Thoughts of Famous Temptation Quotes in English
Temptation quotes serve as poignant reflections on the intricate battle between desire and self-control, vividly illustrating the magnetic pull that temptation exerts on individuals from all walks of life. These quotes often encapsulate the profound internal conflicts that arise when one is faced with the choice between succumbing to immediate gratification and pursuing long-term objectives that require discipline and restraint. For instance, consider the quote, "The greatest trap in our life is not success, popularity, or power, but self-rejection." This statement powerfully underscores the internal struggles that can be exacerbated by temptation, highlighting how the desire for instant pleasure can lead to self-sabotage and an erosion of self-worth.
Here is a list of famous quotes about temptation, along with their meanings and examples. These quotes explore the struggle of resisting desires, the consequences of giving in, and the strength needed to overcome temptations.
1. "I can resist everything except temptation." – Oscar Wilde
Meaning: This quote humorously highlights how difficult it can be to resist temptation. Wilde suggests that, although one may be able to control other impulses, temptation is often too strong to ignore.
Example: A person on a diet might resist sweets for weeks but eventually gives in when offered their favorite dessert, illustrating how even strong resolve can falter when temptation is powerful.
2. "Temptation is the feeling we get when encountered by an opportunity to do what we innately know we shouldn’t." – Steve Maraboli
Meaning: Temptation often arises when we’re presented with the chance to indulge in something we know isn’t right. It’s an internal struggle between what we want and what we know is best for us.
Example: A student feels tempted to cheat on an exam when they see the answers nearby, knowing it’s wrong but still feeling drawn to take the opportunity.
3. "The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it." – Oscar Wilde
Meaning: Wilde’s ironic statement suggests that if you give in to temptation, it will no longer have power over you. However, this is more of a satirical take, implying that temptation will simply reappear, stronger than before.
Example: A person craving sweets decides to indulge, hoping that the craving will go away once satisfied, only to find themselves craving it even more.
4. "Temptation usually comes in through a door that has deliberately been left open." – Arnold Glasow
Meaning: This quote suggests that temptation often finds a way in because we allow it. When we create situations where temptation is possible, we make it harder to resist.
Example: A person trying to quit smoking but still keeps cigarettes at home might find themselves tempted and ultimately gives in, showing that leaving an "open door" can make resisting harder.
5. "Lead us not into temptation. Just tell us where it is; we'll find it." – Sam Levenson
Meaning: This humorous quote implies that people are often willing to seek out temptation rather than avoid it. It’s a lighthearted take on how people sometimes actively look for things they should resist.
Example: Someone on a budget might still browse online stores, knowing they’re likely to buy something unnecessary, showing how people sometimes intentionally put themselves in tempting situations.
6. "Every moment of resistance to temptation is a victory." – Frederick William Faber
Meaning: Resisting temptation, even moment by moment, is an accomplishment. Each act of resistance builds strength and resilience.
Example: A recovering addict fights daily cravings and finds strength with each small victory, seeing each day they resist as a step toward healing.
7. "There are several good protections against temptation, but the surest is cowardice." – Mark Twain
Meaning: Twain humorously suggests that avoiding temptation out of fear is sometimes the most effective way to resist. This implies that staying away from tempting situations can be easier than confronting them.
Example: A person who feels tempted to overspend avoids going to shopping malls entirely, preferring to avoid the situation rather than risk giving in.
8. "Temptation is a woman’s weapon and man’s excuse." – H.L. Mencken
Meaning: Mencken reflects on how temptation is often used as an excuse for actions, especially in the context of relationships. It suggests people might blame temptation instead of taking responsibility for their choices.
Example: After making a poor decision, someone blames the temptation rather than acknowledging their lack of willpower, treating temptation as an external force rather than a personal choice.
9. "Opportunity may knock only once, but temptation leans on the doorbell." – Anonymous
Meaning: Temptation is often persistent, unlike opportunities, which may be fleeting. Temptation keeps presenting itself until it’s acknowledged or confronted.
Example: A person trying to eat healthier finds it difficult when their favorite treats are always present at work, constantly tempting them to indulge.
10. "It is easier to stay out than to get out." – Mark Twain
Meaning: This quote emphasizes that avoiding temptation altogether is often easier than trying to resist it once you're already involved. Preventing temptation is often simpler than dealing with the consequences.
Example: Someone who doesn’t want to drink alcohol might find it easier to avoid bars and parties, where they’d feel tempted, rather than putting themselves in a position where they have to say no.
