• Luke 10:29
    But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
     
  • Luke 16:14-15
    Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. And He said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
     
  • Genesis 3:12-13
    Then the man said, "The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate." And the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate."
     
  • Luke 18:9-14
    Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.' And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
     
  • Genesis 3:9-10
    Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, "Where are you?" So he said, "I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself."
     
  • Job 40:1-8
    Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said: “Shall the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him?
    He who rebukes God, let him answer it.” Then Job answered the LORD and said: “ Behold, I am vile;
    What shall I answer You?
    I lay my hand over my mouth. Once I have spoken, but I will not answer;
    Yes, twice, but I will proceed no further.” Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said: “Now prepare yourself like a man;
    I will question you, and you shall answer Me: “ Would you indeed annul My judgment?
    Would you condemn Me that you may be justified?
     


Related Scriptures

  • Romans 8:6-7
    For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.
     
For more scripture references, please see Bible verses for Self Justification


Resources

Overcoming (Part 2): Self-Justification

Bible Study by Staff

A great impediment to overcoming our sins is self-justification. We tend to excuse ourselves for what we do, and this only makes it harder to become like God.


Job, Self-Righteousness, and Humility

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The story of Job reveals a man whom God forced to see himself as he really was, and his true self-image paved the way to a leap forward in spiritual growth.


Job and Self-Evaluation (Part Three): Attitude

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Job had not achieved spiritual maturity, but had assumed the arrogant stance of attempting to debate the Creator on his own level.


Job and Self-Evaluation (Part One): Job's Character

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The lessons of the book of Job, which carry distinct New Covenant insights, applies to all. Job was complete, yet had spiritually stalled.


The Sin of Self-Deception

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

In our relationship with God, we must emphasize principle over pragmatism. If we are led into deception, it is because our carnal nature wanted it that way.


Self-Government and Responsibility (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jacob's Trouble, or the Great Tribulation, comes about because people are not meeting their God-given responsibilities: keeping His Commandments.


Self-Government and Responsibility (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Our experiences prepare us to be a better judge or king. Though we may exercise righteous judgment, we dare not pass judgment nor justify sin in ourselves.


Patterns of Resistance (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by Joseph B. Baity

A vicious circle begins with elevating ourselves in relation to God, which leads to our failure to submit. Separated from God, we then lie to ourselves, neglecting any opportunity for repentance.



For more resources, please see the library topic for Self Justification