Courage and bravery are celebrated throughout Scripture, but what does the Bible say about cowardice? Whether it’s avoiding responsibility or failing to act when needed, the Bible has strong words about fear and inaction. Let’s explore what the Bible teaches about the dangers of cowardice and how we can live boldly in faith.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About the anointing
What Does The Bible Say About cowardice
1 Corinthians 16:13
“Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.”
This verse encourages believers to have courage and strength in their faith. It reminds us to be alert and unwavering in our convictions, not allowing fear or cowardice to hinder us from living out our faith boldly.
I remember a time when I was afraid to speak up about my beliefs in a group setting. But this verse reminded me that as a follower of Christ, I am called to be courageous and stand firm in my faith, even in the face of opposition.
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.”
This verse is a powerful reminder that God is always with us, providing us with the strength and courage we need to face our fears. It assures us that we are never alone, and we can trust in God’s unfailing presence.
I have often found comfort in this verse when I feel weak or afraid. Knowing that God is with me gives me the confidence to overcome my fears and step out in faith.
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.”
God commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous as he was about to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. This command applies to us as well, reminding us to trust in God’s presence and overcome our fears and discouragement.
There have been times in my life when I felt discouraged and unsure of the path ahead. But this verse reminds me that God is always with me, leading and guiding me. It gives me the courage to face challenges with confidence and trust in His plan.
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 that when we have the Lord as our light and salvation, there is no need to fear anyone or anything. God is our stronghold, our source of strength and security, and in Him, we can find refuge.
There have been moments in my life where fear has tried to grip my heart, but this verse reminds me that God is greater than any fear or threat I may face. It gives me peace and assurance that I can trust in Him to protect me and guide me through every situation.
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.”
In this verse, God reassures His people that they should not be afraid or discouraged because He is with them. He promises to give them strength, assistance, and support, upholding them with His righteous hand.
There have been moments in my life where I have felt overwhelmed and afraid, but this verse reminds me of God’s faithfulness and His readiness to help me. It encourages me to turn to Him in times of fear and trust in His unfailing strength.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
This verse reminds us that fear is not from God. Instead, God gives us the power to overcome fear, the capacity to love others, and a sound mind to think and make decisions with clarity and wisdom.
I have experienced moments when fear paralyzed me, but this verse serves as a powerful reminder that fear does not have a hold on me. Through God’s Spirit, I can tap into His power and love, enabling me to face challenges boldly and think clearly.
Psalm 56:3-4
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
These verses express the psalmist’s confidence in God’s faithfulness and protection. When fear surfaces, the psalmist chooses to trust in God, knowing that human adversaries cannot prevail against the Almighty.
There have been moments in my life where fear has threatened to consume me, but these verses remind me that I can trust in God’s unwavering presence and His ability to handle any situation. It encourages me to shift my focus from my fears to the greatness of God.
Matthew 10:28
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Jesus spoke these words to His disciples, urging them not to fear those who could harm them physically but to fear God, who has power over both the physical and spiritual realms.
This verse has reminded me that my ultimate fear should be of God and His judgment. It has helped me put things into perspective and prioritize my fear. Instead of being paralyzed by the fear of what others may do to me, I focus on living in a way that pleases and honors God.
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.”
These words from the well-known Psalm 23 speak of God’s comforting presence even in the midst of challenging and fearful situations. The psalmist asserts his trust in God, refusing to succumb to fear.
I have experienced times in my life when I felt like I was walking through a dark valley, filled with fear and uncertainty. But this verse reminds me that even in those moments, God is with me, guiding and comforting me. It gives me the reassurance I need to persevere with courage.
Proverbs 29:25
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.”
This verse advises against the fear of man, recognizing that it can trap and hinder us. Instead, it encourages us to put our trust in the Lord, for He is the one who provides true security and protection.
Throughout my life, I have grappled with the fear of what others might think or how they might judge me. But this verse serves as a reminder that my ultimate security lies in trusting in God and seeking His approval, rather than being enslaved by the fear of man.
Psalm 118:6
“The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
In this verse, the psalmist confidently declares that because the Lord is with him, there is no need to fear the actions or threats of other people.
There have been times in my life when I have felt intimidated by others or concerned about their opinions, but this verse reminds me that with God by my side, their power and influence pale in comparison. It gives me the courage to face challenging situations without fear.
Psalm 34:4
“I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”
The psalmist testifies of seeking the Lord in prayer and finding deliverance from all their fears. By turning to God, they found comfort and freedom from the grip of fear.