11. "Temptations, unlike opportunities, will always give you many second chances." – Orlando Aloysius Battista
Meaning: While opportunities are often one-time events, temptation tends to keep returning, presenting multiple chances to give in. It’s a reminder that temptation is persistent.
Example: A person trying to avoid gossip hears coworkers discussing something juicy and feels tempted to join. They resist once, but the conversation keeps coming up, testing their resolve.
12. "Do not bite at the bait of pleasure, till you know there is no hook beneath it." – Thomas Jefferson
Meaning: Jefferson advises caution against falling for temptations that seem enjoyable at first but come with hidden consequences.
Example: Someone might be tempted to skip studying to go out with friends, but if they do, they’ll face poor grades later. The initial pleasure often has unseen downsides.
13. "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." – James 4:7 (Bible)
Meaning: This biblical quote emphasizes that by actively resisting temptation, one can gain strength, and eventually, the temptations will lessen or disappear.
Example: A person struggling with procrastination makes a daily effort to stay focused on their goals, gradually finding it easier to resist distractions over time.
14. "It is good to be without vices, but it is not good to be without temptations." – Walter Bagehot
Meaning: Experiencing temptation can help build character and self-control. The struggle against temptation teaches resilience and wisdom.
Example: A person who struggles with honesty might feel tempted to lie but learns to value truthfulness by resisting this urge, building a stronger sense of integrity.
15. "Nothing makes it easier to resist temptation than a proper bringing-up, a sound set of values—and witnesses." – Franklin P. Jones
Meaning: Resisting temptation is easier with a solid moral foundation, values, and social accountability. Having others around can often remind people of their principles.
Example: A person feeling tempted to act out of character may reconsider when around people they respect or look up to, as they feel more accountable for their actions.
These quotes reveal various aspects of temptation, from humor and irony to insights about strength and values. Together, they remind us that temptation is a universal experience, and how we respond shapes our character.
In exploring the themes presented in these quotes, one can find a wealth of insights that inspire deep reflection and encourage individuals to embark on a journey of personal growth. They challenge us to confront our vulnerabilities and recognize the moments when our desires may steer us away from our core values. The wisdom encapsulated within these succinct expressions resonates universally, reaching anyone navigating the complex landscape of human desire and the often painful process of resisting it.
Temptation quotes do more than merely articulate the struggle; they offer a framework through which individuals can understand their own experiences and feelings. They serve as reminders that each person is not alone in their fight against temptation, reinforcing the notion that these struggles are a fundamental aspect of the human experience. By engaging with these thoughts, individuals are urged to make mindful decisions that align with their aspirations and moral compass, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and authentic life.
In summary, temptation quotes are more than just words; they are reflections of the universal human condition, encapsulating the essence of our struggles with desire and self-control. Through their powerful messaging, they invite introspection and provoke meaningful conversations about the challenges we face, ultimately motivating us to rise above temptation and move toward a more purposeful existence.
Thought of the day Temptation
If you are facing some kind of temptation, remember that it is within your power to get the victory over it.
