Your Good Works Are Not Filthy Rags

Many Christians, young and old, carry a quiet assumption about their lives “Even my best efforts are just filthy rags before God.” It’s a humbling thought, even a sobering one and it’s often quoted from Isaiah 64:6. But what if that verse has been misunderstood? What if the Bible offers a more hopeful, honoring view of your holy obedience?

Let’s take a closer look at the tension between our holy deeds and the idea of “filthy rags.” Along the way, we’ll discover why Nehemiah and others throughout Scripture could pray confidently, asking God to remember their righteousness, and why you can too.

Filthy Rags? Not So Fast

Isaiah 64:6 reads, “All our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment” (or “filthy rags” in older translations). But context is key. Just one verse earlier, Isaiah says “You meet him who joyfully works righteousness, those who remember you in your ways.” (Isaiah 64:5)

Clearly, God does take joy in the righteous works of his people when they are done with joy and in faith. So what is Isaiah condemning? Hypocrisy. He’s calling out the appearance of righteousness that hides hearts filled with pride, rebellion, or apathy. These are the empty rituals and dead religiosity of those who act holy while their hearts are far from God (Isaiah 29:13).

And that makes sense. Jesus said the same about the Pharisees in Matthew 23:27 they looked righteous on the outside but were spiritually dead within.

To turn Isaiah 64:6 into a blanket statement that every good deed a believer does is filthy before God is not only incorrect it’s deeply damaging. It undercuts the joy of obedience and the wonder of Spirit-empowered holiness.

God Delights in the Righteous

Scripture is filled with affirmations that God loves, receives, and even rewards the good works of his people when done in faith:

• “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (Hebrews 13:16)

• “I have received…the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:18)

• “Whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:8)

• “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)

These are not filthy rags. These are fragrant offerings. The good works God delights in are those that flow from a heart of faith, not self-righteousness. As Hebrews 11:6 reminds us “Without faith it is impossible to please [God].”

But with faith, we do please him. And what a hope that is.

Faithful Deeds and Eternal Rewards

This brings us to a beautiful truth: God, by grace, empowers our good works and then rewards them by grace.

This isn’t earning. It’s not merit. It’s mercy. We do not put God in our debt by our deeds. We bring him joy by trusting in his grace, and that trust bears fruit in our actions.

• Giving a cup of cold water in Jesus’s name? It won’t be forgotten (Matthew 10:42).

• Enduring hardship with integrity? There’s an eternal weight of glory being prepared for you (2 Corinthians 4:17).

• Obedience that costs you? That’s the path of reward (Matthew 5:11–12).

It’s not prideful to long for that reward. It’s faithful.

But What About Nehemiah?

So when Hanley from New Zealand asks why Nehemiah prays things like “Remember me, O my God, concerning this” (Nehemiah 13:14), it’s a very good question. Should we pray like that?

Yes when we understand what Nehemiah is really doing.

Nehemiah isn’t bragging or trying to earn favor. He is, like David before him, appealing to God’s justice and mercy in the face of opposition and injustice. In a time of trial, when he’s being criticized or maligned, he’s saying, “Lord, you know I did this for your name. You know I tried to walk in integrity. Please remember.”

David prays similarly “May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.” (Psalm 25:21)

He also confesses his sin openly in the same Psalm (v.7, 11, 18). So clearly, these prayers of “remember my righteousness” are not self-righteous claims—they are humble appeals from believers who are seeking to honor God in a broken world.

A Place for Prayers of Integrity

Should we pray that way today? It may not be your daily prayer but in moments of trial, accusation, or hidden obedience, it is right and biblical to ask God to remember your faithfulness.

You might pray:

• “Lord, I am not perfect, but you know I’ve tried to be faithful in this. Please remember my labor and vindicate me.”

• “God, you see how I’ve endured this silently for your sake. I don’t need the world’s approval but I ask for your reward in the end.”

This isn’t arrogance. It’s trust.

And yes, you can say with David, “Remember not the sins of my youth” (Psalm 25:7) and also say, “Let integrity and uprightness preserve me.” Both are part of the faithful life.

Your Spirit-Filled Works Are Not Filthy

Let this sink in the Spirit of God is producing in you love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). These are not filthy rags. They are beautiful fruit offered to God, pleasing to him.

So don’t be afraid to rejoice in your obedience. Don’t despise what God delights in.

And when you’re tired, unrecognized, or falsely accused, don’t hesitate to say “Lord, remember me. You know how I’ve sought to follow you.”

He sees. He remembers. And he will not forget.

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