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31 verses · KJV · every verse read aloud

Encouraging Bible Verses

What does the Bible say about encouragement?

Bible verses about encouragement point us to God's presence, not our own strength. Joshua 1:9 says the Lord is with us wherever we go. Isaiah 41:10 promises God will hold us up, and in John 16:33 Jesus says to be of good cheer, because He has overcome the world. We are also told to encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

  1. The most encouraging Bible verses
  2. Encouraging Bible verses for hard times
  3. Encouragement when you are tired or want to give up

The most encouraging Bible verses

The verses readers choose most often when they need a lift.

6 verses

Joshua 1:9

KJV
King James Version

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Joshua 1:9

How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Claimed as a personal promise that God is with me wherever I go, so I can face any challenge with courage, and many read it as a promise that He will give me success.

First spoken: God spoke this to Joshua after Moses died, as he was about to lead Israel across the Jordan into Canaan (Joshua 1:1-2). The verses just before tie the courage to obedience: "be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law... turn not from it to the right hand or to the left" (1:7-8).

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: This was first a promise to Joshua, for the job of leading Israel into the land, and it was tied to keeping all of God's law (verses 7-8). It shows God stands by those He sends, but it is not a promise that every reader will succeed at whatever they take on.

Isaiah 41:10

KJV
King James Version

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Isaiah 41:10

How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Claimed as a personal promise that God is with me, so I need not be afraid: He will strengthen me, help me, and hold me up through whatever I face.

First spoken: God spoke this to Israel: "But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the descendants of Abraham My friend" (Isaiah 41:8). The nations around were afraid and making idols (41:5-7), and God promised that Israel's enemies "shall be as nothing" (41:11-12) as He brought His people back from exile.

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: This was first a promise to Israel, God's chosen servant, as He brought them home from exile. It shows that God keeps His word and stands by His people, but it was not spoken as a promise that every reader will be kept from fear, harm or hardship.

John 16:33

KJV
King James Version

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about John 16:33

How the early church read itSame reading

How it is used today: Used as a promise of peace in Christ in the middle of hard times, because Jesus has already won over the world.

First spoken: Jesus said it at the Last Supper, hours before His arrest, to disciples who would soon scatter (John 16:32). "Peace" and "tribulation" are said in the same breath.

The early Christians: Chrysostom says it is comfort, not a doctrine, and that trouble will keep coming; then he says we too conquer by following Christ and despising the world's pleasures. Cyprian uses the verse to teach patience in persecution, and Origen uses it for trusting God's protection.

“As long as you are in the world, you will have sorrow, not only now when I am betrayed, but also afterward.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on John

“But we too are allowed to conquer, by looking to the Author of our faith and walking on the road He opened for us. Then death will not master us either.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on John

Where they agree: Both read it as comfort in trouble through Christ's victory. The early Christians stress that trouble continues and that we win by following Him and holding to Him with patience.

Romans 8:28

KJV
King James Version

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Romans 8:28

How the early church read itRead differently

How it is used today: Used as a promise that whatever happens in my life, even the bad things, God is working it all into His good plan for me; many also read "called according to His purpose" as God's own eternal choice of who will be saved (verses 29-30).

First spoken: Paul wrote this to the church in Rome. Just before, he speaks of "the sufferings of this present time" and of the Spirit helping us when "we do not know what we should pray for as we ought" (8:18-27). The promise is for "those who love God," and verses 35-36 name what he has in mind: trouble, persecution, hunger, the sword.

The early Christians: John Chrysostom says Paul is speaking to people in danger: God does not promise that trouble will not come, but He turns the painful things themselves into good for those who love Him, as with the three young men in the furnace. He also reads the "purpose" in this verse as including the free choice of those who are called, since all were called but not all obeyed. Clement of Alexandria uses the verse to encourage Christians facing martyrdom.

“So he does not say that no trouble comes near those who love God, but that "it works together for good." That is, He uses the painful things themselves to prove those whom others plot against. And this is much greater than keeping such troubles from coming, or stopping them after they have come.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Romans

“Therefore he says that it is not the calling alone, but also the purpose of those who are called, that works salvation. For the calling was not forced on them or made compulsory. All, then, were called, but not all obeyed the call.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Romans

The difference: Today this verse is often read as God making whatever happens turn out well for me, and by some as God alone choosing who is saved. Chrysostom says it is for those who love God, that the "good" may be the hardship itself rather than escape from it, and that God calls everyone but not all obey the call.

