Summary

This ultimate guide explores the biblical mandate of "Self-Examination" as found in 2 Corinthians 13:5. It provides a massive resource of Bible verses, forum-style Q&As for the modern believer, and practical tips for applying these truths to work, education, social circles, and family life. By using Christ as the mirror, believers can achieve excellence in their livelihood, restoration in their marriages, and wisdom in their parenting.

Examine yourself bible verse

The Spiritual Mirror: The Definitive Guide to Biblical Self-Examination

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.” — 2 Corinthians 13:5

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Part 1: Pivotal Bible Verses on Examining Yourself

1. 2 Corinthians 13:5: Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.

2. Lamentations 3:40: Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.

3. Galatians 6:4: Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone.

4. 1 Corinthians 11:28: Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

5. Psalm 139:23: Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

6. Psalm 139:24: See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

7. Haggai 1:5: Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways.”

8. Haggai 1:7: This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways.”

9. Psalm 26:2: Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind.

10. 1 Corinthians 11:31: But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment.

11. Psalm 119:59: I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes.

12. Zephaniah 2:1: Gather together, gather yourselves together, you shameful nation.

13. 1 John 1:8: If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

14. Matthew 7:3: Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

15. Matthew 7:5: You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye.

16. Proverbs 4:26: Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.

17. 1 Corinthians 10:12: So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!

18. Galatians 6:1: But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.

19. Jeremiah 17:10: I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind.

20. Job 13:23: How many flaws and sins have I committed? Show me my offense and my sin.

21. Psalm 4:4: When you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.

22. Proverbs 14:8: The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways.

23. Proverbs 21:2: A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.

24. 1 Corinthians 11:29: For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.

25. Luke 11:35: See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness.

26. Psalm 77:6: I remembered my songs in the night. My heart meditated and my spirit asked…

27. 2 John 1:8: Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for.

28. 1 Corinthians 9:27: I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that… I myself will not be disqualified.

29. Romans 12:3: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment.

30. James 1:22: Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

31. James 1:23: Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror.

32. James 1:24: And, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

33. James 1:25: But whoever looks intently into the perfect law… not forgetting what they have heard but doing it—they will be blessed.

34. 2 Timothy 2:15: Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed.

35. Psalm 119:101: I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word.

36. Proverbs 16:2: All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.

37. 1 Corinthians 4:4: My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.

38. Job 34:32: Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do so again.

39. Revelation 2:5: Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.

40. Revelation 3:2: Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die.

41. Galatians 5:26: Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

42. Hebrews 3:12: See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart.

43. Hebrews 4:12: The word of God… judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

44. Psalm 17:3: Though you probe my heart, though you examine me at night and test me, you will find that I have planned no evil.

45. Jeremiah 2:35: You say, “I am innocent…”. But I will pass judgment on you because you say, “I have not sinned.”

46. Luke 6:41: Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye?

47. Romans 14:12: So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.

48. Hebrews 12:15: See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up.

49. Proverbs 28:13: Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

50. 1 Peter 4:17: For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household.

51. 2 Corinthians 10:12: When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.

52. Psalm 119:106: I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws.

53. 1 Thessalonians 5:21: But test them all; hold on to what is good.

54. Titus 2:7: In everything set them an example by doing what is good.

55. 1 John 3:19: This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence.

56. 1 John 3:20: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts.

57. 1 John 3:21: Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God.

58. Psalm 18:23: I have been blameless before him and have kept myself from sin.

59. Luke 15:17: When he came to his senses, he said, “How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare…”

60. Deuteronomy 4:9: Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen.

61. Malachi 3:2: But who can endure the day of his coming? For he will be like a refiner’s fire.

62. Zechariah 7:5: When you fasted and mourned… was it really for me that you fasted?

63. Matthew 26:22: They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?”

64. 1 Corinthians 11:32: Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned.

65. 2 Peter 1:10: Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election.

66. Matthew 5:23: Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you…

67. Ecclesiastes 7:2: For death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart.

68. Isaiah 1:16: Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong.

69. Lamentations 3:41: Let us lift up our hearts and our hands to God in heaven.

70. Psalm 66:18: If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.

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Part 2: Questions and Answers from the Global Faithful

1. Q: Is self-examination the same as self-condemnation? A: No. Condemnation pushes you away from God; biblical examination (conviction) draws you toward Him for healing.

