Bible Verses to Encourage

Bible Verses to Encourage: What Scripture Can I Use to Encourage Someone?

Encouragement is a gift that often arrives at the precise moment we feel like giving up. These selected Bible verses are chosen to lift spirits, bolster faith, and provide solace to anyone in need of a confidence in the goodness and presence of God. These verses can serve as a way to encourage you or for you to encourage others. Take time and pray these verses for yourself and for others.

What is the Most Comforting Bible Verse? What is a Good Encouraging Bible Verse?

Whether because we are at the end of our rope or we want to bring powerful words into the life of someone we love sometimes we feel the need for a verse that will truly make a difference. The whole Bible is filled with the love and counsel of God so it is impossible to settle on one verse. But, as a matter of opinion, these two verses are the top contenders.

Romans 8:28–39
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; and those he called, he also justified; and those he justified, he also glorified. What, then, are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He did not even spare his own Son but gave him up for us all. How will he not also with him grant us everything? Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies. Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the one who died, but even more, has been raised; he also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us. Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: Because of you we are being put to death all day long; we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Psalm 139:1–18

Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I stand up; you understand my thoughts from far away. You observe my travels and my rest; you are aware of all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, you know all about it, Lord. You have encircled me; you have placed your hand on me. This wondrous knowledge is beyond me. It is lofty; I am unable to reach it. Where can I go to escape your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I live at the eastern horizon or settle at the western limits, even there your hand will lead me; your right hand will hold on to me. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light around me will be night”— even the darkness is not dark to you. The night shines like the day; darkness and light are alike to you. For it was you who created my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made. Your works are wondrous, and I know this very well. My bones were not hidden from you when I was made in secret, when I was formed in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in your book and planned before a single one of them began. God, how precious your thoughts are to me; how vast their sum is! If I counted them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; when I wake up, I am still with you.

Let these verses be an encouragement to you and the basis of your encouragement of others.

Courage in Adversity

Joshua 1:9 (NIV): “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Psalm 31:24 (ESV): “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!”
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV): “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV): “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

When facing tough situations, these verses remind us that God’s presence is a constant source of strength and courage. His promise to be with us can empower us to overcome fear and act with confidence.

Hope for the Future

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV): “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Romans 15:13 (ESV): “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Proverbs 23:18 (NIV): “There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.”
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV): “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

These scriptures assure us that our current circumstances are not the end of the story. God has a plan full of hope for each one of us, encouraging us to look forward with faith and anticipation.

Strength in Weakness

Philippians 4:13 (NIV): “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Isaiah 40:29 (ESV): “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.”
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV): “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
Psalm 46:1 (ESV): “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

When we feel depleted, these verses remind us that divine strength is most potent in our weakness. They encourage us to lean on God for the power that we lack and find solace in His unending strength.

Joy in Trials

James 1:2-4 (NIV): “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
Romans 12:12 (ESV): “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
1 Peter 4:13 (NIV): “But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV): “Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Trials are not a call to despair but an invitation to find a deeper joy. These scriptures guide us to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, underpinned by the joy found in God’s strength.

Love and Care

Psalm 36:7 (NIV): “How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.”
1 Peter 5:7 (ESV): “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV): “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Romans 8:38-39 (ESV): “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

In moments of loneliness or worry, these verses remind us of God’s profound love and personal care. They assure us that we are never alone or unloved, with God’s affection being both steadfast and eternal.

Peace Amidst Chaos

John 14:27 (NIV): “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV): “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Isaiah 26:3 (NIV): “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Psalm 29:11 (ESV): “The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.”

These scriptures are a balm for anxious hearts, offering the peace of God as an anchor. They invite us to trust in God’s providence and find rest in His serene and unshakable peace.

Faithfulness of God

2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV): “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Deuteronomy 7:9 (NIV): “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.”
1 Corinthians 1:9 (ESV): “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

No matter what we face, God’s faithfulness is a constant. These verses encourage us to remember His unwavering commitment to His promises and His people.

Guidance and Wisdom

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV): “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
James 1:5 (ESV): “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
Psalm 32:8 (NIV): “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
Isaiah 30:21 (ESV): “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.”

Seeking direction can often feel overwhelming, but these verses reassure us that God is ready to provide wisdom and guidance when we trust Him and seek His will.

Overcoming Fear

Psalm 34:4 (NIV): “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”
Isaiah 43:1 (ESV): “But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'”
Psalm 27:1 (NIV): “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
2 Corinthians 4:18 (ESV): “As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

Fear has a way of diminishing our perspective, but these verses remind us that with God, we have a deliverer who calms our fears and provides a secure foundation in the face of life’s uncertainties.

Key Takeaways

God grants us courage and promises His presence in every challenge.
Our hope is secure in God’s plans for our future.
Divine strength is readily available in our moments of weakness.
Joy can be found in the midst of trials as it leads to growth and strength.
God’s love and care are unwavering, even in our lowest moments.
Peace is a gift from God that can steady our hearts in chaos.
The faithfulness of God is an unbreakable thread throughout our lives.
Wisdom and guidance are promised to us when we trust in God’s direction.
Fear is overcome by the power of God’s deliverance and salvation.