Fear can sometimes hold us back from doing what’s right, but what does the Bible say about being a coward? Scripture encourages boldness and trust in God’s power to overcome fear. Let’s explore how the Bible challenges us to be brave in the face of life’s trials.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Worshiping Together
What Does The Bible Say About Being A Coward
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
This verse reminds us that God calls us to be strong and courageous, not to be afraid or discouraged. As Christians, we can have confidence in knowing that the Lord is always with us, empowering us to face any challenges or fears that may come our way.
Being a coward goes against the call to trust in God’s strength and promises. Instead, we are encouraged to rely on God’s presence and find courage in knowing that He is always by our side, equipping us to overcome our fears.
Proverbs 29:25
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”
This verse cautions us against the trap of fearing what others may think or do to us. When we allow the fear of man to control us, it hinders us from fully trusting in the Lord and experiencing the security and protection that comes from relying on Him.
Trusting in the Lord requires courage and the willingness to stand firm in our convictions, even when faced with opposition or ridicule. It is a reminder that our ultimate safety lies in placing our trust in God rather than compromising our beliefs out of fear.
Psalm 27:1
“The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?”
This verse declares the Lord’s sovereignty and protection over our lives. When we fully recognize that God is our light, salvation, and stronghold, there is no room for cowardice or fear.
The assurance of God’s presence and power should embolden us to confront our fears and walk in confidence, knowing that He will guide us and keep us safe in all circumstances.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”
As believers, we have been filled with the Holy Spirit, who empowers us with boldness, love, and self-discipline. This verse reminds us that we are not meant to live in timidity.
By relying on the Spirit’s power, we can overcome the temptation to be cowards and instead move forward with courage, love for others, and self-control, knowing that God has equipped us for every situation we may face.
1 Corinthians 16:13
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
This verse encourages us to be vigilant, unwavering in our faith, and courageous in our convictions. It serves as a reminder that as Christians, we are called to stand firm and not shrink back in the face of adversity or opposition.
Being a coward is in direct contradiction to this exhortation. Instead, we are called to be strong and courageous in our faith, drawing upon the strength and power that God provides to boldly navigate the challenges of life.
Deuteronomy 31:6
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
In this verse, Moses encourages the Israelites to be strong and courageous as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The same encouragement applies to us today, reminding us that we do not need to be afraid or intimidated by the situations or people we encounter.
Knowing that the Lord is with us at all times, we can face challenges with bravery, trusting in His faithfulness and the assurance that He will never abandon us.
Psalm 56:3
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
When fear tries to overwhelm us, this verse reminds us to place our trust in God. It acknowledges that fear may arise, but it also emphasizes the importance of redirecting our focus towards our unwavering trust in the Lord.
Choosing to trust God in the face of fear allows us to overcome cowardice and instead walk in faith, knowing that He is our refuge and strength.
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
This verse provides reassurance and encouragement, reminding us that we have no reason to fear. God promises to be with us, strengthening, helping, and upholding us with His righteous hand.
When we fully embrace this promise, we are empowered to overcome cowardice and face any situation with confidence, knowing that our God is by our side, ready to support and guide us.
Mark 5:36
“Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
These words spoken by Jesus were in response to the fear and doubt that surrounded a desperate father whose daughter was gravely ill. Jesus encouraged him not to be afraid but to believe.
Similarly, whenever fear tries to overpower us, we can draw inspiration from this verse, reminding ourselves to trust in Jesus, to have faith in His power and promises, and to reject the grip of cowardice.
Psalm 118:6
“The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
This verse highlights the security and protection we have in God’s presence. When we fully acknowledge that the Lord is with us, we can find courage and refuse to be intimidated by the actions or opinions of others.
No matter what opposition we may face, we can confidently declare, “I will not be afraid,” knowing that the power and authority of God surpass anything mere mortals can do.
Romans 8:15
“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.'”
As children of God, we are no longer slaves to fear. Through the Spirit, we have been adopted into God’s family, and we can approach Him with the intimate term of endearment, “Abba, Father.”
This verse reminds us that cowardice has no place in our lives because we have been set free from fear and now have the privilege of being cherished sons and daughters of a loving and powerful Father.
