A Handbook of Bible Law - Personal character traits

Copyright 1991 by Charles A. Weisman. 2nd Edition: Aug., 1992; 3rd Edition: Dec., 1994

Personal character traits

Comments: The Bible continually reveals the problems and condemnation that God has with the ways of man. From the events in Eden to the trials in Revelations we find that the ways of man are contrary to the ways of God.

The reason for this lies in the internal nature or innate character of man. It is those attributes which exist within our 'heart' that propel us to do all the evil and corrupt things which are contrary to God. These attributes were noted by Christ when He said:

"For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness) blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man. " (Matt. 15:19-20).

In every occurrence where God has condemned or reproved the acts or ways of man, it was due to the fact that the act was based upon the carnal nature of man's being or 'flesh' as it is termed in the Bible. The innate character of man cannot guide him to do good because there is no good in the heart of man, as the Apostle Paul says:

"For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwells no good thing; for to will is present with with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not"" (Rom. 7:18).

Because there is no good in man, God gave man certain commands and guidelines that he is to follow so that he may do good or be righteous. But man has a natural tendency to rely on his emotions or those corruptible character traits that dwell in his flesh (carnal nature). Without proper instruction and restraint the character traits of the 'flesh' will surface in one's actions and works.

"Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, disputes, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like" (Gal. 5:19-21).

These are the natural character traits that are within man, and as Paul said, none of them are good. Thus, to control and suppress these traits, God, in His word, explained the evil and unrighteousness of possessing them-, pointed to what constitutes good character traits, and commanded us to reject the evil traits and to follow the good traits.

All of biblical history shows how these commandments of God are contrary to man's inherent nature. Man is never righteous on his own accord. Those who were regarded as "righteous" in Scripture had abided by what God told them rather than what their heart told them. Therefore, we must trust in what God has said in this regard - for "'He who trusts in his own heart is a fool" (Prov. 28:26).

17A - Anger and Wrath

  1. Anger causes strife and transgression. Prov. 15:18; Prov. 29:8, 22; Prov. 30:33.
  2. Be not hasty in your spirit to be angry (be slow to anger). Eccl. 7:9; Prov. 15:18; Prov. 16:32; James 1:19-20.
  3. Anger without cause is condemned. Matt. 5:22.
  4. Wrath is characteristic of fools. Prov. 12:16; Prov. 14:16, 29; Prov. 27:3; Eccl. 7:9.
  5. Be angry, and yet do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath. Psa. 4:4; Eph. 4:26.
  6. Wrath is cruel. Gen. 49:7; Prov. 27:4.
  7. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath, let them be put away from you. Psa. 37:8; Eph. 4:31; Col. 3:8.
  8. A man's discretion makes him slow to anger, and it is to his glory to overlook transgression. Prov. 19:11.
  9. Anger and wrath brings its own punishment. Job 5:2; Prov. 19:19; Prov. 25:28.
  10. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Prov. 15:1.
  11. Children are not to be provoked to anger. Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21.
  12. He who is quick-tempered acts foolishly, but he who is slow to wrath has great understanding. Prov. 14:17, 29.
  13. Anger can be justifiable, as exemplified by: Christ - Mark 3:5. Jacob - Gen. 31:36. Moses - Exod.11:18; 32:19; Lev. 10:16. Nehemiah - Neh. 5:6; 13:17,25.
  14. Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1: 19-20.

    17B - Envy

    1. We are not to be envious of one another. Prov. 3:31; Rom. 1:28-29; Rom. 13:13; 2 Cor. 12:20; Gal. 5:26,
    2. Lay aside all envy. 1 Pet. 2:1.
    3. Envy is a work of the flesh. Gal. 5:19, 21; James 4:5; Cor. 3:3.
    4. It is vain to be envious of the good deeds of other. Eccl. 4:4.
    5. Where envy and self-ambition exist, there will be confusion and every evil thing. James 3:16.
    6. Envy leads to hurt and punishment. Job 5:2; Prov. 14:30; Psa. 106:16-17; Isa. 26:11.
    7. Envy leads to confusion and evil works. James 3:14-16.
    8. We are not to be envious of the prosperity of the wicked. Psa. 37:1; Psa. 73:3; Prov. 24:1, 19-20.
    9. Let not your heart envy sinners, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. Psa. 37:1; Prov. 23:17.
    10. If you have bitter envy and self ambition in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. James 3:14.
    11. True love is not jealousy. 1 Cor. 13:4.
    12. Do not envy those who oppress others. Prov. 3:31.

