Stewardship of the Earth is a critical topic, and the Bible provides wisdom on how we should treat our planet. Today we will look into verses that highlight our responsibility towards the environment, emphasizing the need for care, respect, and sustainable practices.
We’ll understand how the scriptures call us to be guardians of God’s creation, inspiring us to take action in preserving and honoring the natural world around us.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Politics
Bible Verses About Stewardship Of The Earth
Genesis 1:28
“God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.””
This verse establishes God’s command for humanity to rule over the earth and its creatures. As stewards of the earth, we are called to responsibly care for and manage God’s creation.
Genesis 2:15
“The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”
In this verse, God assigns Adam the responsibility of tending and nurturing the garden. It reminds us that as stewards, we are called to actively care for and tend to the earth.
Psalm 24:1
“The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
This verse emphasizes that everything on earth belongs to the Lord. As stewards, we should recognize that we are merely caretakers of God’s creation and should handle it with reverence and respect.
Psalm 115:16
“The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to mankind.”
This verse highlights the significance of the earth as a gift from God to humanity. As stewards, we should acknowledge this gift and fulfill our responsibility to care for it.
Leviticus 25:23
“The land is to be passed on from one generation to another, as the LORD forbids selling it permanently.”
In this verse, God instructs the Israelites to take care of the land and pass it on to future generations. It reminds us of the importance of preserving and protecting the earth for the benefit of future generations.
Proverbs 12:10
“The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.”
This verse speaks to our responsibility to show compassion and care to all creatures. As stewards, we should ensure the well-being of animals and treat them with kindness.
Deuteronomy 22:6
“If you come across a bird’s nest beside the road, either in a tree or on the ground, and the mother is sitting on the young or on the eggs, do not take the mother with the young.”
This verse teaches us to respect and protect the nesting habitats of birds. As stewards, we should be mindful of the impact our actions can have on the environment and seek to preserve and protect it.
Matthew 6:26
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”
These words of Jesus remind us of God’s care for and provision for all creatures. As stewards, we should trust in God’s provision and seek to care for the earth and its inhabitants.
Matthew 10:29
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.”
Jesus’ words in this verse again emphasize God’s loving care for every aspect of His creation. As stewards, we should recognize the inherent value of all creatures and seek to uphold their well-being.
Romans 1:20
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
This verse points out that God’s divine qualities are evident in the natural world. As stewards, we should recognize and appreciate the beauty and complexity of the earth as a reflection of God’s character.
Romans 8:19-22
“For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.”
This powerful passage teaches that the earth longs for the restoration and liberation that will come when God’s children are revealed. As stewards, we should work towards the restoration and renewal of the earth as we await its ultimate redemption.
1 Corinthians 4:2
“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of faithful stewardship. As stewards of the earth, we should strive to be faithful in fulfilling our responsibilities to care for and protect God’s creation.
Colossians 1:16-17
“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
These verses highlight Christ’s role as the Creator and Sustainer of all things. As stewards, we should recognize and honor the divine authority and purpose behind the earth and its inhabitants.
2 Corinthians 9:6
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
This verse encourages us to sow generously. As stewards of the earth, we should invest in caring for and maintaining the natural resources with generosity and foresight.
Psalms 104:14-15
“He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and vegetation for the service of man, that He may bring forth food from the earth, and wine that makes glad the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread which strengthens man’s heart.”
This beautiful passage acknowledges God’s provision of food and sustenance from the earth. As stewards, we should be grateful for God’s provision and seek to use the earth’s resources responsibly.
Revelation 11:18
“The nations raged, but your wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged, and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear your name, both small and great, and for destroying the destroyers of the earth.”
This verse speaks to the consequences that await those who do harm to the earth. As stewards, we should strive to be protectors rather than destroyers of God’s creation.
Isaiah 24:4-6
“The earth dries up and withers, the world languishes and withers, the heavens languish with the earth. The earth is defiled by its people; they have disobeyed the laws, violated the statutes and broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore, a curse consumes the earth; its people must bear their guilt. Therefore, earth’s inhabitants are burned up, and very few are left.”
This passage depicts the consequences of human disobedience and disrespect towards the earth. As stewards, we should be mindful of our actions and seek to honor God’s creation through responsible and sustainable practices.
Jeremiah 2:7
“I brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and rich produce. But you came and defiled my land and made my inheritance detestable.”
God expresses His disappointment with the people of Israel for defiling the land He had given them. As stewards, we should be mindful of the impact our actions have on the earth, striving to honor and preserve God’s creation.
Ezekiel 34:18-19
“Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of your pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet?”
This verse confronts the destructive actions of those who neglect their responsibilities as stewards. As stewards, we should strive for responsible use and proper care of the earth’s resources.
Isaiah 33:15-16
“Those who walk righteously and speak what is right, who reject gain from extortion and keep their hands from accepting bribes, who stop their ears against plots of murder and shut their eyes against contemplating evil—they are the ones who will dwell on the heights, whose refuge will be the mountain fortress. Their bread will be supplied, and water will not fail them.”
This verse speaks to the importance of righteousness and integrity in stewardship. As stewards, we should strive to act ethically and responsibly in our care for the earth, trusting in God’s provision and protection.
Luke 16:10
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of faithfulness in stewardship. As stewards of the earth, we should handle even the smallest aspects of our responsibilities with honesty and integrity.
Luke 12:48
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
These words of Jesus highlight the responsibility that comes with abundance. As stewards, we should recognize the resources and opportunities we have been given and use them wisely and with consideration for the earth’s welfare.
Hebrews 13:16
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
This verse encourages us to share and do good to others. As stewards, we should consider the needs of others and seek to promote justice and take care of those who are marginalized or impacted negatively by issues of environmental degradation.
What Does the Bible Say About Stewardship Of The Earth?
The Bible teaches us that as stewards of the earth, we have a responsibility to care for God’s creation. In Genesis 1:26, God gives humanity dominion over the earth, but this entails a responsibility to care for it, not exploit it. Psalm 24:1 also reminds us that “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
Throughout the Bible, there are numerous passages that speak to the importance of caring for the earth. In Leviticus 25:23, God reminds us that the land is His, and we are but tenants on it. This highlights the idea of stewardship, that we are entrusted with the earth and its resources, and are to manage them for God’s glory.
Furthermore, in Revelation 11:18, there is a warning of judgment for those who destroy the earth. This passage serves as a reminder that our actions regarding the environment have consequences in the sight of God.
Therefore, as Christians, it is our duty to be responsible stewards of the earth. This involves taking care of the environment, being mindful of our consumption and waste, and advocating for policies and practices that promote sustainability and conservation. Just as God has entrusted us with His creation, we must honor that trust by managing it carefully and with reverence.