What does the Bible say about celebrating birthdays?
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The Bible neither commands nor forbids celebrating birthdays, so believers may observe them with thankful hearts and for God’s glory. Scripture recognizes special days as matters of conscience, calling Christians not to judge one another but to honor the Lord in their observance (Romans 14:5-6; Colossians 2:16). Job’s children held regular feasts, while Pharaoh’s and Herod’s birthdays show that sinful actions at a celebration, not the day itself, are condemned (Job 1:4; Genesis 40:20-22; Matthew 14:6). Birthdays can therefore be occasions to rejoice in God’s gift of life, remember his providence, seek wisdom, and give thanks for another day he has made (Psalms 118:24; Proverbs 9:11).
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- Psalms 118:24
This is the day that Yahweh has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it!
- Romans 14:5-6
[5] One man esteems one day as more important. Another esteems every day alike. Let each man be fully assured in his own mind. [6] He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks. He who doesn't eat, to the Lord he doesn't eat, and gives God thanks.
- Job 1:4
His sons went and held a feast in the house of each one on his birthday; and they sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.
- Ecclesiastes 7:1
A good name is better than fine perfume; and the day of death better than the day of one's birth.
- Genesis 40:20-22
[20] It happened the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast for all his servants, and he lifted up the head of the chief cupbearer and the head of the chief baker among his servants. [21] He restored the chief cupbearer to his position again, and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand; [22] but he hanged the chief baker, as Joseph had interpreted to them.
- Colossians 2:16
Let no man therefore judge you in eating, or in drinking, or with respect to a feast day or a new moon or a Sabbath day,
- Matthew 2:11
They came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Opening their treasures, they offered to him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
- Proverbs 9:11
For by me your days will be multiplied. The years of your life will be increased.
- Ecclesiastes 7:8
Better is the end of a thing than its beginning. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
- Matthew 14:6
But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced among them and pleased Herod.
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