Bible verses about temptation
Bible verses about temptation include 1 Corinthians 10:13, which says temptations are common to everyone and that a way out is provided, James 1:13-15, which traces how desire grows, and Hebrews 4:15-16, which says Jesus was tempted too. They cover both warnings and help. All twelve are below.
Free to read, no account. Last updated November 9, 2026. Scripture: King James Version and World English Bible (public domain).
1.1 Corinthians 10:13
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
In the World English Bible
No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Paul says the temptations you face are common to people, and that a way out is provided. Look for the exit.
2.James 1:13-15
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
In the World English Bible
Let no man say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God can’t be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed. Then the lust, when it has conceived, bears sin. The sin, when it is full grown, produces death.
A breakdown of how temptation grows: desire, then action, then consequences. James also says God doesn't tempt anyone.
3.James 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
In the World English Bible
Be subject therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Two steps, in this order: submit to God, then push back against the devil.
4.Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
In the World English Bible
Watch and pray, that you don’t enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Said in Gethsemane to sleepy disciples: stay awake and pray, because the spirit is willing and the body is weak.
5.Hebrews 4:15-16
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
In the World English Bible
For we don’t have a high priest who can’t be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin. Let’s therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need.
Jesus is described as a high priest who knows weakness from the inside, tempted in every way. The next line invites you to come close for help.
6.Hebrews 2:18
For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
In the World English Bible
For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.
Because he went through temptation himself, he can help those being tempted. A companion to the other Hebrews verse.
7.Psalm 119:11
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
In the World English Bible
I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Storing Scripture in the heart as a defense against sinning. Memorizing is the practical takeaway.
8.Proverbs 4:23
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
In the World English Bible
Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it is the wellspring of life.
Guard your heart above everything else, since life flows from it. Defense starts upstream.
9.1 Peter 5:8-9
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
In the World English Bible
Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings.
A sober warning to stay alert, because the devil prowls around. Peter adds that other believers are going through the same thing.
10.Romans 13:14
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
In the World English Bible
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, for its lusts.
Put on Jesus and stop planning ways to feed the cravings. It's about planning ahead more than willpower.
11.Galatians 5:16
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
In the World English Bible
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh.
Walk by the Spirit and you won't carry out what the flesh wants. Paul treats it as a way of living, not a one-off fight.
12.Proverbs 1:10
My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
In the World English Bible
My son, if sinners entice you, don’t consent.
Advice from a father: if sinners try to entice you, don't go along. Peer pressure is old.
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Read today's verseQuestions
What is a good Bible verse about temptation?
1 Corinthians 10:13 is a good place to start. Paul says the temptations you face are common to people, and that a way out is provided. Look for the exit.
Is being tempted a sin?
Hebrews 4:15 says Jesus was tempted in every way and did not sin, so the Bible treats the two as different things. James 1:14-15 describes a path from desire to action. The verses place the line at what happens after the pull.
How did Jesus handle temptation?
Matthew 4:1-11 tells of forty days in the desert, with the devil offering three shortcuts. Jesus answered each time with a line from Deuteronomy. Psalm 119:11 is often paired with the story, since it talks about keeping Scripture close.
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Made by Lamplight, a small Sarvixo product. Notes on each verse are ours, written with AI tools and checked against the passage. The verses are printed exactly as published.