Self-examination, examples of

Scripture provides numerous examples of self-examination, and its results. In particular, self-examination is often portrayed as leading to repentance.

Self-examination in the experience of Israel

Self-examination at the entry into the promised land

Joshua 7:1–26, Joshua 24:14

Self-examination during the war with the Philistines

1 Samuel 14:24–47

Self-examination at the time of the exile

Jeremiah 31:18–20

Self-examination after returning from exile in Babylon

Nehemiah 8:9; Haggai 1:5–12, Haggai 2:15–19

Self-examination by other nations

Jonah 3:1–10

Self-examination in the experience of individuals

King David

Psalm 51:3–6 See also 2 Samuel 12:1–13; Psalm 32:3–5

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You may be proved right when You speak and blameless when You judge. Surely I was brought forth in iniquity; I was sinful when my mother conceived me. Surely You desire truth in the inmost being; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

Job

Job 42:1–6

Then Job replied to the LORD: “I know that You can do all things and that no plan of Yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this who conceals My counsel without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak. I will question you, and you shall inform Me.’ My ears had heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You. Therefore I despise myself, and I repent in dust and ashes.”

The psalmists

Psalm 119:59 See also Psalm 42:5, Psalm 42:11, Psalm 43:5

I considered my ways and turned my steps to Your testimonies.

The lost son

Luke 15:17–20

Finally he came to his senses and said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have plenty of food, but here I am, starving to death! I will get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.

The disciples

Matthew 26:22 parallel Mark 14:19

They were deeply grieved and began to ask Him one after another, “Surely not I, Lord?”

Judas

See also Matthew 26:25, Matthew 27:3–5