What does the Bible say about happiness?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that true and lasting happiness is found not in favorable circumstances but in knowing, trusting, and delighting in the Lord. Psalm 37:4 calls believers to delight in God, while Philippians 4:4 commands joy in the Lord even amid hardship. Ecclesiastes 3:12 commends receiving God’s gifts with gratitude, yet Proverbs 3:13-18 shows that wisdom is more blessed than earthly riches. Psalm 16:11 locates fullness of joy in God’s presence, and Isaiah 12:2 joins salvation with confidence and praise. Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:8 that the pure in heart are blessed because they shall see God. Earthly laughter may conceal sorrow, but God gives a deep, durable joy to those who fear him.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Psalms 37:4
Also delight yourself in Yahweh, And he will give you the desires of your heart.
- Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, Rejoice!
- Ecclesiastes 3:12
I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice, and to do good as long as they live.
- Isaiah 12:2
Behold, God is my salvation. I will trust, and will not be afraid; for Yah, Yahweh, is my strength and song; and he has become my salvation."
- Psalms 144:15
Happy are the people who are in such a situation. Happy are the people whose God is Yahweh.
- Proverbs 17:22
A cheerful heart makes good medicine, But a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
- Psalms 16:11
You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy. In your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.
- Proverbs 3:13-18
[13] Happy is the man who finds wisdom, The man who gets understanding. [14] For her good profit is better than getting silver, And her return is better than fine gold. [15] She is more precious than rubies. None of the things you can desire are to be compared to her. [16] Length of days is in her right hand. In her left hand are riches and honor. [17] Her ways are ways of pleasantness. All her paths are peace. [18] She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her. Happy is everyone who retains her.
- Matthew 5:8
Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.
- Proverbs 14:13
Even in laughter the heart may be sorrowful, And mirth may end in heaviness.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- OF THE WICKED
- Is limited to this life Psalms 17:14; Luke 16:25
- Is short Job 20:5
- Is uncertain Luke 12:20
- Is vain Ecclesiastes 2:1; Ecclesiastes 7:6
- Is derived from Their wealth Job 21:13; Psalms 52:7; Job 21:7; Psalms 37:35; Psalms 17:14; Psalms 37:3; Psalms 37:4; Psalms 37:7; Isaiah 22:13; Habakkuk 1:16; Isaiah 5:11; Isaiah 56:12
- Marred by jealousy Esther 5:13
- Often interrupted by judgments Numbers 11:33; Job 15:21; Psalms 73:18-20; Jeremiah 25:10; Jeremiah 25:11
- Leads to sorrow Proverbs 14:13
- Leads to recklessness Isaiah 22:12
- Sometimes a stumbling-block to saints Psalms 73:3; Psalms 73:16; Jeremiah 12:1; Habakkuk 1:13
- Saints often permitted to see the end of Psalms 73:17-20
- Envy not Psalms 37:1
- Woe against Amos 6:1; Luke 6:25
- Illustrated Psalms 37:35; Psalms 37:36; Luke 12:16-20; Luke 16:19; Luke 16:25
- Exemplified Israel Numbers 11:33
- Haman Esther 5:9-11
- Belshazzar Daniel 5:1
- Herod Acts 12:21-23
- OF THE RIGHTEOUS Deuteronomy 33:29; Job 5:17-27; Psalms 36:8; Psalms 40:8; Psalms 63:5; Psalms 128:1; Psalms 128:2; Psalms 133:1; Psalms 144:15; Psalms 146:5; Proverbs 3:13-18; Proverbs 14:21
- See JOY
- See PEACE
- See PRAISE
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