    17C - Covetousness and Greed

    1. Thou shall not covet thy neighbor's possessions. Exod. 20:17; Deut. 5:21; Rom. 7:7; Rom. 13:9.
    2. We are not to have a primary desire for earthly things. Matt. 6:25; Luke 12:22,29; Luke 21:34; John 6:27; Phil. 3:19.
    3. Beware of those who are lovers of money. 2 Tim. 3:2.
    4. Worldly desires are an obstruction to the Gospel. Matt. 13:22; Luke 8:14; Luke 14:18-21.
    5. Corruption is the way of those who are greedy of gain. Prov. 1:16-19.
    6. He that is greedy of gain brings trouble to his own house. Prov. 15:27.
    7. Beware of covetousness, for a man's life consists not in an abundance of things he possess. Luke 12:15.
    8. He who loves money and increase will in his greed never be satisfied. Eccl. 5:10.
    9. Concern for the secular things of everyday life is unbecoming of a Christian soldier. Eph. 5:3; 2 Tim. 2:4.
    10. We should care about the things that are of God above the things of the world. 1 Cor. 7:32-34; Col. 3:2.
    11. It is vanity to desire riches. Psa. 39:6; Eccl. 4:8.
    12. We are exhorted not to be greedy. Eph. 4:17-19.
    13. Labor not to be rich. Prov. 23:4.
    14. Covetousness comes from the heart and defiles the person. Ezek. 33:31; Mark 7:22-23.
    15. Covetousness is idolatry. Eph. 5:5; Col. 3:5.
    16. The love of money is the root of all evil, and causes one to wander from the faith. 1 Tim. 6:10.
    17. Covetousness leads to theft. Josh. 7:21; Mic. 2:2.
    18. He is condemned who covets evil gain for his own house. Hab. 2:9-10.
    19. Let your conduct be without covetousness, and be content with such things as you have. Heb. 13:5.
    20. God will punish covetousness and greedy gain. Job. 20:15; Isa. 5:8-10; Isa. 57:17; Jer. 22:17-19; Jer. 51:13; Ezek. 22:12-13; Mic. 2:2-3; Jude 1:11.
    21. Wisdom and understanding are to be desired above money. Prov. 16:16.

    17D - Conceit and Self -Righteousness

    1. Conceitedness in one's own wisdom reproved. Prov. 3:7; Prov. 26:5; Isa. 5:21; Rom, 11:20,25; Rom. 12:16.
    2. Wealth produces conceited thoughts. Prov. 18:11; Prov. 28:11.
    3. Beware of those who are lovers of themselves. 2 Tim. 3:2.
    4. God does not take account of self-righteousness. Prov. 21:2; Luke 18:10-14.
    5. Self-righteousness condemned. Job 9:20; Job 35:2-3; Prov. 30:11-12; Matt. 23:27-28; Phil. 3:7-10.
    6. Do not glory or trust in your riches. Psa. 49:6; Jer. 9:23.
    7. You are not to trust in the abundance of your riches, for he who trusts in his riches will fall. Psa. 52:7; Psa. 62:10; Prov. 11:28; 1 Tim. 6:17.
    8. The wicked boasts of his heart's desires. Psa. 10:3; Psa. 94:4.
    9. Not he who commends himself is approved, but he whom the Lord commends. 2 Cor. 10:18.
    10. Do not practice your righteousness or give alms (food, clothes, money, etc. given to the poor) before men so as to draw attention to your deed of mercy, otherwise you have no reward with God. Matt. 6:1-4.
    11. Do not boast about tomorrow, for you know not what a day may bring forth. Prov. 27:1.
    12. Do not go about to establish your own righteousness, but submit yourselves to the righteousness of God. Rom. 10:3.
    13. All boasting and bragging is wicked. James 4:16.
    14. We are not to justify ourselves. Luke 16:15.
    15. We should not believe in our own righteousness. Deut. 9:4.
    16. Self-righteousness provokes God to anger. Isa. 65:3, 5.
    17. The boastful shall not stand in God's sight. Psa. 5:5.
    18. To seek one's own glory is not glory. Prov. 25:27.
    19. Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth, a stranger, and not your own lips. Prov. 27:2.
    20. Do not be wise in your own eyes or prudent in your own sight. Prov. 3:7; Prov. 26:12; Isa. 5:21.
    21. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise. Prov. 12:15.

