What does the Bible say about doing good deeds?

Old Testament wisdom literature talks about good deeds, to a point. They are always the outgrowth and product of godly wisdom. The wise person does good things. And a person is wise because they fear the Lord.

The Old Testament is also littered with examples of people who did good deeds and who did bad deeds. Generally, those who did bad deeds would not receive the blessing and favor of the Lord. Those who did good deeds operated out of a relationship with the Lord and did the good deeds to please him. He rewarded them with blessing and promise.

In the New Testament, doing good deeds has two avenues. The New Testament teaches that doing good deeds cannot earn salvation with God. Instead, salvation only comes by faith in God’s grace (Ephesians 2:5, 8).

Paul even describes the righteous as living by faith, quoted from the Old Testament (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11). Basically, even good deeds that are done are done out of faith and righteousness.

However, after becoming a Christian and following Jesus, good deeds are expected. Paul tells us not to give up in doing good (Galatians 6:9-10). We should take every opportunity to do good to others. These works don’t save us, but confirm our faith (James 2:26). This covers the basics of how the Bible talks about good deeds.