Behavior Quote by Dallin H. Oaks
“The distinction between feelings or inclinations on the one hand, and behavior on the other hand, is very clear. It's no sin to have inclinations that if yielded to would produce behavior that would be a transgression. The sin is in yielding to temptation. Temptation is not unique. Even the Savior was tempted.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: General Conference, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints, 2019
Thoughts are neutral; acting on them can be sinful. Temptation is universal, even for the Savior.
In simple terms: Thoughts are fine; actions matter.
Key Takeaway
Resist temptation, focus on righteous actions.
Themes
morality
temptation
spirituality
self‑control
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
spiritual
ethical
When to use this quote
- daily decision making
- peer pressure
- digital media consumption
- financial choices
Key Concepts
theology
ethics
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- What triggers your temptations?
- How can you strengthen resistance?
A Different Perspective
Temptation varies in intensity and context.
![“The American experiment, the United States in the past eight years [2008-2016] was not considered worthy of leading, because we had committed too many transgressions. We didn't have the moral authority to lead anybody because we had too many injustices in our past and too many discriminations and…” quote by Rush Limbaugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/837/rush-limbaugh-28_authority_the-american-experiment-the-united-state_153892.jpg)
![“The heart becomes sick, as the body becomes sick, and its remedy is al-Tawbah (repentance) and protection [from transgression]. It becomes rusty as a mirror becomes rusty, and its clarity is obtained by remembrance. It becomes naked as the body becomes naked, and its beautification is al-Taqwa. It…” quote by Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyya](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/454/ibn-qayyim-al-jawziyya-10803_als_the-heart-becomes-sick-as-the-body-becom_66500.jpg)
