What does the Bible say about shame?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that shame is answered not by hiding ourselves, but by trusting in God’s mercy, forgiveness, and restoring grace through Christ. Those who look to the Lord are not put to shame, as Psalm 34:4-5 and Romans 10:11 proclaim. In Christ, believers have no condemnation, for He bore the cross and despised its shame to save His people (Romans 8:1; Hebrews 12:2). God calls the repentant to confess sin, confident that He forgives and cleanses them (1 John 1:9). He also promises to replace His people’s disgrace with honor and joy (Isaiah 61:7; Isaiah 54:4). Yet Jesus warns against being ashamed of Him and His words (Mark 8:38).
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Isaiah 61:7 6 votes
Instead of your shame you will have double. Instead of dishonor, they will rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they will possess double. Everlasting joy will be to them.
- Isaiah 50:7 5 votes
For the Lord Yahweh will help me. Therefore I have not been confounded. Therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I won’t be disappointed.
- Psalms 34:4-5 5 votes
I sought Yahweh, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to him, and were radiant. Their faces shall never be covered with shame.
- 1 John 1:9 5 votes
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
- Hebrews 12:2 4 votes
looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
- Romans 10:11 4 votes
For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed.”
- Romans 8:1 3 votes
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don’t walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
- Psalms 31:17 2 votes
Let me not be disappointed, Yahweh, for I have called on you. Let the wicked be disappointed. Let them be silent in Sheol.
- Isaiah 54:4 2 votes
“Don’t be afraid, for you will not be ashamed. Don’t be confounded, for you will not be disappointed. For you will forget the shame of your youth. You will remember the reproach of your widowhood no more.
- Mark 8:38 2 votes
For whoever will be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man also will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
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