2. Q: How often should I examine myself? A: Daily in prayer, and deeply before Communion (1 Cor 11:28).

3. Q: What if I find a sin I can’t stop? A: Admission is the first step. Bring it to Christ, seek godly counsel, and rely on the Holy Spirit’s power.

4. Q: Can I examine myself too much? A: Yes, if it leads to “introspection paralysis.” Keep your eyes on Jesus more than on your own flaws.

5. Q: How do I know if my heart is deceiving me? A: Compare your feelings with the Word of God. The Bible is the objective standard.

6. Q: Does “testing the faith” mean I might lose my salvation? A: It means ensuring your lifestyle matches your profession of faith.

7. Q: Should I compare my progress to other Christians? A: No, 2 Cor 10:12 says comparing yourself to others is unwise. Compare yourself to the Word.

8. Q: What is “sober judgment”? A: Seeing yourself accurately—neither a worm nor a god, but a redeemed child of God.

9. Q: How do I identify a “bitter root”? A: Look for recurring anger or resentment when a certain person’s name is mentioned.

10. Q: Is it okay to ask others to examine me? A: Yes, trusted mentors can see “planks” we might miss.

(Questions 11-80 cover: Morning vs. evening reflection, the role of the Holy Spirit, dealing with “secret sins,” the danger of pride in self-correction, and the peace that comes from a clear conscience.)

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Part 3: Practical Tips for Daily Self-Examination

Workplace & Career (1–25)

1. Motivcheck: Ask: “Am I working hard because of God or to impress my boss?”

2. Ethics Review: Did I “stretch the truth” in today’s report?

3. Tongue Guard: Did my words build up my team or tear them down?

4. Time Stewardship: Did I actually work the hours I was paid for?

5. Reaction Analysis: How did I respond to that criticism? Was it with pride?

6. Comparison Trap: Did I feel jealous of my coworker’s promotion?

7. Servant Leadership: Did I help someone today without expecting credit?

8. Integrity Audit: Would I be ashamed if my browser history was public?

9. Stress Source: Is my anxiety coming from a lack of trust in God’s provision?

10. Ambition Test: Is my career goal for God’s glory or my own name?

11. Conflict Resolution: Am I avoiding a hard conversation out of fear?

12. Gossip Filter: Did I participate in the breakroom slander?

13. Professionalism: Do I represent Christ in my dress and speech?

14. Deadlines: Does my lateness reflect a lack of respect for others?

15. Prayer for Rivals: Can I sincerely pray for the success of my competitor?

16. Skill Stewardship: Am I using my talents to their full potential?

17. Humility Check: Can I accept a lower task without complaining?

18. Financial Honesty: Am I being honest with my taxes and expenses?

19. Work/Life Balance: Am I neglecting my family for “success”?

20. Gratitude: Did I thank God for this job today, even if it’s hard?

21. Focus: Did I stay focused, or did I waste time on distractions?

22. Influence: If my coworkers followed my lead, where would they end up?

23. Patience: Did I lose my temper with a difficult client?

24. Mentorship: Am I hoarding knowledge or sharing it?

25. End-of-Day Repentance: Briefly ask God to forgive any workplace sins before leaving.

Education & Studies (26–50)

26. Honesty Check: Did I take any shortcuts or cheat on my assignment?

27. Diligence Audit: Did I give my best effort to my studies today?

28. Intellectual Pride: Am I becoming “puffed up” by what I know?

29. Respect for Authority: Did I speak disrespectfully of my teacher/professor?

30. Purpose: Why am I studying this? To serve others or to feel superior?

31. Distraction Control: How much time did I spend on social media vs. studying?

32. Peer Support: Did I help a struggling classmate or ignore them?

33. Stewardship of Mind: What am I feeding my mind outside of class?

34. Gratitude for Education: Do I complain about work that millions wish they had?

35. Theology/Practice Gap: Am I learning about God but not talking to Him?

36. Consistency: Am I cramming at the last minute or being faithful?

37. Organization: Does my clutter reflect a cluttered spiritual life?

38. Curiosity: Am I seeking truth or just a grade?

39. Encouragement: Did I encourage a peer who failed a test?

40. Humility in Discussion: Can I listen to other views without getting angry?

41. Goal Setting: Are my academic goals aligned with my spiritual values?

42. Writing Integrity: Am I plagiarizing or giving credit where due?

43. Quiet Time: Did my studies push out my Bible reading today?

44. Peer Pressure: Did I compromise my values to fit in with a group?

45. Health Stewardship: Am I getting enough sleep to study effectively?

46. Application: How can I use today’s lesson to serve God?

47. Resource Use: Am I wasting my parents’ or my own money?

48. Anxiety Check: Am I trusting God with my grades?

49. Faith Boldness: Am I afraid to mention my faith in class?

50. Joy: Can I find God’s hand in the subject I’m studying?

Social Life & Community (51–75)

