Romans 7:19

19 I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway.

Romans 7:19 Meaning and Commentary

Romans 7:19

For the good that I would, I do not
The apostle here repeats what he had delivered in ( Romans 7:15 Romans 7:16 ) to strengthen and confirm this part of his experience; that though he had a will to that which was good, yet he wanted power, and had none of himself to perform; and therefore often did what he would not, and what he would he did not.

Romans 7:19 In-Context

17 But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can't keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help!

18 I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it.

19 I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway.

20 My decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.

21 It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up.