Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow — What's the Difference?
Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow — What's the Difference? Godly sorrow grieves over sin against God and produces repentance and life; worldly sorrow grieves over consequences and produces despair and death.
Key verse: 2 Corinthians 7:10 (KJV)
Godly sorrow grieves over sin against God and produces repentance and life; worldly sorrow grieves over consequences and produces despair and death.
Godly sorrow grieves over sin against God and produces repentance and life; worldly sorrow grieves over consequences and produces despair and death.
"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death." — 2 Corinthians 7:10 (KJV)
Meaning
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The Biblical Answer
Godly sorrow grieves over sin against God and produces repentance and life; worldly sorrow grieves over consequences and produces despair and death.\n\nScripture sets out the truth plainly. 2 Corinthians 7:10 declares: "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death." This is the anchor of the answer.\n\nPsalm 51:17 confirms and broadens the picture: "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." When believers understand the distinction, confusion fades and obedience clarifies. Both ideas are grounded in God's character and meet ultimately in the person and work of Christ.
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Key Scripture References
"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death."
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."
"Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver."
Frequently asked questions
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Related Questions
Repentance vs. Remorse — What's the Difference?
Remorse is feeling sorry for sin or its consequences; repentance is a Spirit-given change of mind that turns from sin to God and bears fruit in changed action.
How to Stop Sinning?
Believers stop sinning by abiding in Christ, walking in the Spirit, confessing sin honestly, fleeing temptation, renewing the mind with Scripture, and trusting grace to break sin's dominion.
What Is Repentance?
Repentance is a genuine change of mind and heart about sin, turning away from it and toward God.
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
The unforgivable sin, or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is the persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Jesus Christ.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
Jesus died as a substitutionary sacrifice to pay the penalty for human sin and reconcile humanity to God.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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The answer above sits inside 2 Corinthians. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read 2 Corinthians on day 330 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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