Verse a Prayer

Bible verses about courage

Joshua received the same command three times in the first chapter of his book: be strong and courageous. He was stepping into Moses' place and had every reason to tremble. Biblical courage is never the absence of fear; it is the decision to act in spite of it, resting on a promise: "the Lord your God is with you wherever you go". David says to wait for the Lord and let your heart take courage; God takes Israel by the right hand and says "do not be afraid, I will help you". The verses on this page are for the interview, the apology, the diagnosis, the career change, the first day — any moment when the next step weighs heavy. Read one before leaving the house and take the step with Someone going ahead.

  1. Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”

    Joshua 1:9See in the chapter

  2. 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.”

    Deuteronomy 31:6See in the chapter

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

    Psalms 27:14See in the chapter

  4. David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Don’t be afraid, nor be dismayed, for Yahweh God, even my God, is with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you, until all the work for the service of Yahweh’s house is finished.

    1 Chronicles 28:20See in the chapter

  5. For I, Yahweh your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I will help you.’

    Isaiah 41:13See in the chapter

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

    Psalms 31:24See in the chapter

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

    1 Corinthians 16:13See in the chapter

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

    Ephesians 6:10See in the chapter

Frequently asked questions

Which verse says "be strong and courageous"?

Joshua 1:9, repeating Joshua 1:6-7 and Deuteronomy 31:6. The sentence also appears in 1 Chronicles 28:20, said by David to Solomon.

Which verse gives courage for a decision?

Psalm 27:14 ("wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage") and Isaiah 41:13 ("I hold your right hand").

Is biblical courage the absence of fear?

No. It is acting despite fear, trusting in God's presence. Almost every "do not fear" in the Bible is followed by "for I am with you".

See also

StrengthVerses for days when your legs give way: strength that comes from God, renewed like the eagle's.Fear"Do not fear": the verses the Bible repeats to those who are afraid, from Psalm 27 to 2 Timothy 1:7.TrustVerses for trusting when you do not understand: trust in the Lord with all your heart, commit your way, blessed is the one who trusts.

Scripture text: World English Bible (WEB), public domain. Prayers, introductions and reflections: original text by this site, not affiliated with any denomination. Devotional content; it does not replace medical, psychological or legal advice.