Today we will talk about bible verses about regret. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through Gods word. Regret is a feeling we all meet at some point. It can help us see where we went wrong and point us back to God. In these moments we need mercy, honest prayer, and the truth of Scripture to guide our hearts. As we read the passages below, let us remember that God meets us where we are. He hears our sorrow and gives us hope. These verses will help us understand the difference between shame that crushes and godly sorrow that leads to change. They will show how we can confess, receive forgiveness, and move forward with peace. Let these words comfort and challenge us. We will find that God’s love reaches even into our mistakes. As we meditate today, may our hearts be gentle, our minds clear, and our steps steady toward the life God offers.
bible verses about regret
A Verse to Hold Close
We begin our study of bible verses about regret with a verse that names the kind of sorrow God uses to heal us. When we speak of regret, we must separate the kind that produces life from the kind that destroys. Godly sorrow meets us with truth and grace. It shows us our wrongs, leads us to confess, and points us toward repentance that changes our path. As we read, let us remember that regret can be a doorway. When we walk through it honestly and with God, we find restoration. We are not left alone to dwell in shame. Instead, God teaches us, forgives us, and invites us to grow. In these moments we learn the value of admitting fault and leaning on God’s mercy. We will see that the Bible holds many passages that help us understand how regret fits into our spiritual life. It is never meant to trap us but to bring us to the goodness of God. We will use these bible verses about regret to guide honest heart work. They will help us turn regret into stepping stones toward renewed faith, service, and hope.
2 Corinthians 7:10
“For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” – 2 Corinthians 7:10
Psalm 51:3
“For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.” – Psalm 51:3
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Psalm 32:5
“I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.” – Psalm 32:5
Proverbs 28:13
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” – Proverbs 28:13
Repentance and Forgiveness
As we study bible verses about regret, we see that repentance and forgiveness are the twin paths that bring us out of heavy hearts. We must remember that repentance is more than saying sorry; it is turning. It is a change of mind and a change of direction. When we repent, we ask God to help us do better and to give us a fresh start. The Bible shows us that forgiveness is not earned by our effort alone. It is a gift God gives when we come honestly. These verses teach us that God welcomes our return. They remind us that heaven rejoices when a heart turns back. We will find comfort in the promise that our sins can be blotted out. Regret becomes a positive force when it moves us to seek God’s mercy and to accept the cleansing He offers. As we read these bible verses about regret, let us open our hearts to genuine change and to the renewing joy that follows.
Acts 3:19
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;” – Acts 3:19
Luke 15:7
“I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” – Luke 15:7
Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” – Isaiah 1:18
Psalm 103:12
“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” – Psalm 103:12
Micah 7:18
“Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.” – Micah 7:18
Confession and Healing
When we feel regret, we often need a clear, safe way to bring our burdens into the light. The Bible gives us that way through confession and prayer. In these bible verses about regret we learn that naming our sins helps free us. When we confess, we do not hide behind excuses. We speak truth to God and to trusted brothers and sisters. This honest sharing opens the door to healing. The act of confession is not a parade of shame but a step toward wholeness. God meets us in our truth and responds with forgiveness and care. These verses show examples of leaders and prophets who turned to God with a full heart. They ask God for mercy and find renewal. Confession also builds community; we pray for each other and stand by each other through recovery. Regret loses its power when we bring it into the light, ask for help, and accept God’s healing touch. As we read these bible verses about regret, let us practice gentle honesty and seek the healing that God gives.
James 5:16
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” – James 5:16
Psalm 38:18
“For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.” – Psalm 38:18
Daniel 9:4
“And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;” – Daniel 9:4
Joel 2:13
“And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.” – Joel 2:13
Psalm 51:4
“Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.” – Psalm 51:4
God’s Mercy and Restoration
When regret sits heavy on our hearts, we long for the promise that things can be made right. The Bible fills that longing with words of mercy and restoration. These bible verses about regret remind us that God can restore what was lost. He returns joy for sorrow and gives us a new start. Restoration takes time and a willing heart. We must come to God, ask for help, and cooperate with His work in us. These verses show how God restores not only our standing but our inner life. He heals broken places and makes us able to trust and serve again. Even what was taken by our mistakes can be mended by His grace. As we hold these promises, we find courage to move forward. God’s mercy does not ignore our wrongs, but it covers them when we turn to Him. Through His restoration, regret becomes a lesson and not a life sentence. As we read these bible verses about regret, let us accept God’s work of repair and walk into the newness He offers.
Psalm 51:12
“Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.” – Psalm 51:12
Joel 2:25
“And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.” – Joel 2:25
Jeremiah 31:34
“And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” – Jeremiah 31:34
1 Peter 5:10
“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” – 1 Peter 5:10
Psalm 103:3
“Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;” – Psalm 103:3
Learning from Past Mistakes
Regret often points us back to choices that hurt us or others. The Bible helps us learn from those mistakes so we do not repeat them. In these bible verses about regret, we find teaching on how to let the past teach, not bind, us. We must name our errors honestly, then choose actions that reflect new wisdom. The goal is growth. Growth means we apply lessons, change habits, and keep our eyes on God’s purpose for us. Scripture tells us to forget what hinders and press on to what helps. It also reminds us that falling is not the end; getting up is. God can use our past failures to shape compassion, patience, and strength. We will find our story changed when we allow God to turn these painful lessons into fuel for service. As we reflect on these bible verses about regret, let us commit to learning with humility and steady courage. We will not run from our past, but we will not live in it either. Instead, we will walk forward with better steps.