    17E - Patience

    1. Patience, long-suffering and temperance exhorted and commended. Eccl. 7:8; Eph. 4:2; Col. 1:11; Col. 3:12; 1 Thes. 5:14; 2 Tim. 3:10; Titus 2:2; 1 Pet. 1: 6; Rev. 2:2-3.
    2. Rashness and quick-temperedness exalts folly. Prov. 14:29.
    3. Trials of Christians leads to patience. Rom. 5:3-4; James 1:3-4.
    4. When you do what is right and suffer for it, if you patiently endure it, this is commendable before God. 1 Pet. 2:20.
    5. Be not rash with what you speak and do. Eccl. 5:2; Acts 19:36.
    6. Patience is to be exercised in running the race set before us. Heb. 12: 1.
    7. We are to be patient in tribulation. Rom. 12:12.
    8. Christian faith and hope for the salvation of God and the coming of the Lord requires patience. Psa. 37:7; Psa. 40:1; Lam. 3:26; Rom. 8:25; 1 Cor. 1:7; Gal. 5:5; 2 Thes. 3:5; James 5:7-8.
    9. We are to pursue patience. 1 Tim. 6:11.
    10. A servant of Christ is to be patient. 2 Tim. 2:24.
    11. The test of your faith produces patience. James 1:3.

      17F - Stubbornness

      1. Circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiff-necked. Deut. 10:16.
      2. Stubbornness towards the words of the LORD is as iniquity and idolatry. 1 Sam. 15:23.
      3. Speak not with a stiff neck. Psa. 75:5.
      4. He who hardens his neck after much reproof will suddenly be destroyed beyond remedy. Prov. 29:1.
      5. Those who are stiff-necked reject God and his law and become vain by following heathen ways. 2 Kings 17:14-17.
      6. Beware of those that are headstrong. 2 Tim. 3:4.
      7. Be not stiff-necked as your fathers were, but yield yourselves to the LORD. 2 Chron. 30:8.

      17G - Pride

      1. Pride is a sin and is hateful to God. Prov. 6:16-17; Prov. 16:5; Prov. 21:4, 24; Isa. 23:9; Jer. 50:31-32.
      2. Pride is not of God but is of the world. 1 John 2:26.
      3. The inexperienced tend to be filled with pride. 1 Tim. 3:6.
      4. Through pride the wicked will not seek after or acknowledge God. Psa. 10:4.
      5. Pride causes contention and stirs up strife. Prov. 13:10; Prov. 28:25.
      6. We are not to respect those that are proud. Psa. 40:4; Psa. 101:5.
      7. Pride defiles a man. Mark 7:20, 22.
      8. Beware of those that are proud. 2 Tim. 3:2.
      9. Pride and arrogance are contrary to wisdom. Prov. 8:12-13.
      10. The pride of your heart will deceive you. Obad. 1:3.
      11. Pride and arrogance is reproved and forbidden. Exod. 18:11; 1 Sam. 2:3; Matt. 23:12; Rom. 12:3.
      12. Pride stems from the possession of wealth and power. Lev. 26:19; 2 Kings 20:13; Ezek. 30:6.
      13. Pride and arrogance brings decline, punishment and destruction. 2 Sam. 22:28; Psa. 18:27; Prov. 16:18; Prov. 18:12; Isa. 2:11-17; Isa. 3:16-17; Isa. 13:11; Isa. 28:1, 3; Jer. 13:9; Hos. 5:5; Zeph. 2:10-11; Mal. 4:1; Luke 1:51.
      14. From out of the heart proceeds pride. Mark 7:21-22.
      15. Those who are rich are not to be haughty. 1 Tim. 6:17.
      16. Beware of those that are haughty. 2 Tim. 3:4.
      17. A haughty look or attitude is regarded as a sin. Prov. 21:4, 24.
      18. Do not endure one who has a haughty look and a proud heart. Psa. 10 1: 5.
      19. A haughty heart leads to destruction. Prov. 18:12.