51. Authenticity: Am I wearing a “mask” to look more spiritual?

52. Influence: Do my friends bring me closer to Christ or further away?

53. Listening: Did I really listen today, or was I just waiting to speak?

54. Judgmentalism: Did I judge someone’s heart based on their appearance?

55. Inclusion: Did I talk only to my “clique” or welcome the newcomer?

56. Social Media Use: Does my profile reflect the fruit of the Spirit?

57. Loyalty: Did I defend an absent friend who was being slandered?

58. Generosity: Did I share my resources with a friend in need?

59. Envy Audit: Did I feel a “sting” when my friend got good news?

60. Truthfulness: Did I exaggerate a story to make myself look better?

61. Hospitality: Is my home a place of rest for others?

62. Boundaries: Am I saying “yes” just to please people?

63. Anger Management: Do I hold onto “micro-grudges”?

64. Intercession: Did I pray for the friends I saw today?

65. Discretion: Can I keep a secret, or am I a “prayer-request” gossiper?

66. Humility: Can I apologize first, even if I’m only 10% wrong?

67. Worldliness: Am I chasing the same things the world is chasing?

68. Encouragement: How many people did I build up today?

69. Commitment: Did I keep my word to meet or help someone?

70. Self-Control: Did I overindulge in food, drink, or entertainment?

71. Peace-making: Am I a bridge-builder or a bridge-burner?

72. Spiritual Conversations: Did I mention Jesus to anyone today?

73. Selfishness: Was my social interaction today about me or them?

74. Vulnerability: Do I have at least one person who knows my real struggles?

75. Reflection: Did I leave people feeling better or worse after seeing me?

Family & Home (76–100)

76. Patience Check: Was I more patient with coworkers than with my kids/spouse?

77. Servant Heart: Did I do a chore today without being asked?

78. Gentleness: Was my tone of voice harsh today?

79. Leadership: Am I leading my family toward Christ or toward a screen?

80. Forbearance: Did I let a small annoyance go, or did I nag?

81. Affection: Did I show physical or verbal love to my family today?

82. Spiritual Discipline: Did we pray together as a family?

83. Priority: Did I give my family my “leftover” energy or my best?

84. Honesty: Am I hiding anything from my spouse (money, habits, thoughts)?

85. Forgiveness: Am I holding a grudge against a parent or sibling?

86. Role Model: If my children grow up to be exactly like me, is that good?

87. Contentment: Am I complaining about our house/car/lifestyle?

88. Listening: Did I give my spouse/child my undivided attention?

89. Humility: Did I apologize to my child when I was wrong?

90. Provision: Am I working to provide or working to escape?

91. Boundaries: Am I letting the “world” (TV/Internet) raise my kids?

92. Sacrifice: Did I give up my “me-time” for someone else’s “we-time”?

93. Grace: Do I have a “culture of grace” or a “culture of rules” at home?

94. In-Laws: Did I speak well of my extended family?

95. Protection: Am I guarding the “gates” of my home (media, influences)?

96. Joy: Is there laughter in my home, or just tension?

97. Tradition: Am I building spiritual memories for my family?

98. Self-Care: Am I neglecting my health and becoming irritable?

99. Worship: Is my home a place where God’s name is honored?

100. Final Audit: If I died tonight, what is the “seed” I left in my family’s heart?

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Part 4: Maximizing Your Life through Christ

Biblical self-examination is the key to unlocking a higher quality of life. By constantly aligning yourself with Jesus, you experience:

• Better Livelihood: Integrity and excellence (Col 3:23) make you indispensable. When you examine your work ethic through Christ, you don’t just work for a boss; you work for the King. This leads to favor and professional growth.

• A Thriving Marriage: When two people focus on taking the “plank” out of their own eyes before criticizing the other, conflict dissolves. Self-examination leads to humility, and humility is the oxygen of intimacy.

• Effective Parenting: You cannot lead where you haven’t gone. By examining your own character, you become the model your children need. You teach them how to repent and how to grow by showing them your own journey with Christ.

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