Taking risks is part of life, and the Bible offers wisdom on when to step out in faith and when to proceed with caution. Throughout Scripture, we see examples of people who trusted God and took risks, often seeing great rewards. We’ll look at what the Bible teaches about risk-taking, faith, and trusting God with the unknown.
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What Does The Bible Say About Taking Risks
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 verse encourages us to trust in God and surrender our own understanding. When we take risks and step out in faith, it is important to trust that God will guide and direct our paths. He promises to make our paths straight, bringing clarity and purpose to our lives.
Taking risks often requires us to move out of our comfort zones and rely on God’s wisdom and guidance. When we submit to Him and trust in His plans, we can have confidence that He will lead us in the right direction.
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.”
This verse reminds us that God is with us at all times, even in the midst of taking risks. It encourages us to be strong and courageous, knowing that God is always by our side.
When we step out in faith and take risks, fear and discouragement may try to hinder us. However, this verse reminds us that we have no reason to be afraid or discouraged because God is with us wherever we go.
Psalm 37:5
“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of entrusting our plans and desires to God. When we take risks, it is crucial to commit our ways to the Lord and trust in His faithfulness.
By committing our ways to God, we can have confidence that He will bring about our righteous reward and vindication. Taking risks becomes an opportunity to experience God’s faithfulness and provision in our lives.
Matthew 14:29
“‘Come,’ he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.”
This verse narrates the bold action of Peter stepping out of the boat and walking on water to reach Jesus. It serves as a reminder that taking risks sometimes requires boldness and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones.
Just as Peter experienced a miraculous encounter with Jesus by taking this risk, we too can experience great things when we step out in faith and trust in Jesus.
Mark 8:36
“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”
This verse challenges us to consider the true value of worldly success and the potential cost of pursuing it above all else.
Taking risks should always be aligned with our spiritual well-being and the will of God. It reminds us that no earthly gain is worth losing our eternal soul.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
This verse provides comfort and assurance that God has good plans for us. When we take risks, we can trust that God’s intention is to prosper us and give us a hopeful future.
It reminds us that even when taking risks feels uncertain or challenging, God’s plans for our lives are always filled with hope and purpose.
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.”
This verse reassures us that we should not be afraid when taking risks because God is with us. It reminds us that God is our source of strength and help.
When we trust in God and rely on His strength, we can overcome any fears or doubts that may arise as we take risks.
1 Corinthians 16:14
“Do everything in love.”
This verse encourages us to approach every decision and action with love. When taking risks, it reminds us to consider the impact on others and to act in a way that reflects Christ’s love.
Taking risks should never be driven by selfish ambition but by a genuine desire to love and serve others.
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
This verse reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. When taking risks, we can have confidence that God’s strength is available to us.
It encourages us to rely on His power and not our own abilities, knowing that He will provide the strength and resources needed to navigate through risky situations.
Hebrews 11:6
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
This verse highlights the importance of faith when taking risks. It teaches us that pleasing God requires a belief in His existence and a willingness to earnestly seek Him.
By demonstrating faith in God and seeking Him diligently, we position ourselves to receive His blessings and rewards even as we step out in risky ventures.
Judges 6:12
“When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, ‘The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.’”
This verse reminds us that even when faced with challenging risks, God sees us as mighty warriors. It reveals that God is with us, empowering and equipping us for the risks we are called to take.
When we feel inadequate or ill-prepared to take risks, we can find strength and confidence in knowing that God is on our side and considers us mighty warriors.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”
This verse reminds us that the Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome fear and step out courageously. It emphasizes that we are not called to live in timidity but in the power, love, and self-discipline of the Holy Spirit.
When taking risks, we can rely on the Spirit to guide us, strengthen us, and enable us to exercise self-discipline in making wise choices.
Luke 5:10
“…‘Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.’”
This verse represents Jesus’ call to the disciples to venture into new territories and take risks in spreading the gospel. It reminds us that taking risks is not only about personal gain but about reaching and impacting others for the kingdom of God.
Taking risks can lead to significant opportunities to share the love and message of Jesus with others, just as the disciples were called to fish for people.
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 break out of the mold and mindset of the world and allow God to transform our thinking. When taking risks, it is important to align our thoughts with God’s principles and seek His will.
By renewing our minds and seeking His guidance, we can discern what risks are in alignment with God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will for our lives.
Deuteronomy 28:13
“The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.”
This verse speaks of the blessings and favor that come from obedience to God’s commands. When taking risks, it is vital to prioritize obedience to God’s word and follow His instructions.
It assures us that when we align our actions with God’s commands and principles, we position ourselves for success and promotion, never being at the bottom but at the top.
Acts 20:24
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”
This verse highlights the ultimate purpose and mission of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. It reminds us that our lives should be centered on fulfilling the tasks given to us by Jesus.
When taking risks, it is essential to remember that our actions should align with our mission of sharing God’s grace and love with others.
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.”
This verse provides comfort and reassurance during times of risk and uncertainty. It reminds us that no matter how challenging or dark the situation may seem, we have no reason to fear because God is with us.
God’s presence and guidance bring comfort and peace as we navigate through risky situations.
Ephesians 3:20
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…”
This verse highlights the limitless power and ability of God to exceed our expectations. It encourages us to trust God’s power at work within us as we take risks and step into unknown territory.
When we surrender to God and allow Him to work through us, we can experience immeasurable blessings and results that go beyond what we could ask or even imagine.
1 Samuel 16:7
“But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’”
This verse reminds us that God values the condition of our hearts over external circumstances. When taking risks, it is important to prioritize cultivating a heart that is aligned with God’s will and desires.
God’s perspective is not influenced by outward appearances but by the condition of our hearts, which should be the driving force behind our actions and decisions.
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…”
This verse encourages us to approach every endeavor, including taking risks, with a wholehearted commitment. It teaches us that our actions should ultimately be directed toward serving and honoring the Lord, not pleasing people.
When we take risks, we should do so with excellence and complete dedication, knowing that we are ultimately serving the Lord in all that we do.
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
This verse highlights the importance of seeking wisdom from God when taking risks. It assures us that if we ask for wisdom, God will generously provide it, without finding fault.
Wisdom is essential in making informed decisions and discerning the true nature of risks we encounter. By seeking God’s wisdom, we can navigate risks with confidence and clarity.
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
This verse encourages us to persevere in doing good, even when taking risks becomes challenging or tiring. It assures us that in due time, we will reap a harvest if we don’t give up.
Taking risks can be demanding, but this verse reminds us to remain steadfast and committed, knowing that there will be rewards for our faithfulness.
Genesis 12:1
“The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.’”
This verse marks the beginning of Abraham’s journey of faith as he was called to leave everything familiar and go to the land God would show him. It exemplifies the risks involved in obeying God’s call.
Abraham’s obedience in taking this risk led to God’s blessing and the fulfillment of His promises. It serves as a reminder that risks taken in obedience to God can lead to great blessings and fulfillment in our lives.
Romans 8:31
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
This verse highlights the assurance of God’s favor and protection for His children. It reminds us that as we take risks, we can have confidence that no opposition or obstacle can ultimately prevail against us.
When we trust in God, we can move forward with boldness, knowing that His presence and support are always with us.