      17H - Lust and Carnal Nature of Man

      1. Abstain from lusts and from following the carnal nature of man. 1 Cor. 3:3; 1 Cor. 10:6; 1 Pet 2:11; Jude 1: 16.
      2. The carnal mind and friendship with the world is condemned as being enmity against God and His law. Rom. 8:7-8; Col. 2:18; James 4:4.
      3. The lusts of the flesh are contrary to the Spirit (so walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh). John 3:6; Rom. 8:1-2; Gal. 5:16-17.
      4. Beware that those of a carnal mind do not beguile you. Col. 2:8, 18.
      5. Do not to lust after the beauty of women. Job 31:1; Prov. 6:25; Matt. 5:28.
      6. You are to set your mind on the things of God, and not on the things of men. Matt. 16:23.
      7. A carnal way leads to punishment and abandonment by God. Num. 11:4-34; Psa. 78:17-31; Psa. 81:11 -12; Psa. 106:14-15; 1 Tim. 6:9.
      8. Lust produces wars and murder. James 4:1-2.
      9. The cares and pleasures of this world, and lusts of things, pervert and choke one's faith in the word of God. Matt. 13:22; Mark 4:19; Luke 8:14; 2 Tim. 4:3; 2 Pet. 3:2-5; Jude 16, 18.
      10. Sin rather than good dwells in the flesh (carnal nature) of man. Rom. 7:17-20, 25.
      11. The problems of lust from the Bible should serve as examples which are not to be followed. 1 Cor. 10:6-11.
      12. Lusts, being deceitful, draw and entice men to sin. Eph. 4:22; James 1: 14-14; 2 Pet. 2:18.
      13. Evil and lust comes from within the heart of men. Gen. 6:5; Gen. 8:21; 1 Kings 8:38-39; Jer. 17:9; Matt. 15:19; Mark 7:15, 21-22.
      14. We are not to lust after worldly things or conform to them, for they are of the flesh and not of God. Rom. 12:2; 1 John 2:15-17.
      15. The grace of God teaches us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age. Titus 2:11-12.
      16. Avoid worldly wisdom, for the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. 1 Cor. 3:18-19.
      17. The lust of the flesh is condemned as making one wicked. Eph. 2:3.
      18. Those who do the works of the flesh shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Gal. 5:19-21.
      19. We should not submit to or obey the lusts of the flesh but rather obey Christ and follow righteousness. Rom. 6:11-13; Rom. 13:13-14; 2 Tim. 2:22.

      17I - Humility and Meekness

      1. We should seek and display meekness. Zeph. 2:3; Col. 3:12; Titus 3:2.
      2. Christians are to be meek as Christ was. Matt. 11:29; Matt. 21:5; 2 Cor. 10: 1.
      3. God requires that you walk humbly with Him. Mic. 6:8.
      4. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Psa. 37:11; Matt. 5:5.
      5. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Rom. 12:16.
      6. No man should glory or boast before God. 1 Cor. 1:29.
      7. Meekness is the fruit of the Spirit. Gal. 5:22-23.
      8. God resists the proud and scornful, but gives grace to the humble. Prov. 3:34; James 4:6; 1 Pet 5:5.
      9. Receive the word of God with meekness. James 1:21.
      10. The reward of humility and the fear of Christ is riches, honor and life. Prov. 18:12; Prov. 22:4; Isa. 29:19.
      11. Boasting is reproved. Psa. 49:6; Psa. 52:1; Psa. 94:4; Prov. 20:14; Prov. 25:14; Prov. 27:1; Isa. 10:15; Jer. 9:23; Rom. 1:30; Rom. 11:18; 1 Cor. 4:7;2 Cor. 10:12; 2 Tim. 3:2; James 3:5-6; James 4:16.
      12. God will bring down high looks. Psa. 18:27.
      13. Do not justify yourselves before men, for that which is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God. Luke 16:15.
      14. Humility is a characteristic of the godly and is regarded by God. Job 22:29; Psa. 9:12; Psa. 10:17; Psa. 34:2; Psa. 138:6; Prov. 3:34; Prov. 16:19; Isa. 57:15; Isa. 66:2; Eph. 4:1-2; CoL 3:12; James 4:6; 1 Pet 5:5.
      15. It is not profitable to boast. 2 Cor. 12:1.
      16. A man's pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will retain honor. Prov. 29:23.
      17. When pride comes, then comes shame, but with the humble is wisdom. Prov. 11:2.
      18. Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but think soberly. Rom. 12:2; Gal. 6:3.
      19. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted. Ezek. 17:24; Matt. 23:12; Luke 14:11; Luke 18:14.
      20. Humble yourselves in the sight of God that He may exalt you in due time. Matt. 18:4; James 4:10; 1 Pet 5:6.
      21. Temporal judgments are averted by humility. 2 Chron. 7:14; 2 Chron. 12:6-7.

