What Does The Bible Say About Wills? (25 Bible Verses)

The Bible speaks about leaving an inheritance, though its focus is often more on spiritual legacies than material wealth. The principles of fairness, love, and ensuring the well-being of family members align with the creation of a will, guiding us to care for those we leave behind.

Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Looks

What Does The Bible Say About Wills

Proverbs 16:9

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.”

This verse reminds us that while we may make our own plans and have our own wills, ultimately it is the Lord who directs our steps and determines the outcome.

It is important for us to seek God’s will and submit our plans to Him, trusting that He knows what is best for us and will guide us in the right direction.

Proverbs 19:21

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.”

This verse emphasizes that even though we may have many plans and desires, it is ultimately God’s purpose that will prevail in our lives.

We should trust in God’s sovereignty and seek His will, knowing that His plans are higher and better than our own.

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 reassures us that God has good plans for our lives. His plans are not to harm us but to bring us prosperity, hope, and a bright future.

We can find comfort and trust in God’s will, knowing that He has our best interests in mind.

Matthew 6:10

“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

This verse is part of the Lord’s Prayer, where Jesus teaches us to pray for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.

We should align our hearts and desires with God’s will, seeking His kingdom and purpose in all that we do.

Matthew 26:39

“Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

In this moment of anguish before His crucifixion, Jesus shows us the importance of surrendering our own will to God’s will.

We should be willing to submit our desires and plans to God, trusting that His will is perfect and ultimately for our good.

Luke 22:42

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

This is another instance where Jesus demonstrates His submission to God’s will, even in the face of great suffering.

When we face challenging circumstances, we should echo Jesus’ prayer and yield to God’s will, knowing that He is in control.

John 4:34

“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.”

Jesus prioritized doing God’s will above all else. His primary focus was to fulfill the purpose for which He was sent.

As followers of Christ, we should also seek to align our desires and actions with God’s will, making it our utmost priority.

Romans 8:27

“And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”

The Holy Spirit helps us align our prayers with God’s will. He intercedes on our behalf, ensuring that our requests are in accordance with God’s plans.

We can take comfort in knowing that the Holy Spirit guides us in seeking and praying according to God’s 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 renew our minds and transform our thinking to align with God’s ways, rather than conforming to worldly standards.

As we do so, we become more attuned to God’s will and are able to discern His good, pleasing, and perfect will for our lives.

Ephesians 5:17

“Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”

God calls us to be wise and discerning, seeking to understand His will rather than being ignorant and foolish.

We should invest time in studying God’s Word and seeking His guidance, so that we may align our lives with His perfect will.

Philippians 2:13

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

This verse reminds us that God works in us, giving us the desire and ability to fulfill His purpose.

When we surrender our wills to God, He empowers us to live according to His will and fulfill the plans He has for our lives.

Colossians 1:9

“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.”

Paul’s prayer for the Colossians illustrates the importance of seeking God’s will through the wisdom and understanding that the Holy Spirit provides.

We can also seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance and wisdom to discern and understand God’s will in our own lives.

1 Thessalonians 4:3

“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality;”

In this specific context, God’s will is clearly stated as our sanctification and holiness, which includes avoiding sexual immorality.

We should strive to honor God’s will in all areas of our lives, including our thoughts, actions, and relationships.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

An important aspect of God’s will is for us to cultivate a heart of gratitude, giving thanks in all circumstances.

Even in challenging times, we can trust that God’s will is perfect and have gratitude for His faithfulness in our lives.

1 Peter 2:15

“For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.”

God’s will includes living a life that reflects His goodness and righteousness.

When we do good, we counteract negativity and foolishness, demonstrating the transformative power of God’s will in our lives.

1 Peter 3:17

“For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”

Sometimes, God’s will may involve enduring suffering for the sake of righteousness and doing what is good.

We should be willing to embrace God’s will, even when it means facing challenges or persecution.

1 John 2:17

“The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”

Choosing to live according to God’s will has eternal significance. The things of this world are temporary and fleeting, but those who follow God’s will have the promise of eternal life.

When we prioritize God’s will, we are investing in that which lasts forever.

1 John 5:14-15

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.”

When we pray in accordance with God’s will, we can have confidence that He hears us and will answer our prayers.

Aligning our desires with God’s will allows us to experience the fulfillment of His promises.

James 4:15

“Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

This verse reminds us to acknowledge God’s will in all our plans and decisions.

It is essential to seek God’s guidance and align our desires with His will, acknowledging that our lives are ultimately in His hands.

Acts 21:14

“When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”

In this verse, Paul’s companions ultimately yielded to God’s will, despite their initial attempts to dissuade him.

We should also be willing to surrender our own wills and submit to God’s plans, trusting that His will is perfect.

Psalm 143:10

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.”

David’s prayer highlights the importance of being taught and led by God’s Spirit, ensuring that we walk in His will.

We should actively seek God’s guidance and ask Him to teach us to do His will, trusting in His guiding Spirit.

Isaiah 55:8-9

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

This passage reminds us of the vast difference between our human wills and understanding, and God’s perfect will.

We should humbly submit to God’s wisdom and trust in His higher ways, even when His plans seem beyond our comprehension.