- Sunday Adelaja Thoughts
It's all very well to say resist temptation, but it's ever so much easier to resist it if you can't get the key. - L.M.Montgomery |
Temptations have their degrees, they are at first mere thoughts and do not appear dangerous; the imagination receives them without any fears; the pleasure grows; we dwell upon it, and at last we yield to it. - Pierre Abélard |
Rise above the deceptions and temptations of the mind. This is your duty. You are born for this only; all other duties are self-created and self-imposed owing to ignorance. - Sivananda |
Even in cases where most people are doing the right thing, talking about the minority who are doing the wrong thing can encourage people to give in to temptation. - Jonah Berger |
Despite the weight of the world on my shoulders, the temptation to stop and smell the supernatural roses tugged on my sleeves a time or two. - John Corwin |
Tomorrow's character is made out of today's thoughts. Temptation may come suddenly, but sin doesn't. - Randy Alcorn |
Temptation is the feeling we get when encountered by an opportunity to do what we innately know we shouldn't. - Steve Maraboli |
The temptation for humans to steal glory from something or someone is not a new thing. We long to be known, to be championed and glorified. - Jonathan Hayashi |
Temptations, when we meet them at first, are as the lion that roared upon Samson; but if we overcome them, the next time we see them we shall find a nest of honey within them. - John Bunyan |
The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it. Resist it, and your soul grows sick with longing for the things it has forbidden to itself. - Oscar Wilde |
Temptation Quotes List and Sayings in English |
Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before. -Mae West |
Temptation wrings integrity even as the thumbscrew twists a man's fingers. - Chinese Proverbs |
Temptation is stronger in the minds of people who are in doubt. Prayer makes it weaker. - Toba Beta Quotation |
Maybe, said their eyes, they're already here. - A Quotation From Ray Bradbury |
Lead me not into temptation. I can find the way myself. - Temptation Quotes in English by Jane Seabrook |
Be sure that Satan will tempt you at your weak point, not the strong. - Billy Graham |
Don't let the eyes guide the heart, but have the heart guide the eyes. - Anthony Liccione |
I generally avoid temptation unless I can't resist it. - Mae West |
I can resist anything except temptation. - Oscar Wilde |
The worst temptation is instant gratification. - Jon Luvelli |
Temptations, unlike opportunities, will always give you many second chances. - Orlando A. Battista |
Be very sure that you do not deliberately place yourself in a position to be tempted. - Billy Graham |
Better shun the bait, than struggle in the snare. - John Dryden |
He had stirred my emotion and fractured my resistance, but I carried an unbreakable love. - Meredith T. Taylor |
The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it. - Oscar Wilde |
Temptation is not a sin. It is the yielding that is sin. All temptation is from the devil. - Billy Graham |
Temptation requires definite, decisive action. - Billy Graham |
Only a strong faith - a faith based on God’s Word - will protect us from temptation and doubt. - Billy Graham |
Some temptations come to the industrious, but all temptations attack the idle. - Charles H. Spurgeon |
Doing without will wear on you until temptation is stronger than character, sometimes. - Dan Groat |
It’s always the ones we’re not supposed to have who are the most irresistible. - E.M. Denning |
Knowing was a temptation. What you don't know won't tempt you. - Margaret Atwood, |
Only the man who wishes to be corrupted will fall into evil ways. - Tamora Pierce |
Eve was tempted not by wealth or love but by knowledge. - Philip Pullman |
Temptation doesn't entail solicitation. - Andy Harglesis |
Success cannot resist the temptation of consistency and persistence. - Noel DeJesus |
Temptation is the fire that brings up the scum of the heart. - William Shakespeare |
Resist the temptation to see yourself as a victim. - James C. Dobson |
Don't bite off more than you can chew. - unknown |
If you don't want trouble, don't go looking for it. unknown |
The crow may be caged but his thoughts are in the cornfield. - Belizean |
Temptation usually comes in through a door that has deliberately been left open. - Arnold Glasow |
Temptation Quotes List |
The only way to avoid cannon-shot is to fall down. No such way to be freed from temptation as to keep low. - Thomas Brooks |
There are many temptations in this life, but cake is probably one of the biggest of them. - Alexander McCall Smith |
While you and I have to expect temptation, we sure don’t have to feed it. - Paula Hendricks |
If passion drives, let reason hold the reins. Benjamin Franklin |
Remove the temptation of idleness and cupids bow is useless. - Ovid |
When a man wants nothing, it's evil to tempt him with something. - Marty Rubin |
Temptation is the voice of reason without its clothes on. - Anthony Marais |
Resist the temptation to make yourself miserable. - Marty Rubin |
Curiosity killed the cat. - E. O'Neill |
The devil tempts but doesn't force. - Guyanan |
Every temptation comes with a choice. - Michael Bassey Johnson |
We usually know what we can do, but temptation shows us who we are. - Thomas Kempis |
Nor eye in a letter, nor hand in a purse, nor ear in the secret of another. Benjamin Franklin |
Temptations are a file which rub off much of the rust of our self-confidence. - Francois Fenelon |
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life. - Bible |
Why comes temptation, but for man to meet and master and crouch beneath his foot, and so be pedestaled in triumph? - Temptation Quotes by Robert Browning |