      17J - Slothfulness

      1. 1. Slothfulness brings one into bondage. Prov. 12:24.
      2. 2. Slothfulness magnifies obstacles. Prov. 10:26; Prov. 15:19; Prov. 22:13.
      3. 3. If any would not work, neither should he eat. 2 Thes. 3:10.
      4. 4. Slothfulness brings hardship and destruction. Prov. 21:25.
      5. 5. Slothfulness and idleness leads to want, poverty and hunger. Prov. 6:6-11; Prov. 10:4; Prov. 13:4; Prov. 18:9; Prov. 19:15; Prov. 24:30-34; Eccl. 10:18.
      6. 6. Exhortations against slothfulness. Prov. 6:4; Prov. 26:13-16; Rom. 13:11; 1 Thes. 5:6; Heb. 6:12.
      7. 7. Be not slothful in business. Rom. 12:11.
      8. 8. We are not to give false excuses for being slothful. Prov.20:4, 13; Prov. 26:13-16.

      17K - Hypocrisy

      1. Do not be hypocritical in serving God or in living a godly life. Matt. 23:13-33.
      2. Hypocrisy is condemned as causing apostasy. 1 Tim. 4:1-2.
      3. God has no pleasure in hypocrites. Isa. 9:17.
      4. A hypocrite shall not come before God. Job 13:16.
      5. We are not to have hypocritical leaders because they ensnare the people. Job. 34:30.
      6. Christian growth requires you set aside all hypocrisies. 1 Pet 2:1-2.
      7. A hypocrite is destructive to others. Prov. 11:9.
      8. Beware of the principles of hypocrisy. Luke 12:1.
      9. Punishment due to hypocrites. Job 15:34; Isa. 10:5-6; Jer. 42:20-22; Matt. 24:51.

      17L - Selfishness

      1. He that wishes one well but does not give to him what he needs exhibits selfishness. James 2:15-16; 1 John 3:17.
      2. We should not desire to please ourselves. Rom. 15:1; 2 Tim. 3:2.
      3. A servant of God is to act for the benefit or profit of others. Isa. 56:11; 1 Cor. 10:33.
      4. Selfishness is inconsistent with the communion of Christians. Rom. 12:4-4; 1 Cor- 12:12-27.
      5. Let us not please ourselves, but let every one of us please his neighbor. Rom. 15:1-3.
      6. No one should merely seek or look out for his own interest, but also for the interests of others. 1 Cor. 10:24; Phil. 2:4.
      7. The selfish shall receive punishment according to their ways. Prov. 21:13.

      17M - Revenge and Vengeance

      1. You are not to personally avenge or bear any grudge against your brethren. Lev. 19:18; Prov. 24:29.
      2. Repay to no man evil for evil. Rom. 12:17; 1 Thes. 5:15; 1 Pet 3:9.
      3. Avenge not yourselves, for vengeance is in God's hands. Deut 32:35; Psa. 18:47; Psa. 94:1; Jer. 46:9-10; Ezek. 25:12-17; Nah. 1:2; Luke 18:7; Rom. 12:19; 1 Thes. 4:6; Heb. 10:30.
      4. Trust in God instead of taking revenge. Prov. 20:22.
      5. God will repay with affliction and tribulation those who persecute and afflict you because of your faith. 2 Thes. 1:4-9.
      6. We should keep others from taking revenge. 1 Sam. 24:4-7; 1 Sam. 26:9.
      7. Revenge often brings punishment. Ezek. 25:15-17; Amos 1:11-12.
      8. We should pray to God for His vengeance against those that unjustly inflict us. Jer. 11: 19-20; Jer. 20:10-12.

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