The Bible speaks to feelings of shame and how they affect our relationship with God. Today, we will see what Scripture teaches about overcoming shame and living confidently in God’s grace and love.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Disrespect For Life
What Does The Bible Say About Ashamed
Romans 1:16
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of not being ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It encourages believers to boldly share the message of salvation, recognizing that it has the power to transform lives.
As Christians, we should never be ashamed of our faith, but rather embrace it with confidence and proclaim the good news to all people, regardless of their background or ethnicity.
2 Timothy 1:8
“So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.”
This verse encourages believers to persevere in their faith and not be ashamed of their relationship with Christ, even in the face of suffering or persecution.
We are called to stand firm in our faith, united with other believers, and willing to endure hardships for the sake of the gospel. Our focus should be on the power of God to sustain us and bring glory through our testimony.
Psalm 25:2
“Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.”
David’s prayer in this verse reflects a deep desire to be protected from shame and the triumph of enemies. It is a plea for God’s deliverance and vindication.
As believers, we can also find comfort in knowing that God is our protector and defender. We can trust in Him to preserve our dignity and shield us from the schemes of those who seek to harm us.
Psalm 71:1
“In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.”
This verse expresses the psalmist’s trust in God as their refuge and their hope that they will never experience shame.
We can find solace in knowing that when we place our trust in the Lord, He will never allow us to be put to shame. He is a faithful and trustworthy refuge for all who seek Him.
1 Peter 4:16
“However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.”
This verse reminds us that if we face suffering or persecution because of our faith, we should not be ashamed. Instead, we are called to praise God for the privilege of bearing the name of Christ.
Our suffering as Christians can serve as a testimony to the power of our faith and bring glory to God. It is an opportunity for us to rely on His strength and grace in the midst of challenges.
Proverbs 3:35
“The wise inherit honor, but fools get only shame.”
This proverb highlights the contrast between the wise and the foolish. The wise are honored, while the foolish experience shame.
As Christians, we should strive to walk in wisdom, seeking God’s guidance and living in alignment with His principles. This will lead to a life that reflects honor rather than shame.
Isaiah 50:7
“Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will not be put to shame.”
Isaiah declares his confidence in the Lord’s help, expressing his assurance that he will not be disgraced or put to shame.
When we rely on the strength of the Lord and set our hearts to follow His will, we can have the same confidence. He will guide us, protect us, and ensure that we do not experience shame or defeat.
Psalm 31:17
“Let me not be put to shame, Lord, for I have cried out to you; but let the wicked be put to shame and be silent in the realm of the dead.”
In this psalm, the author pleads with God to not allow them to be put to shame because they have cried out to Him for help. Instead, they desire that the wicked would be put to shame.
We can pray similar prayers, asking God to vindicate us and bring justice to those who seek to harm us. God has the power to turn our shame into honor and silence the accusations of the wicked.
Psalm 119:80
“May my heart be blameless toward your decrees, that I may not be put to shame.”
This verse expresses the psalmist’s desire to have a heart that is blameless, aligned with God’s decrees, so that they will not be put to shame.
When we seek to live in obedience to God’s Word and follow His commandments, we position ourselves to experience His favor and avoid the shame that comes from disobedience.
Jeremiah 17:13
“Lord, you are the hope of Israel; all who forsake you will be put to shame. Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust because they have forsaken the Lord, the spring of living water.”
This verse highlights the consequence of forsaking the Lord. Those who turn away from Him will be put to shame and considered as insignificant as dust.
It serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith, finding our hope and sustenance in the Lord, rather than turning to worldly pursuits that will ultimately leave us empty and ashamed.
Joel 2:26-27
“You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed. Then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the Lord your God, and that there is no other; never again will my people be shamed.”
In these verses, God promises His people that they will no longer experience shame, but instead enjoy His provision and miraculous works.
As believers in Christ, we can also claim this promise and trust that God will provide for our needs and demonstrate His power in our lives. He is faithful to those who put their trust in Him, and He will never allow us to be put to shame.
Isaiah 54:4
“Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.”
This verse offers comfort and encouragement to those who may have experienced shame or disgrace. It assures them that God will protect and restore them, allowing them to forget the shame of their past.
