38 Bible Verses about motives
Most Relevant Verses
Therefore don’t judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God.
What does it matter? Just that in every way, whether out of false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed. And in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice
You ask and don’t receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your evil desires.
The reflections of the heart belong to man,
but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please men, but rather God, who examines our hearts.
For we are not like the many who market God’s message for profit. On the contrary, we speak with sincerity in Christ, as from God and before God.
To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and strife, but others out of good will.
each one’s work will become obvious, for the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work.
I beg you that when I am present I will not need to be bold with the confidence by which I plan to challenge certain people who think we are behaving in an unspiritual way.
I, Yahweh, examine the mind,
I test the heart
to give to each according to his way,
according to what his actions deserve.
For our exhortation didn’t come from error or impurity or an intent to deceive.
You have tested my heart;
You have examined me at night.
You have tried me and found nothing evil;
I have determined that my mouth will not sin.
the others proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely, seeking to cause me anxiety in my imprisonment.
Counsel in a man’s heart is deep water;
but a man of understanding draws it out.
Therefore, because we know the fear of the Lord, we seek to persuade people. We are completely open before God, and I hope we are completely open to your consciences as well.
haven’t you discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
The sacrifice of a wicked person is detestable—
how much more so
when he brings it with ulterior motives!
For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man that is in him? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
I know, my God, that You test the heart and that You are pleased with what is right. I have willingly given all these things with an upright heart, and now I have seen Your people who are present here giving joyfully and willingly to You.
Do not boast so proudly,
or let arrogant words come out of your mouth,
for the Lord is a God of knowledge,
and actions are weighed by Him.
For God will bring every act to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature, because I have rejected him. Man does not see what the Lord sees, for man sees what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart.”
My shield is with God,
who saves the upright in heart.
If you say, “But we didn’t know about this,”
won’t He who weighs hearts consider it?
Won’t He who protects your life know?
Won’t He repay a person according to his work?
They are enthusiastic about you, but not for any good. Instead, they want to isolate you so you will be enthusiastic about them.
For we never used flattering speech, as you know, or had greedy motives—God is our witness—
“As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands the intention of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.
For though we live in the body, we do not wage war in an unspiritual way,
Let the evil of the wicked come to an end,
but establish the righteous.
The One who examines the thoughts and emotions
is a righteous God.
Topics on Motives
Motives, Examples Of
Philippians 1:15-18To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and strife,
