20 Bible Verses About Habits (With Commentary)

The Bible speaks often about habits, especially those related to spiritual growth, discipline, and daily living. Good habits—such as prayer, gratitude, and obedience to God—can shape our character and strengthen our relationship with Him. Conversely, bad habits can lead us away from God’s will and cause harm to ourselves and others. These 20 Bible verses emphasize the importance of cultivating godly habits and avoiding destructive patterns of behavior, teaching us how daily practices can honor God and lead to a fruitful life.

1. Romans 12:2

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

This verse teaches us to break the habits of the world by renewing our minds in Christ. Instead of conforming to worldly behaviors and patterns, believers are called to adopt habits that transform us into the likeness of Christ. By continually renewing our minds through Scripture, prayer, and seeking God’s will, we develop habits that lead to a life of faithfulness and spiritual growth.

2. Proverbs 22:6

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of establishing good habits early in life. Teaching children to follow godly principles lays a foundation that will guide them throughout their lives. When children are trained in righteousness, they are more likely to develop habits that align with God’s will. This highlights the lasting impact of forming positive habits from a young age.

3. 1 Corinthians 9:27

“No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

This verse illustrates the importance of self-discipline. Paul uses the metaphor of an athlete training their body to describe how believers must discipline themselves to maintain good habits. Spiritual discipline, such as prayer and self-control, is essential for living a life that honors God. Developing good habits requires intentional effort and commitment, much like the training of an athlete.

4. Galatians 6:9

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

This verse encourages perseverance in maintaining good habits, especially in doing good. It teaches that consistent, faithful actions will eventually lead to a positive outcome, even if the results aren’t immediate. Habits of kindness, service, and obedience to God may take time to bear fruit, but God promises a harvest for those who persist.

5. Hebrews 10:24-25

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

This verse highlights the habit of fellowship and encouragement within the Christian community. Gathering with other believers is essential for spiritual growth and accountability. When we develop the habit of meeting regularly with other Christians, we inspire and encourage one another in love and good deeds, helping each other stay strong in faith.

6. Colossians 3:9-10

“Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”

This verse teaches that as followers of Christ, we must abandon sinful habits and adopt new, godly practices. Lying and other sinful behaviors belong to the “old self,” but through Christ, we are called to develop habits that reflect our new identity in Him. As we grow in knowledge of God, our habits should align more closely with His character.

7. Ephesians 4:22-24

“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.”

This verse encourages believers to discard old, sinful habits and adopt new habits rooted in righteousness and holiness. The “old self” is characterized by harmful desires and behaviors, while the “new self” reflects the transformation brought about by Christ. Developing godly habits requires a renewed mindset and a commitment to living in accordance with God’s will.

8. Philippians 4:8

“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.”

This verse teaches the importance of cultivating habits of the mind. By focusing on things that are noble, pure, and praiseworthy, we develop a habit of thinking that aligns with God’s truth. Our thoughts influence our actions, so setting our minds on positive, godly things helps us form habits that reflect the character of Christ.

9. Psalm 119:11

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

This verse highlights the habit of internalizing God’s Word. By regularly studying and meditating on Scripture, we guard ourselves against sin. Making Scripture a daily habit strengthens our relationship with God and equips us to resist temptation. The habit of filling our hearts and minds with God’s truth helps guide our actions toward righteousness.

10. Luke 5:16

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

This verse shows that even Jesus had the habit of withdrawing to pray. Despite His busy ministry, He prioritized spending time with the Father. This teaches us the importance of developing a habit of prayer, taking time away from the demands of life to connect with God. Prayer is an essential habit for spiritual growth and maintaining a close relationship with God.

11. Romans 7:19

“For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.”

This verse reflects the human struggle with bad habits. Paul’s frustration with his inability to consistently do good highlights the importance of relying on God’s grace and strength to overcome sinful habits. While we may struggle, this verse reminds us that transformation is possible through the power of the Holy Spirit.

12. Proverbs 25:28

“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”

This verse teaches the importance of self-control, which is essential for developing good habits and avoiding destructive behaviors. Without self-control, we become vulnerable to temptation and poor decisions, like a city without walls is vulnerable to attack. Developing habits of discipline and self-restraint protects us from spiritual harm and leads to a life of wisdom.

13. 1 Peter 5:8

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of being spiritually alert and disciplined in our habits. Lukewarm or careless spiritual habits make us vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks. By staying vigilant in prayer, studying Scripture, and maintaining godly habits, we strengthen our defenses against the temptations and deceptions that the enemy uses to lead us astray.

14. Proverbs 13:4

“A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.”

This verse teaches the value of diligence and discipline in our habits. Laziness leads to dissatisfaction, while diligence leads to fulfillment. Good habits, formed through hard work and perseverance, produce lasting results. Developing habits of diligence in our spiritual and daily lives leads to contentment and success, both in our relationship with God and in the practical aspects of life.

15. Psalm 1:1-2

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.”

This verse highlights the habit of meditating on God’s Word regularly. The psalm contrasts the blessed person, who avoids sinful influences, with those who follow ungodly patterns. A habit of meditating on Scripture, day and night, shapes our minds and hearts to align with God’s will. This practice helps us avoid sinful habits and live in obedience to God.

16. 2 Timothy 1:7

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

This verse teaches that self-discipline is a gift from God through the Holy Spirit. Developing good habits requires not only personal effort but also reliance on the Spirit’s power. God equips us with the strength, love, and discipline necessary to live according to His will. Cultivating godly habits is made possible through the Spirit’s work in our lives.

17. Matthew 7:24

“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.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of not just hearing God’s Word, but developing the habit of putting it into practice. Building a strong spiritual foundation requires consistent application of biblical principles in our daily lives. Good habits, formed by living out God’s commands, provide a solid foundation that helps us withstand life’s challenges and trials.

18. 1 Corinthians 15:33

“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”

This verse highlights the influence of those we spend time with on our habits. Associating with ungodly influences can corrupt our character and lead to destructive habits. Good habits are more likely to flourish when we surround ourselves with people who encourage us in our faith. This verse serves as a reminder to choose relationships that support and foster spiritual growth.

19. Proverbs 4:23

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

This verse teaches that our habits flow from the condition of our hearts. By guarding our hearts—through prayer, Scripture, and godly habits—we can ensure that our actions reflect God’s will. What we allow into our hearts influences our behavior, so it’s important to cultivate habits that nurture a pure and devoted heart toward God.

20. 2 Thessalonians 3:13

“And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.”

This verse encourages perseverance in maintaining habits of doing good. It teaches that we must not grow weary in following God’s ways, even when it becomes difficult. Developing consistent habits of kindness, generosity, and righteousness strengthens our faith and character. God promises that our efforts will bear fruit in His timing, so we should persist in doing good.

These Bible verses remind us that habits—whether good or bad—shape our lives and spiritual journeys. God calls us to cultivate habits that reflect His character, relying on His grace to guide us. By forming good habits like prayer, Scripture study, and fellowship, we grow closer to God and live in a way that honors Him.

30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)

30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)

30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)

30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)

4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4