Complete Bible Study Guide
What Does the Bible Say About Looking Back?
12 Scripture references with full text and commentary
Understanding Looking Back in the Bible
Explore what the Bible says about looking back. This collection of 15 key Scripture passages reveals God's wisdom and guidance on this important theme.
Top 10 Verses About Looking Back
- 1
- 2Ecclesiastes 7:10
“Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this. wisely: Heb. out of wisdom”
KJV - 3
- 4Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. expected: Heb. end and expectation”
KJV - 5Luke 9:59
“And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.”
KJV - 6Luke 9:62
“And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back , is fit for the kingdom of God.”
KJV - 7
- 8
- 9Romans 12:2
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
KJV - 10Philippians 3:13
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,”
KJV
Old Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Looking Back? (4 Verses)
“But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.”
“Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this. wisely: Heb. out of wisdom”
“Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.”
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. expected: Heb. end and expectation”
New Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Looking Back? (8 Verses)
“And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.”
“And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back , is fit for the kingdom of God.”
“Remember Lot's wife.”
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,”
“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
“For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:”
How to Study What the Bible Says About Looking Back
- 1
Begin by reading through every verse listed on this page, noting which ones speak most directly to your current season of life. Write them down and revisit them throughout the week.
- 2
Use a concordance or the search tools on this site to find additional passages about looking back. Look for patterns across both the Old and New Testaments to gain a complete picture of what God reveals on this subject.
- 3
Study the context of each verse. Read the surrounding chapter to understand who was speaking, who the audience was, and what circumstances prompted the passage. Context prevents misapplication.
- 4
Memorise at least one key verse about looking back and meditate on it daily. Scripture memory transforms thinking and equips you to apply God's Word in real-time situations.
Practical Application
Studying what the Bible says about looking back is only the beginning. Scripture is meant to be lived out in daily obedience and faith. Here are practical steps to apply these truths:
Identify one area of your life where the biblical teaching on looking back needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.
Share what you have learned about looking back with a fellow believer or in a small group setting. Teaching others solidifies your own understanding and encourages mutual growth.
Pray through the key verses about looking back, asking God to reveal how His Word applies to your relationships, decisions, and daily habits.
How Well Do You Know What the Bible Says About Looking Back?
You have studied 12 verses about looking back. Now test your knowledge with chapter-by-chapter quizzes covering the books where these verses appear.