Philippians 3:13
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,” – Philippians 3:13
Isaiah 43:18
“Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.” – Isaiah 43:18
Proverbs 24:16
“For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” – Proverbs 24:16
Romans 8:28
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Hebrews 12:1
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” – Hebrews 12:1
Freedom from Condemnation
When regret grows into constant condemnation, we lose sight of God’s mercy. These bible verses about regret remind us that God does not wish to condemn those who come to Him in faith. He sent Jesus to save, not to leave us under a sentence of guilt. We can stand free because Christ has borne our wrongs. This does not mean we ignore mistakes, but we do not carry a load that Christ already took. The Bible assures us that God clears the charges against us when we trust Him. We are invited into peace, not into endless guilt. Knowing this truth helps us live boldly and rightly. We can face our failures, accept God’s forgiveness, and keep going. As we read these verses, let us accept the freedom God gives. Regret can then be a teacher, not a jailer.
John 3:17
“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” – John 3:17
Romans 8:1
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” – Romans 8:1
Romans 8:31
“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” – Romans 8:31
Romans 8:33
“Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.” – Romans 8:33
John 5:24
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” – John 5:24
Forgiving Others and Letting Go
Regret sometimes grows when we hold grudges or when others hurt us. The Bible teaches that holding on to anger and bitterness damages our souls. In these bible verses about regret we learn the power of forgiving others. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting or excusing wrongs. It means choosing to release the debt and trusting God to be just. When we forgive, we free ourselves from the heavy weight of hate. These verses call us to be kind, patient, and quick to forgive as God forgave us. We will find that forgiving others helps heal our own regret and sorrow. It opens the way to restored relationships and inner peace. As we read these passages, let us ask God to help us forgive and to give us the strength to let go so we can move forward in freedom.
Matthew 6:14
“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:” – Matthew 6:14
Colossians 3:13
“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” – Colossians 3:13
Ephesians 4:32
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Luke 6:37
“Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:” – Luke 6:37
Mark 11:25
“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” – Mark 11:25
Hope and Moving Forward
Regret can make us feel stuck, but the Bible gives us hope to move on. These bible verses about regret remind us that God has plans for our future and that His mercies are new each day. We are called to trust that He can bring good from hard times. Hope is a spiritual muscle; we grow it by bringing our cares to God and by keeping our eyes on His promises. The Scriptures show that strength can be renewed and broken hearts can be healed. When we embrace these truths, regret becomes part of our story, not the end of it. We will walk ahead with confidence because God’s love and power are with us. As we read these verses, let us hold fast to hope and take small faithful steps forward in the path God sets before us.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Lamentations 3:22
“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” – Lamentations 3:22
Isaiah 40:31
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Romans 5:3
“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;” – Romans 5:3
Psalm 147:3
“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3
God’s Guidance after Failure
When regret comes after failure, we need clear guidance. The Bible offers practical direction for our feet and our hearts. These bible verses about regret teach us to trust God and seek His wisdom. He promises to guide the humble and to teach the way to those who ask. Guidance often comes through Scripture, prayer, and the counsel of mature believers. It may come slowly, step by step, as we keep listening. These passages remind us that God’s word lights our path and helps us make better choices. We will find comfort knowing that God does not abandon us after we fall. Instead, He gently redirects our steps and helps us recover. Let us read these verses and lean into God’s steady leading as we move beyond regret into wise action.
Psalm 25:9
“The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.” – Psalm 25:9
Proverbs 3:5
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5
Isaiah 30:21
“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” – Isaiah 30:21
James 1:5
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” – James 1:5
Psalm 119:105
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” – Psalm 119:105
Assurance and Peace after Repentance
After we bring our regret to God, we long for peace and assurance. The Bible promises that when we come to God in faith, we can have a calm heart and a clear conscience. These bible verses about regret show us that God gives peace that stands against fear. He remembers our sins no more and gives us a place of rest in Christ. We can be certain of His love and of the new life He provides. Peace does not mean everything will be easy, but it means our hearts can be still because God holds us. As we read these passages, let us accept God’s comfort and live with the quiet confidence that comes from being forgiven and justified. Our regrets will not define us; God’s peace will.
Philippians 4:6
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” – Philippians 4:6
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John 14:27
Hebrews 8:12
“For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” – Hebrews 8:12
Romans 5:1
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:” – Romans 5:1
Psalm 34:18
“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
Final Thoughts
I have shared these bible verses about regret to help us see God’s heart toward our sorrow. We can use regret as a teacher when we bring it to God. He turns our pain into change and our wrongs into lessons.
We will find strength by confessing, forgiving, and trusting God’s guidance. Together we can move from regret to hope, trusting that God restores and gives peace.
Let us keep these verses close, pray honestly, and walk forward in the grace we have been given. Our past does not have the final word; God does.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
Bible Commentary, Blog
50 Important bible verses about surrender (With Explanation)