Bible verses about patience
Biblical patience has two faces: waiting calmly for what has not yet arrived, and bearing kindly with those who irritate us. James uses the image of the farmer, who plants and then waits for the rain without being able to hurry it. Paul lists patience as a fruit of the Spirit and asks: "rejoicing in hope, enduring in troubles". Psalm 37 advises resting in the Lord and waiting patiently for Him, instead of fretting over what others do. These verses are for the season of waiting — a result, a treatment, a child slow to come home — and also for traffic, the queue and the difficult conversation. Reading one aloud before answering a message in the heat of the moment already prevents a lot.
rejoicing in hope, enduring in troubles, continuing steadfastly in prayer,
Be patient therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receives the early and late rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
Rest in Yahweh, and wait patiently for him. Don’t fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who makes wicked plots happen.
Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season if we don’t give up.
A wrathful man stirs up contention, but one who is slow to anger appeases strife.
Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance;
But if we hope for that which we don’t see, we wait for it with patience.
Better is the end of a thing than its beginning. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
Frequently asked questions
Which verse speaks of patience in trouble?
Romans 12:12: "rejoicing in hope, enduring in troubles, continuing steadfastly in prayer".
Is patience a fruit of the Spirit?
Yes. Galatians 5:22-23 lists love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
How can I be patient with difficult people?
Colossians 3:12-13 suggests putting on patience and bearing with one another, remembering that we too have been forgiven. Breathing, listening to the end and answering later helps more than it seems.
See also
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.