What does the Bible say about courage?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that true courage is not self-confidence but steadfast trust in God’s presence, power, and faithful promises. Joshua 1:9 and Deuteronomy 31:6 call God’s people to be strong because the Lord goes with them and will not forsake them. Psalm 23:4 shows that believers need not fear even the darkest valley, for the Shepherd is near. Jesus gives His disciples peace unlike the world’s peace in John 14:27, while 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that God gives a Spirit of power, love, and self-control. Therefore, Christians may face duty, suffering, and uncertainty with courage, looking to the Lord rather than their own strength.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Joshua 1:9
Haven't I commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; don't be afraid, neither be dismayed: for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.
- 2 Timothy 1:7
For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
- Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and of good courage, don't be afraid, nor be scared of them: for Yahweh your God, he it is who does go with you; he will not fail you, nor forsake you.
- Psalms 31:24
Be strong, and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in Yahweh.
- 1 Corinthians 16:13
Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!
- Psalms 27:14
Wait for Yahweh. Be strong, and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for Yahweh.
- John 14:27
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Don't let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.
- 1 Chronicles 28:20
David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: don't be afraid, nor be dismayed; for Yahweh God, even my God, is with you; he will not fail you, nor forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of Yahweh is finished.
- Psalms 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
- Proverbs 3:5-6
[5] Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, And don't lean on your own understanding. [6] In all your ways acknowledge him, And he will direct your paths.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- Enjoined upon Joshua Deuteronomy 31:7; Deuteronomy 31:8; Deuteronomy 31:22; Deuteronomy 31:23; Joshua 1:1-9
- The Israelites Leviticus 26:6-8; 2 Chronicles 32:7; 2 Chronicles 32:8
- Solomon 1 Chronicles 22:13; 1 Chronicles 28:20
- Asa 2 Chronicles 15:1-7
- Enjoined by Jehoshaphat upon the judicial and executive officers be appointed 2 Chronicles 19:11
- SCRIPTURES RELATING TO Proverbs 28:1; Ezekiel 2:6; Ezekiel 3:9; 1 Corinthians 16:13; Philippians 1:27; Philippians 1:28; 2 Timothy 1:7
- INSTANCES OF THE COURAGE OF CONVICTION
- Abraham, in leaving his fatherland Genesis 12:1-9
- In offering Isaac Genesis 22:1-14
- Gideon, in destroying the altar of Baal Judges 6:25-31
- Ezra, in undertaking the perilous journey from Babylon to Palestine without a guard Ezra 8:22; Ezra 8:23
- The Jews, in returning answer to Tatnai Ezra 5:11
- The three Hebrews, who refused to bow down to the image of Nebuchadnezzar Daniel 3:16-18
- Daniel, in persisting in prayer regardless of the edict against praying Daniel 6:10
- Peter and John, in refusing to obey men, rather than God Acts 4:19; Acts 5:29
- See MINISTERS, COURAGE OF
- See REPROOF
- INSTANCES OF PERSONAL BRAVERY
- Joshua and Caleb, in advising that Israel go at once and possess the land Numbers 13:30; Numbers 14:6-12
- Othniel, in striking Kirjath-sepher Joshua 15:16; Joshua 15:17
- Gideon, in attacking the confederate armies of the Midianites and Amalekites with three hundred men Judges 7:7-23
- Deborah, in leading Israel’s armies Judges 4
- Jael, in killing Sisera Judges 4:18-22
- Agag, in the indifference with which he faced death 1 Samuel 15:32; 1 Samuel 15:33
- David, in killing Goliath 1 Samuel 17:32-50
- In entering into the tent of Saul, and carrying away Saul’s spear 1 Samuel 26:7-12
- David’s captains 2 Samuel 23
- Joab, in reproving King David 2 Samuel 19:5-7
- Nehemiah, in refusing to take refuge in the temple Nehemiah 6:10-13
- Esther, in going to the king to save her people Esther 4:8; Esther 4:16; Esther 5; Esther 6; Esther 7
- Joseph of Arimathaea, in caring for the body of Jesus Mark 15:43
- Thomas, in being willing to die with Jesus John 11:16
- Peter and other disciples Acts 3:12-26; Acts 4:9-13; Acts 4:19; Acts 4:20; Acts 4:31
- The apostles, under persecution Acts 5:21; Acts 5:29-32
- Paul, in going to Jerusalem, despite his impressions that bonds and imprisonments awaited him Acts 20:22-24; Acts 24:14; Acts 24:25
- See BOLDNESS OF THE RIGHTEOUS
- See MINISTERS
- See REPROOF, FAITHFULNESS IN
- See COWARDICE
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