What does the Bible say about pleasing people?
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The Bible warns against living for human approval and calls believers to seek God's pleasure above all. Galatians 1:10 teaches that serving Christ cannot be reconciled with making people our master, while Proverbs 29:25 says that fear of man is a snare. God transforms His people by renewing their minds so they may discern His will rather than conform to the world (Romans 12:1-2). Because God examines the heart, Christians should work sincerely and wholeheartedly for Him (1 Thessalonians 2:4; Colossians 3:23), trusting Him with others' responses and bringing anxious desires for approval to Him in prayer (Philippians 4:6).
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Galatians 1:10
For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? For if I were still pleasing men, I wouldn't be a servant of Christ.
- Romans 12:2
Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:4
But even as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, who tests our hearts.
- Colossians 3:23
And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men,
- Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man proves to be a snare, But whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe.
- Philippians 4:6
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
- Proverbs 16:7
When a man's ways please Yahweh, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
- Romans 12:1-2
[1] Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. [2] Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.
- Ephesians 5:8-10
[8] For you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, [9] for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth, [10] proving what is well-pleasing to the Lord.
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