Jeremiah 29:11

KJV
King James Version

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Jeremiah 29:11

How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Used as a personal promise that God has a good plan for my life: to prosper me, keep me from harm and give me a bright future.

First spoken: Jeremiah sent this in a letter to the Jewish exiles carried off to Babylon (Jeremiah 29:1). God told them to settle there and pray for the city (29:7), and promised that after seventy years He would bring the nation home (29:10), when they sought Him with all their heart (29:13).

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: First a promise to the Jewish exiles in Babylon that God would bring the nation home after seventy years, when they sought Him with all their heart. It shows that God keeps His word, but it is not a promise that every reader has a personal plan for success and safety.

Philippians 4:13

KJV
King James Version

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Philippians 4:13

How the early church read itRead differently

How it is used today: Used as a personal promise that with Christ's help I can achieve any goal I set: win the game, pass the test, reach my dream.

First spoken: Paul wrote this from prison (1:13) to thank the church at Philippi for a gift. The "all things" are verses 11-12: being content whether hungry or full, poor or rich.

The early Christians: Chrysostom reads "all things" as learning to live with little or with plenty, to be hungry and to be full, and says the strength is Christ's, not Paul's. Origen and Ignatius use the verse for enduring persecution and martyrdom with Christ's strength.

“That is, I know how to live with little, and how to endure hunger and need. I know both how to abound and how to suffer need.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Philippians

“Even if He should wish us again to contend and struggle for our religion, let the enemy come against us, and we will say to them, "I can do all things through Christ Jesus our Lord, who strengthens me."” Origen, Against Celsus

The difference: Today this verse is often used as a promise that Christ will help me reach any goal. The early Christians read it as Paul meant it in prison: strength to be content in hunger or plenty and to endure suffering, and Origen used it for standing firm when persecutors come.

Encouraging Bible verses for hard times

God does not promise an easy road, but He walks it with us.

6 verses

Isaiah 43:2

KJV
King James Version

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Isaiah 43:2

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

KJV
King James Version

16For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Romans 8:18

KJV
King James Version

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Romans 8:18

James 1:2-4

KJV
King James Version

2My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about James 1:2-4

Lamentations 3:22-23

KJV
King James Version

22It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Lamentations 3:22-23

How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Used as a promise that God's mercy and faithfulness are fresh every day, giving hope and a new start each morning.

First spoken: Jeremiah mourns Jerusalem after the Babylonians destroyed it in 586 BC. In the middle of his grief (3:19-21) he recalls that God's mercies are why Israel was not wiped out. In 3:39-40 he urges the people to examine their ways and return to the Lord.

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: No Father in our library explains it. It was first Jeremiah's hope for the survivors of Jerusalem, a mercy that kept Israel from being destroyed, followed by a call to return to the Lord.

Psalms 34:19

KJV
King James Version

Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 34:19

Encouraging Bible verses: Encouragement when you are tired or want to give up

Rest and new strength for the worn out.

6 verses

Matthew 11:28-30

KJV
King James Version

28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Matthew 11:28-30

How the early church read itRead differently

How it is used today: Used as a promise that Jesus gives rest to anyone worn out by stress, grief or guilt, and often to teach that He frees us from the heavy burden of trying to earn salvation by keeping religious rules.

First spoken: Jesus said this to the crowds in Galilee, right after thanking the Father for showing these things to "babes" and not to the wise (verses 25-27). The rest comes with a yoke: "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me," and earlier in the same Gospel He said the way to life is narrow and hard (7:13-14).

The early Christians: John Chrysostom says the heavy burden Jesus lifts is sin, and the yoke He gives in its place is His own commands: humility, meekness, turning the other cheek, giving up possessions. It is light only for those who are earnest, because "we too must certainly labor ourselves." Clement of Alexandria hears it as Christ calling all people to take His yoke and run toward immortality, and the Didache speaks of bearing "the whole yoke of the Lord."

“This is what He was hinting at when He did not first say, "Take My yoke upon you," but before that, "Come, you who labor and are heavy laden," implying that sin also has labor, and a burden that is heavy and hard to bear.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Matthew

“For this reason Christ also, to show that we too must certainly labor ourselves, did not speak only of the gracious things and then keep silent, nor only of the painful things, but set down both. So He both spoke of a yoke and called it easy, and named a burden and added that it was light, so that you would neither run from them as burdensome nor despise them as too easy.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Matthew

The difference: Today this verse is often used to promise rest from stress or from the work of keeping rules. The early Christians read it as rest from the weight of sin, given to those who take on Christ's yoke of obedience and humility, a yoke that is light because we carry it with Him, not because there is nothing to carry.