There have been numerous occasions in my life when I have felt overwhelmed by fear, but this verse encourages me to seek the Lord’s presence and ask for His help. It reminds me that God is always ready to hear my prayers and grant me the peace and courage I need.
Romans 8:31
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
In this verse, Paul poses a rhetorical question, declaring that if God is on our side, there is no one who can successfully oppose us.
There have been moments in my life when I have faced opposition and felt afraid, but this verse reminds me that with God fighting for me, I can face any challenge with confidence. It reassures me that God’s power and protection far outweigh any threats or opposition I may encounter.
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 confidence in God’s protection, even in the face of great danger and conflict.
There have been moments in my own life when I have felt overwhelmed by the battles I face, whether they be external or internal. But this verse encourages me to trust in God’s faithfulness and strength, allowing me to face challenges with unwavering confidence.
Isaiah 35:4
“Say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.'”
This verse is a message to those who are filled with fear, urging them to be strong and reminding them that God will come to save them.
There have been times in my life when fear has overwhelmed me, but this verse serves as a reminder that God is not far off; He is near and ready to rescue me. It gives me hope and strength to face my fears head-on, knowing that God is on my side.
Psalm 46:1-2
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”
These verses proclaim God as our refuge and source of strength, even in the midst of chaos and upheaval. They declare our faith in God’s unwavering presence and his ability to help us in times of trouble.
There have been moments in my life when I have felt overwhelmed by the circumstances around me, but these verses remind me of the unchanging nature of God. They give me the courage and assurance that I can trust in Him, even when everything else seems uncertain.
Psalm 112:7
“They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.”
This verse speaks of those who trust in the Lord, stating that they will not be afraid of bad news. Their hearts are firm and secure because of their unwavering trust in God.
There have been moments in my life when I have received alarming or distressing news, but this verse reminds me that when I anchor my trust in God, I can face any news with a steadfast and unwavering heart. It encourages me to focus on God’s faithfulness and promises rather than being consumed by fear.
Psalm 64:1
“Hear me, my God, as I voice my complaint; protect my life from the threat of the enemy.”
In this verse, the psalmist cries out to God for both protection and deliverance from the threats and schemes of the enemy.
I have faced situations in my life where I have felt vulnerable and threatened, but this verse reminds me that I can turn to God and seek His protection. It encourages me to pour out my heart to Him, knowing that He hears my prayers and is ready to shield me from harm.
Psalm 56:11
“In God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?”
The psalmist confidently declares their trust in God and asserts that they have no reason to fear the actions of people.
There have been moments in my life when I have felt intimidated or afraid of what others might do to me, but this verse reminds me that ultimately, the power and authority are in God’s hands. It encourages me to place my trust in Him, knowing that He is greater than any human opponent.
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Jesus spoke these words to His disciples, assuring them of the peace that He would give them. He distinguishes His peace from the temporary peace the world offers and encourages them not to let fear trouble their hearts.
There have been times in my own life when fear has threatened to consume me, but this verse reminds me to receive and embrace the peace that Jesus offers. His peace transcends any circumstance or trial, allowing me to face challenges with a calm and steady heart.
Psalm 118:6-7
“The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.”
In these verses, the psalmist confidently proclaims their trust in the Lord’s presence and assistance. They boldly declare that their enemies will not prevail because the Lord is on their side.
There have been moments in my life when I have felt overwhelmed by opposition and fear, but these verses remind me that I can trust in God as my helper and find victory over my enemies. It encourages me to rely on God’s strength rather than my own, knowing that He is always with me.
Psalm 145:18-19
“The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.”
These verses highlight the nearness of God to those who earnestly seek Him. They affirm His faithfulness to hear and save those who fear Him and call upon His name.
I have experienced moments when fear has led me to cry out to God for help, and these verses remind me that He is always near and attentive to my cries. It gives me the assurance that God hears me and will fulfill the desires of my heart as I reverence Him and trust in His ways.
Isaiah 41:13
“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
This verse emphasizes God’s personal involvement in our lives. He assures us that He is with us, taking hold of our hand and offering His help, dispelling fear and providing comfort.
There have been moments when I have felt overwhelmed and afraid, but this verse reminds me that God is always there, reaching out His hand to guide and support me. It gives me the confidence and peace to face any challenge, knowing that I am not alone.
Isaiah 43:1
“But now, this is what the LORD says—He who created you, Jacob, He who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.'”
In this verse, God reassures His people that they have no reason to fear because He has chosen and redeemed them. They belong to Him, and their Creator is watching over them.
When I am tempted to succumb to fear, this verse reminds me that I am a child of God, chosen and loved by Him. It gives me the confidence to trust in His faithfulness and rely on His protection and guidance.