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Bible verses for courage
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Most of the best-known biblical calls to courage were spoken to someone facing a particular, identifiable task: Joshua taking over from Moses, Israel at a border, a young colleague of Paul's taking on responsibility he felt unready for.
Reading them well means noticing that. They are not generic slogans, and they do not claim that a courageous person feels no fear. In almost every case the encouragement is given precisely because the person was afraid.
The passages below are grouped so that the immediate setting stays visible. Each links through to the surrounding chapter, which is usually where the point becomes clearer.
10 passages
Each shows its reference and translation, and links to the chapter it comes from.
Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or scared of them, for the LORD your God himself is who goes with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you.”
Wait for the LORD. Be strong, and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for the LORD.
Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!
For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the LORD.
For if you remain silent now, then relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Who knows if you haven’t come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Don’t be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD God, even my God, is with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you, until all the work for the service of the LORD’s house is finished.
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible British Edition, which is in the public domain. “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org.