Isaiah 40:31

KJV
King James Version

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Isaiah 40:31

How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Used as a promise that those who trust and wait on the Lord get fresh strength to keep going, like an eagle rising.

First spoken: Isaiah 40 opens with "Comfort, comfort My people" and speaks to discouraged Israel facing exile; verses 27-31 answer the complaint that God has overlooked them.

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: The promise was first given to discouraged Israel in exile. The early writers we have say nothing direct on the verse, so we give context only.

Galatians 6:9

KJV
King James Version

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Galatians 6:9

Psalms 55:22

KJV
King James Version

Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 55:22

How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Claimed as a promise that if I hand my worries and burdens to God He will carry me and keep me steady.

First spoken: David wrote this when a close friend betrayed him (Psalm 55:12-14, 20-21). He tells the troubled to cast their load on the LORD, who will not let the righteous be shaken.

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: No Father in our library comments on it. It was first David's word of trust when betrayed by a friend, with the promise given to the righteous.

1 Corinthians 15:58

KJV
King James Version

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Corinthians 15:58

Hebrews 12:1-2

KJV
King James Version

1Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Hebrews 12:1-2

Encouraging Bible verses: Encouragement when you are worried or afraid

Bring the worry to God and let His peace keep your heart.

6 verses

Philippians 4:6-7

KJV
King James Version

6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Philippians 4:6-7

How the early church read itSame reading

How it is used today: Used as the cure for worry: pray about everything with thanks instead of being anxious, and God's peace will guard your heart, though not always giving what you ask.

First spoken: Paul wrote this from prison to the church at Philippi, which was under pressure and had quarrels inside it (Philippians 4:2-5). Verse 5, "The Lord is at hand," comes just before it and is the reason not to worry.

The early Christians: Chrysostom reads it the same way: prayer with thanksgiving is the medicine for grief, and the Lord being near is the comfort. He adds that God's peace includes being at peace with enemies, and that it keeps us firm in the faith.

“Behold another consolation, a medicine that heals grief, and distress, and all that is painful. And what is this? Prayer, thanksgiving in all things. And so He wills that our prayers should not simply be requests, but thanksgivings too for what we have. For how should he ask for future things, who is not thankful for the past?” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Philippians

“What does “in Christ Jesus” mean? He will guard us in Him, so that you may remain firm and not fall away from His faith.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Philippians

Where they agree: Both say bring everything to God with thanks and He will guard your heart. Chrysostom also ties the peace to the Lord's nearness (judgment and reward) and to staying firm in Christ's faith, not only to feeling calm.

1 Peter 5:7

KJV
King James Version

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Peter 5:7

How the early church read itSame reading

How it is used today: Used to teach that we should hand every worry to God, because He cares for us, though He does not promise to remove the trouble.

First spoken: Peter wrote to Christians facing suffering and attack (1 Peter 5:5-9). Verse 6 says to humble yourselves under God's hand, and verse 8 says to be sober and watchful because the devil prowls.

The early Christians: Hermas (c. AD 140) tells believers to cast their cares on the Lord, but in the same breath tells them to repent and serve Him blamelessly. Chrysostom says we should cast everything on God and also do our part in the labor.

“For it is right for us indeed to cast everything on Him, yet also to work ourselves, taking part in the labors and the struggles.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on Second Thessalonians

“If, then, you prepare yourselves and repent with all your heart, and turn to the Lord, it will be possible for you to escape it, if your heart is pure and spotless, and you spend the rest of the days of your life in serving the Lord blamelessly. Cast your cares upon the Lord, and He will direct them.” Hermas, The Shepherd

Where they agree: Both say God cares and we can give Him our worries. The early Christians add that casting cares on God does not mean sitting still: we also repent, obey and work.

Deuteronomy 31:8

KJV
King James Version

And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Deuteronomy 31:8

John 14:27

KJV
King James Version

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.

Listen

Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about John 14:27

How the early church read itRead differently

How it is used today: Used as a promise of inner calm: Jesus gives a peace that the world cannot, so a believer need not be anxious or afraid.

First spoken: Said at the Last Supper, just before His arrest, to the eleven disciples who were troubled that He was leaving (14:1, 14:28-29).

