Bad example Quote by John R.W. Stott
““So then, according to Jesus, the ‘evils’ which we think, say and do are not due primarily to our environment, nor are they bad habits picked up from bad teaching, bad company or bad example; they are due to the inward corruption of our heart.””
About This Quote
Moral failings are rooted in internal spiritual corruption rather than external influences or learned habits.
In simple terms: Evil comes from a corrupted heart, not surroundings.
Key Takeaway
Inner condition determines moral actions.
Themes
ethics
spirituality
human nature
morality
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
theological
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal moral decision‑making
- counseling someone struggling with guilt
- teaching ethics in a religious context
Key Concepts
theology of sin
inner vs. outer causality
Practical Applications
- cultivate inner integrity
- practice self‑examination
Questions to Reflect On
- How does recognizing inner corruption affect personal responsibility?
- Can external influences be mitigated without addressing the heart?
A Different Perspective
External factors like trauma or oppressive environments can also heavily shape behavior, challenging a purely internal view.
