In a world that constantly encourages us to seek validation from others, the Bible gives a different perspective. Scripture emphasizes the importance of finding our worth in God rather than in human opinions. Let’s explore how the Bible encourages us to seek God’s approval above all else and what that means for our daily lives.
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What Does The Bible Say About seeking approval from others
Proverbs 29:25
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.
This verse warns against the dangers of seeking approval from others. Placing our trust and fear in people can lead to bondage and compromise of our values and beliefs. However, when we trust in the Lord and seek His approval above all else, we find true security and protection.
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.
Here, Paul highlights the importance of not seeking to please others at the expense of our faith and relationship with God. Seeking human approval can hinder us from fully serving Christ, as it often involves compromising God’s standards for the sake of acceptance.
John 12:43
For they loved human praise more than praise from God.
This verse reveals the temptation some face in prioritizing the praise of others over the approval of God. When our desire for human recognition outweighs our reverence for God’s approval, we may find ourselves compromising our faith and values.
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.
Paul emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s approval rather than trying to please people. As messengers of the gospel, our aim should be to faithfully represent God’s truth, regardless of human opinions and expectations.
Matthew 6:1
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.
This verse cautions against seeking the approval of others by performing acts of righteousness solely for public recognition. Instead, Jesus encourages us to do good deeds with genuine motives, seeking God’s approval rather than human recognition.
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.
This passage reminds us that our ultimate service and approval should be directed towards God. When we work diligently in every aspect of life, seeking to honor God rather than gain human approval, we can expect to receive an eternal reward from Him.
Proverbs 16:7
When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.
Instead of seeking approval from others, this verse encourages us to focus on pleasing the Lord. When our ways align with His will, even our enemies can be reconciled with us. The approval of God brings far greater blessings than seeking approval from people.
Ephesians 6:6-7
Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people.
Here, believers are reminded to serve others sincerely, not just to gain favor in their eyes. By viewing our service as unto the Lord instead of seeking approval from people, we demonstrate our allegiance to Christ and His will.
Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
This verse encourages us to prioritize the approval of God by aligning our lives with His will rather than conforming to worldly standards. As our minds are transformed by His truth, we gain the ability to discern and embrace God’s perfect and pleasing will.
Psalm 118:8
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.
When we seek approval from others, we risk placing our trust in fallible human beings. This verse reminds us that it is wiser and safer to find our refuge and security in the Lord rather than seeking validation from people.
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.
This popular verse encourages us to trust in the Lord completely and not rely on our own wisdom. By submitting to His guidance and seeking His approval, He promises to lead us in the right direction, straightening our paths according to His perfect will.
Psalm 56:4
In God, whose word I praise— in God, I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
This verse reminds us that when we trust in the Lord and seek His approval, we need not fear the opinions or actions of others. God’s ultimate authority and protection surpass any harm or judgment that mere mortals can inflict upon us.
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
This verse emphasizes the transformation that occurs when we surrender our lives to Christ. Seeking approval from others becomes secondary as we recognize that our identity and purpose are found in Christ, who sacrificially loved us and lives in us through the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 118:9
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.
Just as it is better to seek refuge in the Lord than to trust earthly authorities, it is also better to seek His approval rather than placing our trust in influential people. God’s approval outweighs the fleeting and limited approval of human leaders.
1 Corinthians 4:3-4
I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.
Paul’s words highlight the futility of seeking the approval of human judgments. Ultimately, it is the Lord who judges us, and His approval is what truly matters. As long as our conscience is clear before Him, we can have peace, regardless of others’ opinions.
Psalm 37:4
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
When our delight and satisfaction come from seeking and pleasing the Lord, He promises to fulfill the desires of our heart. This verse encourages us to prioritize God’s approval and trust that He will provide all that we need.
Acts 5:29
Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!”
This verse demonstrates the apostles’ commitment to seeking God’s approval above all else. Instead of bowing to societal pressure, they stood firm in their obedience to God’s commands, setting an example for us to prioritize His approval as well.
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.
Asking God to search and examine our hearts reveals a desire to seek His approval. By inviting His evaluation and guidance, we demonstrate a willingness to let go of any offensive attitudes or actions, allowing Him to lead us on the path of righteousness.
Isaiah 2:22
Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?
This verse challenges the idea of placing too much importance on human approval. People are fallible and transient, so it is unwise to hold them in high regard. Ultimately, it is God’s approval that holds eternal significance.
Proverbs 27:21
The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but people are tested by their praise.
While praise from others can be pleasing, this verse reminds us that our true character is revealed through the testing of praise. Seeking God’s approval helps us maintain humility and avoid the pitfalls of becoming proud and self-centered.
Proverbs 22:1
A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
This verse emphasizes the value of having a good reputation and being esteemed by others. However, seeking God’s approval and maintaining moral integrity are even more valuable than material wealth or human acclaim.
2 Timothy 2:15
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
Paul encourages Timothy to strive for God’s approval by diligently studying and rightly handling the word of truth. Seeking to be approved by God involves a commitment to pursuing knowledge and faithfully living out His teachings.
James 4:4
You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
This verse warns against seeking the approval of worldly ideologies and conforming to worldly standards. When we prioritize worldly approval over God’s approval, we become alienated from Him and compromise our faith.
Psalm 40:4
Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.
Those who trust in the Lord are blessed and are not swayed by the proud or influenced by false gods. They seek God’s approval and reject the empty promises of worldly approval and false idols.