10:9
- “A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.” Proverbs 10:23
- “He who seeks good finds goodwill, but evil comes to him who searches for it.” Proverbs 11:27
- Retaliating/Getting Even
- “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.” 1 Thessalonians 5:15
- Speaking Foolishly or Rashly/Not Knowing When to Be Silent
- “He who guards his lips guards is life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.” Proverbs 13:3
- “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” Proverbs 10:19
- “An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble.” Proverbs 12:13
- “He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.” Proverbs 21:23
- Speaking Harshly
- “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1
- “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18
- Watching or Listening to Things That Do Not Honor God
- “Finally, brothers, 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