The early Christians: Cyprian quotes it to call Christians to live in peace and unity with one another, and says Christ's gifts are promised through keeping that peace. Chrysostom says it is a peace with Christ that the world's troubles cannot harm, a peace in which the disciples are at peace with one another.

“Among His divine commands and saving teachings, when the Lord was very near His passion, He added this one, saying, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you," John 14:27. He gave this to us as an inheritance. He promised all the gifts and rewards He spoke of through the keeping of peace. If we are fellow heirs with Christ, let us remain in the peace of Christ.” Cyprian, Treatises

“But I give you a kind of peace in which you are at peace with one another, and this makes you stronger.” John Chrysostom, Homilies on John

The difference: Today the verse is mostly taken as a calm inside the person. Chrysostom agrees it is a peace the world's troubles cannot harm, but he and Cyprian put first a peace with one another, a gift kept by those who stay united and live as peacemakers.

Romans 8:31

KJV
King James Version

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Romans 8:31

Psalms 121:1-2

KJV
King James Version

1I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 2My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

A song of ascents. I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Psalms 121:1-2

Bible verses about encouraging one another

Verses to share with a friend who is going through a hard time.

7 verses

1 Thessalonians 5:11

KJV
King James Version

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Hebrews 10:24-25

KJV
King James Version

24And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Hebrews 10:24-25

Hebrews 3:13

KJV
King James Version

But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Hebrews 3:13

Ephesians 4:29

KJV
King James Version

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Ephesians 4:29

Romans 15:4-5

KJV
King James Version

4For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 5Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope. Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you harmony with one another in Christ Jesus,

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Proverbs 12:25

KJV
King James Version

Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Anxiety weighs down the heart of a man, but a good word cheers it up.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Proverbs 12:25

How the early church read itNo early comment

How it is used today: Used to say that worry weighs a person down and that an encouraging word can lift an anxious heart.

First spoken: A line of Solomon's wisdom sayings, true for anyone: a heavy heart is bent low, a good word cheers it. It is not a special promise to believers.

The early Christians: We found no early Christian comment on this verse in our library.

Keep in mind: No Father in our library comments on it. It is a general proverb about worry and kind words.

Galatians 6:2

KJV
King James Version

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Berean Standard Bible (modern English)

Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

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Also in NKJV · ESV What the early church said about Galatians 6:2

Short encouraging Bible verses

Easy to memorize, to write in a card, or to send to a friend.

4 verses

  • “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

    Philippians 4:13 KJV · 10 words

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  • “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

    1 Peter 5:7 KJV · 11 words

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  • “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.”

    1 Thessalonians 5:11 KJV · 13 words

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  • “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

    Galatians 6:2 KJV · 12 words

    Listen

What the first Christians said about encouragement

Exact words from our library of the early church writers. Each one opens at the place it was written.

“Among us, the strength of hope and the firmness of faith are flourishing. In the middle of these very ruins of a dying world, our soul is lifted up and our courage is not shaken.”

Cyprian of CarthageAn Address to Demetrianus
Read and listen to Cyprian of Carthage

The Greek and Hebrew words for encouragement

The words behind the English. Each word page has a Listen button for how it is said.

Questions people ask about encouragement in the Bible

What is the most encouraging verse in the Bible?

There is no official answer, but Isaiah 41:10 and Joshua 1:9 are the verses readers pick most often. Both say the same thing: do not be afraid, because God Himself is with you and will hold you up.

Listen: Isaiah 41:10 · Joshua 1:9

What is the most encouraging book in the Bible?

Many people turn to the Psalms first. They are honest prayers from people in trouble who still trust God, like Psalm 46, which calls God our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Listen: Psalms 46:1

What does the Bible say about encouraging others?

Christians are told to comfort and build each other up and to meet together, stirring one another to love and good works. Encouragement is something we give, not only something we receive.

Listen: 1 Thessalonians 5:11 · Hebrews 10:24-25

What are encouraging Bible verses for hard times?

Romans 8:28 says God works all things together for good for those who love Him. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 says our trouble is light and short next to the glory that is coming, so we do not lose heart.

Listen: Romans 8:28 · 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

What is a short encouraging Bible verse?

Philippians 4:13 is one of the shortest and best known: Paul says he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him. Psalm 55:22 is another short one: cast your burden on the Lord, and He will hold you up.

Listen: Philippians 4:13 · Psalms 55:22