How can we distinguish good from evil?

DEFINITION AND ORIGIN OF GOOD AND EVIL

Good refers to that which aligns with the character, will, and laws of the Creator. Evil is anything that contradicts or opposes God’s moral nature. According to Berean Standard Bible texts, creation was initially deemed good by God: “And God saw all that He had made, and indeed it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). The subsequent entrance of sin, as illustrated in Genesis 3, introduced evil through humanity’s disobedience.

THE CHARACTER OF GOD AS THE STANDARD OF GOOD

Scripture consistently identifies God’s very essence as the definition of goodness. Psalm 119:68 states, “You are good, and You do what is good; teach me Your statutes.” God’s holiness sets the ultimate benchmark by which moral decisions are measured. Because He is the Creator, He has the authority to define what is right, and any deviation from His design constitutes moral wrongdoing.

HUMAN CONSCIENCE AND THE LAW WITHIN

Romans 2:14–15 explains that even those who do not possess explicit knowledge of God’s revealed law have “the requirements of the law…written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness.” This intrinsic sense of morality points to a universal design that distinguishes right from wrong at a fundamental level. When we violate this internal compass, we experience guilt or conviction, indicating our departure from what is good.

SCRIPTURAL WITNESS AND GUIDANCE

The Bible serves as a thorough guide for discerning good from evil. Proverbs 1:7 teaches, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” By revering and respecting God, individuals equip themselves with the primary lens for moral evaluation. Likewise, passages such as Isaiah 5:20 warn against moral confusion: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil.”

1. Biblical Law: The Old Testament legal codes (e.g., Exodus 20, Leviticus 19) highlight God’s moral expectations, emphasizing justice, honesty, and love for neighbor.

2. Wisdom Literature: Books such as Proverbs and Ecclesiastes provide practical insights into righteous living. Their themes include diligence, integrity, and the pursuit of divine wisdom for moral clarity.

3. New Testament Directives: Teachings in the Gospels and Epistles (e.g., Matthew 5–7, Romans 12) instruct believers to live sacrificially, love enemies, and pursue holiness.

CHRIST’S EXAMPLE AND TEACHINGS

Jesus perfectly embodies good by His life and sacrificial love. As He declares in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” His teaching in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) distinguishes selfish ambition from selfless compassion, calling His followers to mirror divine goodness through genuine acts of service, forgiveness, and purity of heart.

DISCERNMENT THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT

In John 16:13, Jesus promises that the “Spirit of truth” will guide believers “into all truth.” This guidance extends to moral discernment, illuminating Scripture and convicting hearts when confronted with evil. Galatians 5:22–23 describes the “fruit of the Spirit” (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control), a collective portrait of God’s moral standard at work in believers.

PRACTICAL STEPS TO DISTINGUISH GOOD FROM EVIL

1. Study Scripture Regularly: Immersing oneself in the biblical text equips the mind with God’s perspective, clarifying right and wrong.

2. Pray for Wisdom: James 1:5 promises that God generously imparts wisdom to those who ask. Prayer fosters humility and reliance on divine insight.

3. Evaluate Motives and Actions: Examine whether decisions spring from love, truth, and a desire to honor God.

4. Seek Godly Counsel: Proverbs 11:14 notes that “victory is won through many advisers.” Connecting with other believers can provide accountability and advice.

5. Look to Jesus’ Example: Consider how Christ would respond in a given situation, prioritizing selfless love and obedience to the Father.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SUPPORT

Numerous findings bolster the reliability of the Scriptures that define good and evil. The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in the mid-20th century at Qumran, affirm the careful transmission of the Old Testament texts, providing strong manuscript evidence. Archaeological sites in Israel and surrounding regions (e.g., Hazor, Megiddo) match well with biblical narratives, reinforcing the historical trustworthiness of events that shaped Israel’s understanding of morality.

SCIENTIFIC AND PHILOSOPHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Observations of moral norms across cultures suggest a universal, objective basis for distinguishing right from wrong. Some researchers in psychology and behavioral science argue that moral intuitions—while affected by culture—also display consistent patterns (e.g., the recognition that unjust harm is wrong), pointing to an underlying moral law reflective of intentional design. This concept aligns both with Romans 1:20, which notes that “His eternal power and divine nature” are evident in creation, and with the inherent sense of accountability in human conscience.

CONCLUSION

Distinguishing good from evil fundamentally depends on aligning one’s understanding to the character and revelation of the Creator. Scripture (both Old and New Testaments), the witness of conscience, and the work of the Holy Spirit converge to guide individuals toward righteous living. Historical and archaeological evidence supports the reliability of the biblical account, affirming a consistent, trustworthy standard for discerning morality.

By looking to God’s unchanging standard—expressed in His Word and personified in His Son—any seeker can learn to recognize and embrace what is truly good, reject evil, and live in a way that honors the Creator.