Boldness is an essential trait that believers are urged to cultivate in an unpredictable and challenging environment. Being bold gives us the confidence and fortitude to face life’s challenges head-on, speak out for what’s right, and maintain our faith. Encouragements to live courageously abound throughout the Bible, which reminds us that God’s power and presence, not our own, are the source of bravery.
Inspiring believers to overcome fear and doubt and fearlessly act in God’s plan, this article examines 35 of the best Bible scriptures regarding boldness. These scriptures will assist you in accepting the boldness that God offers, whether your goal is to grow in bravery for prayer, evangelism, or daily living.
What the Bible Teaches About Boldness
In the Bible, boldness is closely related to faith and dependence on God. It is a fearless confidence based on God’s promises rather than conceit or recklessness. As seen by the early church’s prayer for the courage to share the gospel in the face of danger (Acts 4:29), God may both provide and require boldness.
Jesus is the epitome of courage because he spoke the truth with authority in the face of opposition. His audacity was inspired by the Spirit rather than coming from inside. In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul reiterates this, telling believers that it is not fear but the power, love, and self-discipline that come from God’s Spirit. This bravery allows us to express our faith with conviction (Ephesians 6:19-20), stand steadfast against resistance (1 Corinthians 16:13), and approach God fearlessly in prayer (Hebrews 4:16).
Growing in Boldness
Developing boldness is a journey that involves growing closer to God and trusting Him more deeply. It starts with prayer—asking God to fill us with courage and boldness to live and speak His Word fearlessly (Acts 4:29). Boldness is a spiritual gift that God delights in giving when we seek it earnestly.
Next, faith plays a crucial role. Boldness grows as our faith strengthens through God’s promises and His faithfulness in our lives. Standing firm in faith guards us from fear and doubt, making courage a natural response (1 Corinthians 16:13).
Approaching God with confidence also fuels boldness. Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to come before God’s throne boldly to receive mercy and grace in times of need. Realizing that God welcomes us without condemnation empowers us to be fearless in prayer and daily life.
35 Best Bible Verses about Boldness
Acts 4:29 (NIV) “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.”
Boldness is a prayer request—God empowers us to proclaim His truth courageously.
Joshua 1:9 (NIV) “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’s presence is the source of fearless boldness in every situation.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
The Holy Spirit empowers us to live boldly without fear.
Proverbs 28:1 (NIV) “The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.”
True righteousness brings boldness that faces challenges head-on.
Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Boldness gives us confidence to approach God without hesitation.
1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV) “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
Faith fuels courage and boldness in every circumstance.
Psalm 27:1 (NIV) “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?”
Confidence in God removes all fear and empowers boldness.
Ephesians 6:19-20 (NIV) “Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.”
Boldness in sharing the Gospel is a powerful spiritual request.
Esther 4:14 (NIV) “And who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
God places us boldly in moments that matter for His purpose.
Psalm 31:24 (NIV) “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”
Hope in God breeds boldness and strength.
Romans 8:31 (NIV) “If God is for us, who can be against us?”
God’s backing removes all fear of opposition.
Acts 28:31 (NIV) “He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!”
Boldness breaks down barriers for the Gospel.
1 John 4:18 (NIV) “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…”
God’s perfect love empowers us to live fearlessly.
Mark 16:15 (NIV) “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
Boldness is essential to carry out God’s great commission.
Philippians 1:20 (NIV) “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body.”
Boldness glorifies Christ in our lives.
2 Chronicles 32:7 (NIV) “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria…”
God calls us to courage in the face of overwhelming odds.
Luke 9:26 (NIV) “Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them…”
Boldness is a declaration of loyalty to Christ.
Nehemiah 4:14 (NIV) “Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord, who is great and awesome…”
Boldness comes from remembering God’s greatness.
John 7:26 (NIV) “No one ever spoke the way this man does.”
Jesus’ bold speech astonishes and challenges all.
Daniel 3:16-18 (NIV) “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us… But even if He does not…”
Boldness trusts God with or without visible deliverance.
Galatians 5:1 (NIV) “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again…”
Freedom in Christ fuels boldness.
Psalm 118:6 (NIV) “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
God’s presence silences fear and sparks boldness.
Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV) “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt…”
Boldness paired with wisdom opens doors to witness.
Psalm 112:7 (NIV) “They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”
Steadfast trust breeds fearless boldness.
2 Corinthians 3:12 (NIV) “Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.”
Hope in God gives us boldness to face all things.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) “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.”
God’s promises build our boldness.
Matthew 10:28 (NIV) “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul…”
Eternal perspective fuels boldness over fear.
Hebrews 10:19 (NIV) “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus…”
Boldness comes from Jesus’ sacrifice.
Psalm 34:4 (NIV) “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”
God’s deliverance produces boldness.
Romans 5:1-2 (NIV) “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…”
Peace with God allows us to live boldly.
James 1:6 (NIV) “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea…”
Faith without doubt creates boldness.
1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
Boldness means readiness to share our hope.
Psalm 138:3 (NIV) “When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me.”
God’s response to our prayers strengthens and emboldens us.
Jeremiah 1:7-8 (NIV) “But the Lord said to me, ‘Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,’ declares the Lord.”
God calls us to bold obedience, regardless of our fears.
1 Timothy 6:12 (NIV) “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
Boldness is part of persevering confidently in the faith.
Exodus 14:13 (NIV) “Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.’”
Standing firm in faith requires bold trust in God’s deliverance.
Hebrews 13:6 (NIV) “So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?’”
Boldness flows from trusting God as our helper and protector.
Zechariah 8:13 (NIV) “Just as you, Judah and Israel, have been a curse among the nations, so I will save you, and you will be a blessing.”
Boldness includes stepping into God’s plan to bless others despite past struggles.
Isaiah 54:17 (NIV) “No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.”
God assures us bold protection and victory over attacks.
Proverbs 3:25-26 (NIV) “Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.”
Boldness comes from knowing God guards our steps.
2 Samuel 10:12 (NIV) “Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good.”
Boldness in battle is accompanied by trust in God’s goodness.
Luke 12:4-5 (NIV) “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.”
Fear God rather than people — a source of true boldness.
Summary
Boldness is a vital Christian trait that enables believers to live courageously and faithfully in a challenging world. The Bible assures us that boldness comes from God’s Spirit, His presence, and our trust in His promises. By praying for boldness, growing in faith, approaching God with confidence, meditating on Scripture, and relying on the Holy Spirit, we can walk boldly for Christ.
These 35 Bible verses remind us that with God on our side, we have every reason to be courageous, confident, and bold in all areas of life.
