Bible Verses About Temptation
Scriptures about resisting temptation and overcoming sin.
Temptation is not the same as sin. Even Jesus was tempted, yet without sin. The Bible treats temptation realistically: it is common to everyone, it comes from within and without, and it can be resisted because God provides a way of escape and the power to stand.
These verses show where temptation comes from, how to resist it, and where the strength to overcome is found. They offer no condemnation for being tempted, only help for the fight.
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
No temptation is beyond what others face, and God always provides a way of escape so you can endure it.
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Temptation is not from God; it grows from our own desire, but enduring it brings blessing.
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Submit to God and resist the devil, and he will flee from you; the order matters.
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Watch and pray so you do not fall; the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.
For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
Because Jesus suffered when tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulful the lust of the flesh.
Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Put on the whole armour of God so you can stand against the devil's schemes.
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
Sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are under grace, not law.
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and temptation.
Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.
Avoid the path of evil; do not even travel near it but turn away and pass on.
Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.
Living it out
Resisting temptation starts before the moment of pressure. Watch and pray, and where wisdom says avoid the path entirely, take Proverbs' advice and stay off it rather than testing your willpower.
In the moment, remember you are not powerless: submit to God, look for the escape He promises, and lean on the Saviour who was tempted and can help. Falling is not inevitable.
Questions for reflection
- What recurring temptation do you need a deliberate plan to avoid, not just resist?
- Where might God already be providing a way of escape that you have been ignoring?
- How does knowing Jesus was tempted yet sinless help you in your own struggle?