Most people would like to be delivered from temptation but would like it to keep in touch. - Robert Orben Quotes |
If you are facing some kind of temptation, remember that it is within your power to get the victory over it. - Sunday Adelaja * |
Nothing makes it easier to resist temptation than a proper bringing-up, a sound set of values and witnesses. - Franklin P. Jones |
There is a charm about the forbidden that makes it unspeakably desirable. - Mark Twain |
The final aim of any temptation is to bring a person back into the kingdom of darkness. - Sunday Adelaja |
Our response to temptation reveals the substance of our faith. - Dillon Burroughs |
Ignoring a temptation is far more effective than fighting. - Rick Warren |
People couldn't become truly holy, he said, unless they also had the opportunity to be definitively wicked. - Terry Pratchett |
Temptation is a test of your relationship, not your self-control. - Chris Hodges |
Power was my weakness and my temptation. - J.K. Rowling |
Remove yourself from temptation. Don't even look at something if you know you shouldn't have it. - Lucy Diamond |
The problem with temptation is that you may not get another chance. - Laurence Peter |
Before you can resist troubles of life, you need to resist temptations of life. - Amit Kalantri |
Temptation rarely comes in working hours. It is in their leisure time that men are made or marred. - W. N. Taylor Download or Share |
It is good to be without vices, but it is not good to be without temptations. - Walter Bagehot Download or Share |
I generally avoid temptation unless I can’t resist it. - Temptation Quotes by Mae West Download or Share |
Good habits result from resisting temptation. - Temptation Quotes by Ancient Proverb Download or Share |
Those who flee temptation generally leave a forwarding address. - Temptation Quotes by Lane Olinghouse Download or Share |
There are several god protections against temptations, but the surest is cowardice. - Mark Twain Download or Share |
There is not any memory with less satisfaction than the memory of some temptation we resisted. - Temptation Quotes by James Branch Cabell Download or Share |
I never resist temptation because I have found that things that are bad for me do not tempt me. - Temptation Quotes by George Bernard Shaw Download or Share |
I can resist anything but temptation. - Oscar Wilde Download or Share |
The last temptation is the greatest treason: to do the right deed for the wrong reason. - T. S. Eliot Download or Share |
The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking spaces. - Will Rogers Download or Share |
I can smell her perfume, something flowery, too strong in this enclosed darkness. I wonder if this is temptation. If so, I am stone. - Joanne Harris |
The force of the blow depends on the resistance. It is sometimes better not to struggle against temptation. Either fly or yield at once. - Francis H. Bradley |
There are intersections of integrity and temptation in every career and every life. The challenge is to do the right thing no matter what. - Bill Gates |
You never know what you're made of until temptation comes knocking. The only temptation I've given in to is to have one more slice. - Donna Lynn Hope |
Every conquering temptation represents a new fund of moral energy. Every trial endured and weathered in the right spirit makes a soul nobler and stronger than it was before. - William Butler Yeats |
But a good wife a good unworldly woman - may really help a man, and keep him more independent. - George Eliot |
Temptation can sway even the purest mind to sin, and the denialist to claim that tomorrow will bring change. However, the irrefutable truth is - tomorrow, my friend, never comes. - Jason Worthley |
It’s rather a strong check to one’s self-complacency to find how much of one’s right doing depends on not being in want of money. - George Eliot |
Pray that temptation may not come upon you, but when it does come, accept it as something not alien but your own. - Mark the Ascetic |
Temptation is like a knife, that may either cut the meat or the throat of a man; it may be his food or his poison, his exercise or his destruction. - John Owen |
The greatest temptations are not those that solicit our consent to obvious sin, but those that offer us great evils masking as the greatest goods. - Thomas Merton Thoughts |
I had run away from all this, but the devil still tempted that stupid little girl. She knew better than most what would come of that. - Jessica Hawkins Thought |
But there was only so much temptation a man could resist without losing all respect for himself. - Michael Swanwick |
The promise of power wasn't enough, he thought. So now she tempts me with knowledge. - Anthony Ryan |
Temptation is stronger in the minds of people who are in doubt. Prayer makes it weaker. - Toba Beta |
If you tempted a poor man with a fortune, who could blame the fellow for taking what he could? - Sara Sheridan |
The temptation to spend money increases as a person’s opportunities increase. - Sunday Adelaja |
Temptation is the devil looking through the keyhole. Yielding is opening the door and inviting him in. - Billy Sunday |
Sometimes we have to behave indifferent towards people who proclaim their love to us, just to see if they are really different. - Michael Bassey Johnson |
The greatest temptations are not those that solicit our consent to obvious sin, but those that offer us great evils masking as the greatest goods. - Thomas Merton |
Temptation likes best those who think they have a natural immunity, for it may laugh all the harder when they succumb. - Catherynne M. Valente |
I suppose it is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail. - Abraham Maslow |
