Overview
The Bible addresses sincerity across 36 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Psalms, 2 Corinthians and Ephesians. Closely related themes include Simplicity, Ministers, Truth and Conduct, Christian. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus, Hezekiah, Bartholomew and Eunice.
Key Bible verses about sincerity
Old Testament
Psalms
For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue. faithfulness: or, stedfastness their mouth: Heb. his mouth, that is, the mouth of any of them very: Heb. wickednesses
Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.
New Testament
John
Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
1 Corinthians
Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. the feast: or, holyday
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
2 Corinthians
For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. corrupt: or, deal deceitfully with in Christ: or, of Christ
I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
Ephesians
Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. in sincerity: or, with incorruption To the Ephesians written from Rome, by Tychicus.
Philippians
1 Thessalonians
For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:
1 Peter
Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
1 John
People in the Bible and sincerity
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying sincerity for yourself
- Begin with Joshua 24:14, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Psalms, 2 Corinthians and Ephesians each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Jesus, Hezekiah and Bartholomew and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Simplicity, Ministers, Truth and Conduct, Christian.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about sincerity?
The Bible addresses sincerity across 36 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Psalms, 2 Corinthians and Ephesians. Closely related themes include Simplicity, Ministers, Truth and Conduct, Christian. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus, Hezekiah, Bartholomew and Eunice.
How many Bible verses are about sincerity?
The Bible references sincerity in 36 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention sincerity?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Joshua 24:14: “Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with sincerity?
Jesus, Hezekiah, Bartholomew, Eunice and Lois.
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