What does the Bible say about self sufficiency?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that human beings are not self-sufficient but depend wholly on God for life, salvation, wisdom, strength, and fruitful service. Jesus says in John 15:5 that apart from him we can do nothing, while 2 Corinthians 3:5 locates our sufficiency in God rather than ourselves. Salvation itself is God’s gift by grace through faith, not the result of human achievement (Ephesians 2:8). Our weakness need not lead to despair, for Christ’s grace is sufficient and his power is perfected in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Therefore believers should humbly use their gifts as stewards (1 Peter 4:10), make plans under God’s providence (Proverbs 16:9), and trust his light rather than kindle their own false security (Isaiah 50:10-11).
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 2 Corinthians 3:5
not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to account anything as from ourselves; but our sufficiency is from God;
- John 15:5
I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
- 2 Corinthians 12:9
He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.
- Luke 12:16-21
[16] He spoke a parable to them, saying, "The ground of a certain rich man brought forth abundantly. [17] He reasoned within himself, saying, 'What will I do, because I don't have room to store my crops?' [18] He said, 'This is what I will do. I will pull down my barns, and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. [19] I will tell my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years. Take your ease, eat, drink, be merry."' [20] "But God said to him, 'You foolish one, tonight your soul is required of you. The things which you have prepared--whose will they be?' [21] So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."
- Ephesians 2:8
for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
- Isaiah 50:10-11
[10] Who is among you who fears Yahweh, who obeys the voice of his servant? He who walks in darkness, and has no light, let him trust in the name of Yahweh, and rely on his God. [11] Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who gird yourselves about with firebrands; walk you in the flame of your fire, and among the brands that you have kindled. This shall you have of my hand; you shall lie down in sorrow.
- 1 Peter 4:10
According as each has received a gift, be ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the grace of God in its various forms.
- Romans 12:3
For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think reasonably, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith.
- Proverbs 16:9
A man's heart plans his course, But Yahweh directs his steps.
- John 6:63
It is the spirit who gives life. The flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and are life.
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