What Does the Bible Say About Courage?

Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!

Paul's sharp, military-style command to the church at Corinth.

Wait for Yahweh. Be strong, and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for Yahweh.

Waiting on God is not weakness — it requires greater strength than acting alone.

No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Victory does not mean avoiding hardship — it means overcoming through love.

Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.

Courage is borrowed — drawn from God's strength, not our own.

When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

The early church prayed for boldness — and God answered with power.

Be strong and courageous. Don't be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria, and before all the multitude who is with him; for there is a greater with us than with him.

Outnumbered in the physical, overwhelming in the spiritual.

I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have troubles; but cheer up! I have overcome the world!

Christ's overcoming is the foundation of every believer's courage.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned.

God does not promise to remove trials — He promises to walk through them with us.

The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

Righteousness produces natural boldness — a clear conscience breeds courage.

But Peter and the apostles answered, 'We must obey God rather than men.'

The apostles chose obedience to God over safety from men — the highest courage.

'If it happens, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace... But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods.'

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego — courage that does not require guaranteed safety.

For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

Courage is not just a personality trait — it is a Spirit-given gift.

Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, 'Let's go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.'

Caleb stood against ten fearful spies — one courageous voice changes everything.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we won't be afraid, though the earth changes.

Courage does not come from stable circumstances — it comes from an unshakeable God.

Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Withstand him steadfast in your faith.

Courage includes spiritual alertness and resistance against the enemy.

I looked, and rose up, and said to the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, 'Don't be afraid of them! Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers.'

Nehemiah rallies a discouraged people — courage is often calling others to it.

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in Yahweh.

Hope in God produces strength — they grow together.

But those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint.

Courage is renewed as we wait on God — not as we force our own way.

When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.

The courageous person admits fear — and then chooses trust anyway.

Be strong and courageous. Don't be afraid or scared of them; for Yahweh your God himself is who goes with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you.

Moses' final charge — courage flows from God's unfailing faithfulness.