Seeking approval is natural, but the Bible reminds us to focus on God’s approval above all. His opinion matters most in how we live and serve. Today, we’ll explore what Scripture teaches about pleasing God and avoiding the traps of seeking validation from others.
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What Does The Bible Say About Approval
Proverbs 29:25
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.
This verse reminds us that seeking approval from others can be a dangerous trap. Instead, we should put our trust in the Lord, knowing that His approval is what truly matters.
John 12:43
For they loved human praise more than praise from God.
This verse warns against prioritizing human praise over God’s approval. We should always seek to please God, rather than being swayed by the opinions and approval of others.
Galatians 1:10
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Paul poses a convicting question here, challenging us to examine our motives. Seeking human approval can hinder our servanthood to Christ, so we should prioritize pleasing God above all.
1 Thessalonians 2:4
On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.
This verse emphasizes that as followers of Christ, we are called to be messengers of God’s truth, not seeking the approval of people, but remaining faithful to God’s call and trusting Him to approve our hearts.
Romans 14:18
Because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.
When we serve Christ with genuine hearts, seeking to honor and follow Him, we will ultimately find both the approval of God and, in many cases, the approval of others as well.
2 Corinthians 10:18
For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
This verse highlights that our own self-promotion or seeking validation from others is not what matters. Ultimately, it is the approval and commendation of the Lord that holds true significance.
Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
When we shift our focus from seeking human approval to working wholeheartedly for the Lord, we can find fulfillment and assurance in knowing that He will reward our faithful service.
Matthew 6:1-4
Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Jesus teaches us that seeking human approval through public displays of righteousness is not the way to true reward. Instead, we should practice our faith and acts of kindness in humility, seeking God’s approval and reward.
1 Corinthians 4:4-5
My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.
Paul reminds us that it is ultimately the Lord who judges us and knows the true motives of our hearts. We should not rush to judge ourselves or seek approval from others, but instead, patiently wait for the day when each will receive their praise from God.
Ephesians 1:6
to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
God’s grace and love are freely given to us, and it is through His approval and acceptance that we find true praise and fulfillment.
Psalm 37:23-24
The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.
When we delight in the Lord and seek His approval, He guides our steps and supports us, ensuring that even in our mistakes and stumbles, we do not fall but find strength in His hand.
Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
By inviting God to search our hearts and reveal any offensive ways within us, we demonstrate a desire for His approval and guidance in leading us on the path of everlasting life.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
When we place our trust in the Lord completely, seeking His approval in all our ways, He directs our paths and leads us on the straight and righteous course.
Psalm 41:11
I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me.
David expresses confidence in God’s approval and pleasure, recognizing that when he remains faithful to the Lord, his enemies cannot ultimately triumph over him.
Psalm 103:13-14
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
God’s approval is rooted in His deep compassion for us. He understands our weaknesses and frailties, and in His mercy, approves of those who fear and honor Him.
1 Samuel 16:7
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
God’s approval goes beyond superficial appearances. He looks at the heart, examining our inner motives and attitudes. It is the condition of our heart that earns His approval.
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
When we align our lives with God’s Word, seeking to live in accordance with His commands and precepts, we find guidance and direction that leads to His approval.
Proverbs 16:7
When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.
God’s approval not only brings us peace within ourselves, but it can also bring reconciliation and peace in our relationships, as He moves the hearts of our enemies.
Jeremiah 17:10
“I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.”
God examines the depths of our hearts and minds, evaluating our actions and intentions. His approval and reward are based on our conduct and deeds.
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.”
This verse reminds us that seeking the approval of others, who have limited power, should not overshadow our reverence and fear for God, who has ultimate authority over our eternal destiny.
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
God’s approval is intimately connected to our faith. When we earnestly seek Him, believing in His existence and expecting His rewards, we please Him.
Psalm 146:3-4
Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.
Relying on the approval of human beings is futile, for their power is temporary and limited. Instead, we should put our trust in the eternal God, who alone can truly save and approve of us.
Matthew 25:23
His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”
God’s ultimate approval comes in the form of a commendation and reward for those who have been faithful with what He has entrusted to them.
Psalm 145:19
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.
When we fear and honor the Lord, seeking His approval, He graciously listens to our prayers, fulfills our desires, and delivers us from distress.