38 Bible Verses about motives

Everything a person does seems pure in his own opinion, but the LORD weighs intentions.

Every man's lifestyle is proper in his own view, but the LORD weighs the heart.

Everything you do should be done lovingly.

Therefore, stop judging prematurely, before the Lord comes, for he will bring to light what is now hidden in darkness and reveal the motives of our hearts. Then each person will receive his praise from God.

But so what? Just this that in every way, whether by false or true motives, the Messiah is being proclaimed. Because of this, I rejoice and will continue to rejoice.

You ask for something but do not get it because you ask for it for the wrong reason for your own pleasure.

Examine me, LORD, and inspect me! Test my heart and mind.

People do the planning, but the end result is from the LORD.

Rather, because we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, we speak as we do, not trying to please people but God, who tests our motives.

At least we are not commercializing God's word like so many others. Instead, we speak with sincerity in the Messiah's name, like people who are sent from God and are accountable to God.

Some are preaching the Messiah because of jealousy and dissension, while others do so because of their good will.

the workmanship of each person will become evident, for the day of judgment will show what it is, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's action.

I beg you that when I come I will not need to be courageous by daring to oppose some people who think that we are living according to the flesh.

I am the LORD who searches the heart, who tests the inner depths to give to each person according to what he deserves, according to the fruit of his deeds.

For our appeal to you does not spring from deceit, impure motives, or trickery.

When you probe my heart, and examine me at night; when you refine me, you will find nothing wrong, for I have determined that I will not transgress with my mouth.

The former proclaim the Messiah because they are selfishly ambitious and insincere, thinking that they will stir up trouble for me during my imprisonment.

The intentions of a person's heart are deep waters, but a discerning person reveals them.

Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade people. We ourselves are perfectly known to God. I hope we are also really known to your consciences.

then you will have made false distinctions among yourselves and will have judged from evil motives, will you not?

What the wicked person sacrifices is detestable how much more when he offers it with vile motives!

Is there anyone who can understand his own thoughts except his own inner spirit? In the same way, no one can know the thoughts of God except God's Spirit.

And I know, God, that it is you who searches the heart and you who finds pleasure in righteousness. With a righteous heart I have freely given all these things, and now I have seen all of these people of yours giving freely and joyfully to you!

Don't continue to talk proudly, and don't speak arrogantly, for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.

For God will judge every deed, along with every secret, whether good or evil.

A person's spirit is the lamp of the LORD; it searches throughout one's innermost being.

The LORD told Samuel, "Don't look at his appearance or his height, for I've rejected him. Truly, God does not see what man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart."

Who can detect his own mistake? Cleanse me from hidden sin.

God is my shield, the one who delivers the upright in heart.

Everyone speaks lies to his neighbor; they speak with flattering lips and hidden motives.

If you say, "Look here, we didn't know about this," doesn't God, who examines motives, discern it? Doesn't the one who guards your soul know about it? Won't he repay each person according to what he has done?

These people who have been instructing you are devoted to you, but not in a good way. They want you to avoid me so that you will be devoted to them.

As you know, we did not come with flattering words or with a scheme to make money. God is our witness!

"Now as for you, my son Solomon, get to know the God of your father. Serve him with a sound heart and a devoted soul, because the LORD is searching every heart, every plan and thought. He will be found by you, assuming you are seeking him, but if you abandon him, he will abandon you forever.

Of course, we are living in the world, but we do not wage war in a world-like way.

Let the evil of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous. For you are the righteous God who discerns the inner thoughts.