The power of influence is undeniable—it shapes our choices, beliefs, and even our character. The Bible offers profound insights into the nature and impact of influence, encouraging us to use our influence wisely and responsibly. In this article, we explore inspiring Bible verses that shed light on the transformative power of influence and the importance of being intentional in our interactions.
Bible Verses About Influence
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.”
This verse emphasizes the power of influence. It highlights the importance of choosing our companions wisely, as the people we surround ourselves with can greatly impact our character, decisions, and ultimately our lives. By associating with wise individuals, we can grow in wisdom ourselves. However, if we choose to align ourselves with foolish or negative influences, we will likely face negative consequences.
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
This verse reminds believers of their responsibility to be a positive influence in the world. As followers of Christ, we are called to live in a way that reflects His teachings and character. By shining our light through acts of kindness, love, and righteousness, we not only bring glory to God but also inspire and impact those around us. Our influence should draw others closer to God and prompt them to glorify Him.
2 Corinthians 6:14
“Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?”
This verse highlights the importance of being mindful of the company we keep. It encourages believers not to form close associations or partnerships with those who do not share their faith. The influence of unbelievers can potentially lead to compromising one’s values, diluting one’s commitment to God, and hindering spiritual growth. Maintaining a clear distinction between righteousness and wickedness helps to protect our faith and allows us to be effective witnesses for Christ.
Proverbs 22:24-25
“Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.”
This verse cautions against forming relationships with individuals who have a quick temper and an angry disposition. Spending time with such people can negatively influence our own behavior and attitudes, leading us to adopt similar traits. Our interactions and associations shape us, affecting our character, emotions, and even our spiritual well-being. It is crucial to choose companions who exhibit qualities that align with godly virtues and promote peace and harmony.
1 Timothy 4:12
“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.”
This verse emphasizes the impact of our lives and actions, regardless of our age. It encourages young believers to set an example for others through their words, behavior, love, faith, and purity. Our influence is not limited to a specific age or stage of life. Regardless of our circumstances, we have the opportunity to positively impact others by living out our faith and embodying Christ’s teachings.
Matthew 18:6
“But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.”
This verse highlights the weight of our influence, particularly when it comes to the vulnerable and impressionable. Jesus emphasizes the severity of leading others astray, especially those who have childlike faith. It serves as a stern warning against being a stumbling block to others and underscores the responsibility we have to protect, nurture, and positively influence those who look up to us.
Romans 12:2
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
This verse encourages believers to resist conforming to the patterns and values of the world. Instead, it calls us to allow God to transform our minds and hearts according to His will. By aligning our thoughts, attitudes, and actions with God’s Word, we become agents of change and influence. Our transformed lives serve as a testimony to the goodness and perfect will of God, inspiring others to pursue a similar transformation in their own lives.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”
This verse highlights the importance of having positive and edifying relationships. Just as iron is sharpened by the friction and impact of another iron object, so too are we sharpened and refined through meaningful friendships. Choosing friends who uplift, encourage, and challenge us in our walk with God helps us grow spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally. Our influence on one another can shape us into better individuals, equipping us to impact the world around us.
Matthew 5:13-14
“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.”
In this verse, Jesus speaks to His followers, emphasizing their role as influencers in the world. He compares them to salt, which adds flavor and preserves, and to a city on a hill, which cannot be hidden. As believers, our lives should have a positive impact, bringing flavor, preserving godly values, and shining the light of Christ in a dark world. We are called to make a difference by being distinct and visible examples of love, truth, and righteousness.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for ‘bad company corrupts good character.'”
This verse serves as a cautionary reminder about the power of negative influences. It warns against the deception of those who suggest that our associations and friendships do not matter. In reality, the company we keep can have a profound impact on our character and moral values. Choosing to surround ourselves with individuals who embody godly virtues and values helps protect our own character and fosters an environment conducive to growth, while avoiding detrimental influences that could lead us astray.
Proverbs 12:26
“The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray.”
This verse highlights the contrast between the counsel provided by the godly and the wicked. The godly offer wise and beneficial advice to their friends, while the wicked lead them astray. It underscores the responsibility we have to provide sound guidance and support to those around us. By sharing godly wisdom and values, we can positively influence others, leading them toward righteousness and a deeper relationship with God.
Also Read: 25 Bible Verses About Shelter (With Commentary)
Matthew 7:15
“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.”
This verse serves as a warning against false prophets and deceptive influences. It reminds us to be discerning and cautious about who we allow to influence us. Not everyone who appears righteous or harmless is truly aligned with God’s truth. By testing the teachings, actions, and character of those who seek to influence us, we can safeguard ourselves from being led astray by false or misleading influences.
Proverbs 14:7
“Stay away from fools, for you won’t find knowledge on their lips.”
This verse advises us to distance ourselves from foolish individuals. Fools lack wisdom and understanding, making their influence detrimental to our growth and learning. Associating with such people can hinder our ability to gain knowledge and insight. Instead, we should seek the company of wise individuals who can share valuable insights, godly wisdom, and understanding, thereby positively influencing our own character and knowledge.
Galatians 5:9
“This false teaching is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough!”
Paul uses the analogy of yeast to illustrate the influence of false teaching. Just as a small amount of yeast affects an entire batch of dough, false teaching can quickly permeate and corrupt the faith of believers. This verse serves as a reminder to be vigilant, discerning, and committed to the truth of God’s Word. It encourages us to guard against false doctrines that can subtly infiltrate our beliefs and practices, impacting our spiritual growth and witness.
Proverbs 27:9
“The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.”
