20 Scriptures to Help Tame Temptation

Which path should you choose?

Temptation is a fork in the road. It's the presentation of a choice of which road to travel: the high one or the low one. As a matter of fact, the wiser and more mature in Christ we become, the more treacherous and subtle are the choices. They don't become easier, but more difficult, for the devil is no fool. When you find yourself on the front lines of battle, stand firm and fight. Here are 20 truths from Scripture to help you tame the temptations you encounter as you pursue a life of holiness in the Lord:

1. 1 Corinthians 10:12-14

"Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 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. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry." -1 Corinthians 10:12-14 (ESV)

2. Hebrews 4:15-16

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." -Hebrews 4:15-16 (ESV)

3. Matthew 6:13

"And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen." -Matthew 6:13

4. Matthew 26:41

"Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." -Matthew 26:41

5. Luke 4:13

"Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time." -Luke 4:13

6. 1 Corinthians 6:18

"Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body." -1 Corinthians 6:18

7. 1 Timothy 6:9

"But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition." -1 Timothy 6:9

8. 2 Timothy 2:22

"Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." -2 Timothy 2:22

9. Hebrews 2:18

"For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted." -Hebrews 2:18

10. Romans 8:37

"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." -Romans 8:37

11. Romans 13:14

"But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." -Romans 13:14

12. Proverbs 4:14-15

"Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on." -Proverbs 4:14-15

13. James 1:2-3

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." -James 1:2-3

14. James 4:7

"Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." -James 4:7

15. Philippians 4:13

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." -Philippians 4:13

16. 1 Peter 5:8-9

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world." -1 Peter 5:8-9

17. Psalms 119:11

"Your word I have hid in my heart, that I might not sin against you." -Psalms 119:11

18. Psalms 119:67

"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now keep Your word." -Psalms 119:67

19. Jeremiah 17:5, 7-8

"Thus says the Lord: 'Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord…. 'Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes…'" -Jeremiah 17:5, 7-8

20. Ephesians 6:10-13

 "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." -Ephesians 6:10-13

This slideshow was adapated from the article 20 Verses for Taming Temptation, written by Dr. David Jeremiah. 

For another Bible resource on fighting temptation and 11 other giants in your life, including fear and worry, check out Dr. Jeremiah's free Giant Slayer Cards.