God’s love and mercy are greater than any shame or reproach we may have faced. He offers forgiveness, healing, and the opportunity to start anew, free from the burden of past shame.
Psalm 119:116
“Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.”
In this verse, the psalmist cries out to God for sustenance and asks Him not to allow their hopes to be dashed.
When we place our hope in God and trust in His promises, He will sustain us even in the midst of challenging circumstances. He is the source of true hope, and He will never let us be put to shame.
Isaiah 45:17
“But Israel will be saved by the Lord with an everlasting salvation; you will never be put to shame or disgraced, to ages everlasting.”
This verse reassures Israel that they will be saved by the Lord and will never be put to shame or disgraced.
Similarly, as believers in Christ, we can find assurance in the knowledge that our salvation is secure in Him. We can trust that God will protect and redeem us, ensuring that we will never experience lasting shame or disgrace.
Psalm 71:13
“May my accusers perish in shame; may those who want to harm me be covered with scorn and disgrace.”
These words express the psalmist’s plea for justice against their enemies. They desire that their accusers and those who seek to harm them be humiliated and covered with disgrace.
While we may not wish harm upon others, we can take comfort in knowing that God sees the injustices we face, and He is our ultimate vindicator. We can trust Him to bring justice and hold accountable those who seek to bring shame upon us.
Psalm 35:4
“May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay.”
In this plea for God’s intervention, the psalmist prays for their enemies to be disgraced and put to shame, and for their plans to be thwarted.
While it is not our place to seek revenge, we can find solace in the knowledge that God is a righteous judge who will deal justly with those who seek to harm His children. We can trust in His sovereignty and wait for His vindication.
Psalm 55:23
“But you, God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of decay; the bloodthirsty and deceitful will not live out half their days. But as for me, I trust in you.”
This verse speaks of God’s judgment on the wicked and His faithfulness to those who trust in Him.
When we trust in God, we can have confidence that He will protect us from those who seek to harm us. We can trust in His justice and rely on His unfailing love to sustain us and keep us from shame.
Psalm 31:17
“Let me not be put to shame, Lord, for I have cried out to you; but let the wicked be put to shame and be silent in the realm of the dead.”
In this prayer, the psalmist asks for protection from shame and justice for the wicked.
We can mirror this prayer in our own lives, aligning our hearts with God’s desire for righteousness and justice. We can trust Him to defend us and bring shame upon those who oppose His ways.
Psalm 119:46
“I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame.”
This verse expresses the psalmist’s determination to boldly proclaim God’s statutes and not be put to shame, even in the presence of kings or influential figures.
As Christians, we are called to be unashamed witnesses of God’s truth, regardless of the audience or circumstances. We can trust that the Lord will give us the words and the boldness to speak His truth without fear of shame.
Psalm 37:19
“In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty and prosper.”
This verse assures the righteous that even in times of disaster or famine, they will not be put to shame but will experience God’s provision and prosperity.
When we trust in the Lord and live according to His ways, we can have confidence that He will sustain us and bless us, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. We need not be ashamed or anxious about our future.
Psalm 25:3
“No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.”
The psalmist declares the confidence that no one who puts their hope in God will be put to shame. However, those who are treacherous without cause will experience shame.
When we place our hope in God, we can trust that He will faithfully guide and protect us, ensuring that we do not face shame or disgrace. He is a just God who will bring shame upon those who act deceitfully or unjustly.
Psalm 119:21
“You rebuke the arrogant, who are accursed, those who stray from your commands.”
This verse speaks of God’s rebuke and curse upon the arrogant and those who stray from His commands.
As believers, we should humble ourselves before the Lord and align our lives with His Word. By doing so, we can avoid the shame and consequences that come from arrogance and disobedience.
Proverbs 13:18
“Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.”
This proverb highlights the consequences of disregarding discipline and heeding correction. Those who ignore discipline will experience poverty and shame, while those who listen to correction will be honored.
As Christians, we should be open to receiving correction and allowing God to shape and mold us. By humbling ourselves and embracing discipline, we can avoid the shame that comes from stubbornness and pride.