This verse emphasizes the significance of authentic and meaningful friendships. When a friend offers sincere counsel from the heart, it is compared to the pleasant aroma of perfume and incense. Such counsel is valuable, refreshing, and uplifting. It demonstrates the positive influence friends can have in our lives by providing wise and loving guidance. Cultivating deep and trustworthy friendships allows us to experience the sweet fragrance of mutual support, encouragement, and accountability.
Ephesians 4:29
“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”
In this verse, Paul highlights the power of our words to influence others. He encourages believers to use speech that is kind, uplifting, and beneficial. Our words have the potential to impact people’s lives profoundly, either positively or negatively. By choosing to speak with grace, love, and encouragement, we can positively influence others, fostering an environment of growth, healing, and edification.
Proverbs 11:14
“Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.”
This verse emphasizes the significance of wise leadership and seeking counsel from others. Good leadership can positively influence a nation, bringing stability, guidance, and prosperity. Additionally, seeking advice from multiple wise counselors allows for better decision-making, preventing errors and oversights. It underscores the importance of recognizing the influence leaders and advisers have and their role in shaping the course of a community, organization, or nation.
Matthew 28:19-20
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
This verse is known as the Great Commission, where Jesus instructs His followers to go and make disciples of all nations. It emphasizes the significant influence we can have as believers in sharing the Gospel and making a lasting impact on people’s lives. By teaching and guiding others to follow Christ’s teachings, we can positively influence their eternal destiny and contribute to the expansion of God’s Kingdom.
Proverbs 13:20
“Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.”
This verse stresses the importance of our associations and the influence they have on us. Choosing to spend time with wise individuals allows us to gain wisdom ourselves. However, aligning ourselves with foolish companions can lead to negative consequences. It serves as a reminder to be intentional in selecting our friends and acquaintances, recognizing that our associations significantly impact our character, choices, and spiritual growth.
Titus 2:7-8
“And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized.”
This passage emphasizes the influence of personal example and integrity in teaching. As believers, our actions should align with the truths we profess. By demonstrating good works and living with integrity, we strengthen the credibility of our teaching and positively influence those we interact with. Our lives should reflect the seriousness and authenticity of the Gospel message, ensuring that our teaching carries weight and is not easily criticized or dismissed.
1 Peter 2:12
“Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.”
This verse encourages believers to live upright lives among those who do not share their faith. By demonstrating honorable behavior and living with integrity, we can positively influence our unbelieving neighbors. Even if they may falsely accuse or criticize us, our consistent and righteous conduct serves as a testimony that can bring glory to God. Through our actions and character, we have the opportunity to impact others and draw them closer to the truth.
Psalm 1:1-2
“Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night.”
This passage celebrates the blessings that come to those who avoid negative influences and instead find joy in God’s Word. It emphasizes the importance of seeking godly counsel, distancing ourselves from sinful associations, and immersing ourselves in the study and meditation of Scripture. By aligning our lives with God’s truth, we become sources of godly influence, experiencing the joy and fulfillment that comes from walking in His ways.
Acts 4:13
“The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.”
This verse highlights the transformative power of being in the presence of Jesus and His influence on our lives. Despite Peter and John’s lack of formal religious training, their association with Jesus had profoundly impacted them. The boldness, wisdom, and authority they exhibited left a lasting impression on others. It serves as a reminder that spending time with Jesus, through prayer, study, and fellowship, can shape us into instruments of His influence, even when the world may perceive us as ordinary.
Proverbs 16:28
“A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.”
This verse warns against the negative influence of troublemakers and gossips. Those who sow seeds of strife and engage in gossip create division and discord among friends, causing relationships to be damaged or broken. It emphasizes the destructive nature of such behavior and encourages us to be cautious about the company we keep. Choosing to distance ourselves from those who promote strife and gossip helps us cultivate healthier relationships and fosters an environment of unity and peace.
James 1:26
“If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.”
This verse underscores the importance of controlling our speech and the influence it has on our faith. Mere religious observance without self-discipline in speech renders our faith meaningless. Our words carry weight and can either edify or tear down others. By exercising restraint, speaking with kindness, and aligning our words with the teachings of Christ, we demonstrate the authenticity of our faith and positively influence those around us.
Proverbs 25:11
“Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket.”
This verse highlights the value of timely and wise counsel. Just as golden apples in a silver basket are visually pleasing, timely advice is beautiful and precious. Seeking and providing wisdom in appropriate moments can have a profound influence on decision-making, problem-solving, and personal growth. It encourages us to actively listen, discern, and offer thoughtful advice, recognizing the impact such guidance can have on others.
Proverbs 27:6
“Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.”
This verse underscores the importance of genuine and honest friendships. True friends are willing to speak the truth, even if it involves pointing out our shortcomings or areas for improvement. While such feedback may be initially painful, it carries greater value than insincere flattery or praise from enemies. A sincere friend’s influence can lead to personal growth, accountability, and transformation, even when their words may be challenging to hear.
Matthew 5:37
“Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.”
This verse addresses the influence of our words and the importance of integrity in our commitments. Jesus emphasizes the need for honesty and straightforwardness in our communication. Our words hold power, and making empty promises, exaggerations, or using deceitful language can lead to confusion, mistrust, and a negative impact on our influence. By speaking with truth and consistency, we maintain credibility and reflect the character of Christ.
Romans 14:19
“So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.”
This verse encourages believers to prioritize unity and edification within the Church community. Our interactions and influence on one another should be marked by a desire for harmony, peace, and mutual edification. By intentionally seeking opportunities to encourage, support, and build one another up, we contribute to a positive and uplifting environment where the love of Christ is evident. Our actions and words should promote unity and reflect the grace and acceptance we have received through Jesus.