What does the Bible say about sins of omission?

from the old testament

• In the Old Testament, silence or inaction was condemned. Leviticus 5:1 says if someone knows testimony but fails to speak when called to, they “shall bear his iniquity.”
• Proverbs 3:27-28 directly addresses the sin of omission: “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it’—when you have it with you.”
• Failure to act with justice or mercy was also considered sin. Proverbs 24:11–12 warns against refusing to rescue those being led to death, reminding us that God “weighs the heart.”
• Neglecting the poor and vulnerable was rebuked repeatedly (e.g., Isaiah 1:16–17; Amos 5:11–12). God expected His people not only to avoid wrongdoing but to actively pursue justice and care for others.

from the new testament

• James 4:17 is often used as a key verse regarding sins of omission: "So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin." This overarching theme provides the basis for the concept of a sin of omission.
• In Luke 10:30-37 Jesus gives a clear example of a sin of omission in the account of the Good Samaritan. Two different men came upon an injured man who had been robbed and was laying alongside the road. Both men passed by without helping. A third man stopped and helped, proving himself as the one who did the right thing. The two men who did not help committed a sin of omission.
• Matthew 25 offers another example regarding the sin of omission. Matthew 25:44-45 note, "Then they also will answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?' Then he will answer them, saying, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.'" Here Jesus clearly indicates that not acting can be sinful.
• 1 John 3:17 teaches that ignoring a brother in need while having resources shows a lack of God’s love, which is sin in itself.
• Matthew 5:16 offers an important reason why Christians are to act in ways that help others and not commit sins of omission: "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Such actions bring glory to God and point others to God who may not yet know Him.
• Paul recognized his guilt in committing sins of omission and commission: “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing” (Romans 7:19). He knew that Jesus was his only hope of escaping from sin (Romans 7:25).
• The apostle Paul was clear that we are not to be conformed to the world but rather be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect" (Romans 12:2). This attitude and corresponding actions are vital in avoiding sins of commission and omission.

implications for today

Following Christ is not just about avoiding evil but also about actively doing good. We may go through life thinking we are “fine” because we haven’t committed major outward sins, while quietly ignoring the needs of others, passing up opportunities to serve, or remaining silent when truth and justice are at stake. Scripture makes clear that indifference is not neutral—it is disobedience. When we know the good we ought to do and deliberately choose not to act, we reveal a heart that values comfort or self-protection over love and obedience to God.

This calls us to live alert and responsive lives, attentive to the Spirit’s promptings in daily situations. That may mean speaking a kind word when it would be easier to remain silent, sharing our resources with someone in need, or stepping into an uncomfortable situation to defend what is right. Choosing not to act may feel safe in the moment, but it misses the opportunity to reflect Christ’s love and light. Instead of measuring faithfulness by what we avoid, we can measure it by how fully we pursue Christ and live for Him. Walking with Jesus means refusing to let fear, convenience, or apathy keep us from doing the good He sets before us.