What Does the Bible Say About Pursue Righteousness?

2 Timothy 2:22 ESV / 25 helpful votes

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

1 Timothy 6:11 ESV / 12 helpful votes

But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.

Matthew 6:33 ESV / 11 helpful votes

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

James 4:13-16 ESV / 7 helpful votes

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.

Hebrews 13:4 ESV / 7 helpful votes

Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.

1 Timothy 4:12 ESV / 7 helpful votes

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

Hebrews 12:1 ESV / 6 helpful votes

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

1 Thessalonians 5:15 ESV / 6 helpful votes

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

Romans 1:17 ESV / 6 helpful votes

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Proverbs 15:9 ESV / 6 helpful votes

The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but he loves him who pursues righteousness.

1 Timothy 6:10 ESV / 5 helpful votes

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

1 Timothy 1:5 ESV / 5 helpful votes

The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

Philippians 4:8 ESV / 5 helpful votes

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 ESV / 5 helpful votes

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; ...

Luke 12:15 ESV / 5 helpful votes

And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

3 John 1:1-15 ESV / 4 helpful votes

The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, ...

1 John 1:9 ESV / 4 helpful votes

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

2 Timothy 2:19 ESV / 4 helpful votes

But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

Ephesians 5:5 ESV / 4 helpful votes

For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Galatians 4:1-31 ESV / 4 helpful votes

I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. ...

2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Matthew 6:24 ESV / 4 helpful votes

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

Ephesians 5:6-7 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them;

Ephesians 5:3 ESV / 3 helpful votes

But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.

1 Corinthians 6:18 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.

Romans 13:8 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Romans 3:21 ESV / 3 helpful votes

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—

Luke 16:14 ESV / 3 helpful votes

The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him.

Mark 4:19 ESV / 3 helpful votes

But the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.

Matthew 5:8 ESV / 3 helpful votes

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Proverbs 23:4-5 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven.

Proverbs 16:7 ESV / 3 helpful votes

When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Leviticus 19:18 ESV / 3 helpful votes

You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.

1 Peter 5:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

2 Timothy 2:1-26 ESV / 2 helpful votes

You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. ...

1 Timothy 6:5 ESV / 2 helpful votes

And constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.

1 Timothy 6:1-21 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Let all who are under a yoke as bondservants regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled. Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved. Teach and urge these things. If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. ...

1 Timothy 3:3 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

1 Timothy 2:1-15 ESV / 2 helpful votes

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, ...

Colossians 3:23 ESV / 2 helpful votes

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

Ephesians 4:15 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

2 Corinthians 6:14 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?

1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV / 2 helpful votes

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

John 3:16-17 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Luke 23:34 ESV / 2 helpful votes

And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.

Luke 6:35 ESV / 2 helpful votes

But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.

Matthew 6:21 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:19 ESV / 2 helpful votes

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,

Matthew 5:44-46 ESV / 2 helpful votes

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?

Ecclesiastes 11:10 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Remove vexation from your heart, and put away pain from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.

Proverbs 15:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 12:2 ESV / 2 helpful votes

A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of evil devices he condemns.

Proverbs 11:28 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.

Psalm 138:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.

Psalm 17:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand.

Numbers 16:5 ESV / 2 helpful votes

And he said to Korah and all his company, “In the morning the Lord will show who is his, and who is holy, and will bring him near to him. The one whom he chooses he will bring near to him.

56 Bible Verses about Pursue Righteousness

2 Timothy 2:22 ESV / 25 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Timothy 6:11 ESV / 12 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 6:33 ESV / 11 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

James 4:13-16 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Hebrews 13:4 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Timothy 4:12 ESV / 7 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Hebrews 12:1 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Thessalonians 5:15 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 1:17 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 15:9 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Timothy 6:10 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Timothy 1:5 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Philippians 4:8 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Luke 12:15 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

3 John 1:1-15 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 John 1:9 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Timothy 2:19 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 5:5 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Galatians 4:1-31 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 6:24 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 5:6-7 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 5:3 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 6:18 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 13:8 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 3:21 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Luke 16:14 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Mark 4:19 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 5:8 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 23:4-5 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 16:7 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Leviticus 19:18 ESV / 3 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Peter 5:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Timothy 2:1-26 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Timothy 6:5 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Timothy 6:1-21 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Timothy 3:3 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Timothy 2:1-15 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Colossians 3:23 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 4:15 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Corinthians 6:14 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 3:16-17 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Luke 23:34 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Luke 6:35 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 6:21 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 6:19 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 5:44-46 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ecclesiastes 11:10 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 15:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 12:2 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 11:28 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 138:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 17:7 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Numbers 16:5 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Suggest a Verse

Enter a Verse Reference (e.g., John 3:16-17)