What is goodness in the Bible?

Goodness (Greek: agathōsynē) is one of the nine fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. Goodness is integrity in action: doing what's right, and doing good, even when it's costly or no one is watching.

What goodness looks like

• Honesty in small things
• Standing up for others
• Owning your mistakes

Counterfeit: Looking good in public while cutting corners in private.

Opposite: Compromise, deceit and doing nothing when you could help.

15 Bible verses about goodness

Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:21 (WEB)

Depart from evil, and do good. Seek peace, and pursue it.

Psalm 34:14 (WEB)

Beloved, don’t imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn’t seen God.

3 John 11 (WEB)

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10 (WEB)

Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:16 (WEB)

Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in Yahweh’s house forever.

Psalm 23:6 (WEB)

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good.

Romans 12:9 (WEB)

To him therefore who knows to do good and doesn’t do it, to him it is sin.

James 4:17 (WEB)

But don’t forget to be doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Hebrews 13:16 (WEB)

Trust in Yahweh, and do good. Dwell in the land, and enjoy safe pasture.

Psalm 37:3 (WEB)

Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philippians 4:8 (WEB)

Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men.

Romans 12:17 (WEB)

In all things show yourself an example of good works. In your teaching, show integrity, seriousness, incorruptibility,

Titus 2:7 (WEB)

Oh taste and see that Yahweh is good. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

Psalm 34:8 (WEB)

But let justice roll on like rivers, and righteousness like a mighty stream.

Amos 5:24 (WEB)

3 ways to practise goodness today

• What you already know: Bring one decision you've been putting off to The Right Thing.
• When no one is watching: Use The Right Thing on something nobody would ever find out about.
• Good to those who wrong you: Think of someone who wronged you. Use The Right Thing to choose one good response.

In the Ninefruit app, the goodness journey has five stages and its own tool, The Right Thing: Talk yourself through a real decision with four honest questions, then commit to what you'll do.

A prayer for goodness

Lord, make me good all the way through, not just on the surface.

Is goodness your strongest fruit, or your growing one? Take the free test.