The bible does not have a chapter that defines character. Scriptures that define it are scattered throughout the bible. Since most humans are too lazy to search out those scriptures, most depend on other humans to define character for them.
Most human definitions of character define it as strength of moral fiber. A.W. Tozer described character as “the excellence of moral beings.” As the excellence of gold is its purity and the excellence of art is its beauty, so the excellence of man is his character.’ This analogy highlights the importance of moral character in defining a person’s worth, similar to how purity defines the value of gold. Tozer’s perspective aligns with Aristotle’s concept of moral excellence or virtue (êthikai aretai), which emphasizes the combination of qualities that make an individual ethically admirable
Persons of character are noted for their honesty, ethics, and charity. Descriptions such as “man of principle” and “woman of integrity” are assertions of character. A lack of character is moral deficiency, and persons lacking character tend to behave dishonestly, unethically, and uncharitably. In these views, character is not just about actions, but about the disposition to act and feel in certain ways that fulfill one’s potential as a human being
A person’s character is the sum of his or her disposition, thoughts, intentions, desires, and actions. It is good to remember that character is gauged by general tendencies, not on the basis of a few isolated actions. We must look at the whole life.
Looking to the bible for examples, we see that King David was a man of good character (1 Samuel 13:14) although he sinned on occasion (2 Samuel 11). And although King Ahab acted nobly one time (1 Kings 22:35), he was still a man of overall bad character (1 Kings 16:33). Several people in the Bible are described as having noble character: Ruth (Ruth 3:11), Hanani (Nehemiah 7:2), David (Psalm 78:72), and Job (Job 2:3). These individuals’ lives were distinguished by persistent moral virtue.
Character is influenced and developed by the choices we make. Daniel “resolved not to defile himself” in Babylon (Daniel 1:8), and that godly choice was an important step in building his character. Character influences our choices. Character will help us weather the storms of life and keep us from sin (Proverbs 10:9a).
Serious bible students understand that God is constantly working to develop character within us (i.e. in our hearts.) . Godly character is the result of the process by which the heart is purified. People of good character welcome and embrace the process. People of poor character, resist the process because they are convinced in their hearts that their character is already perfect.
The following scriptures will be useful for people who are humble enough to know that their character needs improvement:
People with good character humbly rejoice in troubles that shape their character.
Romans 5:3-4 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance. 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope
1 Chronicles 29:17 I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you.
Ephesians 4:22-24 “Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”
Proverbs 16:2 “People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives.”
1 Timothy 6:11 “But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.”
Titus 2:11-12 “For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.”
Psalm 15:1-2 “You test the heart and are pleased with integrity
Matthew 15:18-20 But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. 19For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. 20These are what defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them.”
Colossians 3:12 “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
1 Peter 3:4 “You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.”
2 Peter 1:5-7 “In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.”
Proverbs 27:19 “As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person.”
1 Samuel 16:7 “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’”
2 Timothy 2:21 “If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.
Psalm 26:1 “Declare me innocent, O Lord, for I have acted with integrity; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.”
Proverbs 4:23 “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”
Philippians 4:8 “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
People of good character are mindful of their influence on the character of others.
Titus 2:7-8 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
1 Timothy 4:12
“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.”
Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
People of good character value their character and the good character of others.
People of good character are not influenced by people of poor character.
1 Corinthians 15:33 “Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for ‘bad company corrupts good character
Proverbs 10:9 “People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed.”
Matthew 22:16 They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are.
1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
People of good character seek justice, love mercy and do good deeds that help others
James 1:27 Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.”
Hebrews 10:24 “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.”
Philippians 2:3-4 “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”
1 Corinthians 15:58 “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.”
Galatians 6:9 “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”
Micah 6:8 “No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Romans 12:9-21
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.
People of good character love others with Godly love.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”
Romans 12:9 “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.”
Titus 1:8 Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.
People of good character are totally honest.
2 Kings 12:15 They did not require an accounting from those to whom they gave the money to pay the workers, because they acted with complete honesty.
People of good character are humble and do not think of themselves as better than others.
Romans 12:3 “Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.”
Matthew 23:12 “But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Proverbs 22:4 “True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life.”
James 4:10 “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.”
Philippians 2:3 “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.”
1 Peter 5:6 “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.”
Colossians 3:12 “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Isaiah 66:2 “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.”
Proverbs 16:19 “Better to live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud.”
Psalm 25:9 “He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way.”
Ephesians 4:2 “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.”
Matthew 18:4 “Therefore, anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Proverbs 11:2 “Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
1 Peter 3:8 “Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”
Proverbs 11:25 “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”
Ephesians 4:29 “Let everything you say be good and helpful so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
Galatians 6:2 “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”