Psalm 23:4
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
In moments of darkness and uncertainty, we can find comfort and courage in this verse. The assurance of God’s presence and guidance enables us to navigate through the most challenging circumstances with boldness and without fear.
Knowing that we are accompanied by our Good Shepherd, who leads, protects, and comforts us, we can face any valley of life knowing that He is with us and will see us through.
2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
In this verse, the apostle Paul recounts how God reassured him in a time of weakness and struggle. It serves as a reminder that even in our moments of fear or cowardice, God’s grace is more than enough to empower us.
By embracing our weaknesses and relying on the strength of Christ, we can overcome the temptation to be cowards and instead allow the power of God to work through us, demonstrating His strength in our lives.
Luke 12:4-5
“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him.”
Jesus, in this passage, redirects the focus of His disciples from fearing physical harm to fearing the righteous judgment of God. He emphasizes the eternal significance of placing our fear in the right perspective.
Being cowards in the face of earthly threats pales in comparison to the fear of displeasing and dishonoring God. This verse encourages us to prioritize our reverential fear of God over any temporal fears that may tempt us to cowardice.
Psalm 34:4
“I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.”
The psalmist testifies to the faithfulness of God, proclaiming that when he sought the Lord and turned to Him in prayer, God heard and delivered him from all his fears.
This verse reminds us that as we seek the Lord and place our trust in Him, He is faithful to answer and provide freedom from the grip of fear. By relying on God’s deliverance, we can overcome cowardice and boldly walk in His peace and victory.
Psalm 27:3
“Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.”
This verse expresses the psalmist’s unwavering trust in God’s protection and confidence in His deliverance. Regardless of the strength or numbers of the opposition, the psalmist declares that his heart will not fear.
Similarly, we are called to face our fears with confidence, knowing that our God is greater than any enemy or circumstance we may encounter. By refusing to succumb to cowardice, we can stand firm in our faith and trust in the Lord’s ability to deliver us.
Psalm 112:7
“They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”
The psalmist describes those who trust in the Lord as having hearts that are steadfast and unshaken even in the face of distressing news or uncertain circumstances.
When we place our trust in God, we can live without fear, knowing that He is in control and that He will work all things together for our good. This assurance enables us to reject the cowardice that comes from fearing the unknown and instead stand confidently in our unwavering trust in the Lord.
Psalm 56:11
“In God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?”
This verse boldly proclaims the psalmist’s trust in God and the consequent lack of fear he experiences. It reflects the understanding that no matter what man may do, God’s power and protection far surpass any human capability.
When we place our trust in God, we can confront the temptation of cowardice with the confidence that no earthly power can ultimately harm us. Our trust in God disarms fear and empowers us to live courageously for Him.
Psalm 62:1-2
“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him. Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”
These verses emphasize the security and peace that is found in God alone. By acknowledging Him as our rock, salvation, and fortress, we can find rest for our souls and the courage to face any situation without fear.
When we position ourselves firmly on the foundation of God’s faithfulness and strength, cowardice loses its hold, and we can confidently endure any storm that comes our way.
Psalm 118:8
“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.”
This verse serves as a reminder that our ultimate source of safety and security is found in the Lord. Placing our trust in human capabilities or opinions can lead to disappointment and fear.
Choosing to take refuge in the Lord, rather than relying on human solutions or validation, enables us to reject cowardice and instead find courage and peace in knowing that our God is trustworthy and dependable.
Mark 4:40
“He said to his disciples, ‘Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?'”
Jesus spoke these words to His disciples when they were overcome with fear during a storm at sea. His question challenges them to examine their level of faith.
In the same way, when fear tries to grip our hearts, we can ask ourselves this question. By strengthening our faith in God and His ability to bring peace and deliverance, we can cast aside cowardice and confidently trust in His loving care.
Psalm 112:6
“Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever.”
The psalmist declares with certainty that the righteous will never be shaken. This powerful truth reminds us that our standing with God is unshakable, and we can face any situation with confidence.
In the face of cowardice, we can draw comfort in knowing that our faithfulness to God and His promises ensures our eternal remembrance. This assurance empowers us to stand firm and reject the sway of fear in our lives.