Bible Verses About Encouragement

When the heart grows weary, Scripture lifts it. These verses of encouragement strengthen the faint and remind us we do not walk alone.

“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (KJV)

Comfort yourselves together and edify one another is addressed to a whole congregation. Encouragement is assigned as mutual work rather than a gift some have.

“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” — Hebrews 10:24-25 (KJV)

Consider one another to provoke unto love — provoke is deliberate, almost combative. Not forsaking the assembling follows as the means.

“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” — Proverbs 27:17 (KJV)

Iron sharpening iron requires friction and produces an edge. The proverb does not promise the process is comfortable.

“Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2 (KJV)

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ — carrying weight is called law-keeping. Two verses later each is told to bear his own load, which is the balance.

“And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.” — 1 Samuel 23:16 (KJV)

Jonathan went to David in the wood and strengthened his hand in God, while his own father hunted David. Encouragement here cost the encourager something.

“But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.” — Deuteronomy 3:28 (KJV)

Moses is told to charge Joshua and encourage him, having been refused entry to the land himself. He is asked to prepare a successor for what he cannot have.

“That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” — Romans 1:12 (KJV)

Paul writes that he expects to be comforted by their mutual faith, not only to give. The apostle places himself on the receiving end.

“Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees.” — Job 4:4 (KJV)

Thy words have upholden him that was falling, said to Job by a friend who then gave bad counsel for thirty chapters. Even a poor comforter records what encouragement does.

“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” — Proverbs 16:24 (KJV)

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul and health to the bones. The proverb claims a physical effect for speech.

“And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,” — Acts 4:36 (KJV)

Barnabas is introduced by his nickname, son of consolation, before anything he does is described. He is known for the effect he has on people.

“The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:” — 2 Timothy 1:16 (KJV)

Onesiphorus is remembered for refreshing Paul often and not being ashamed of his chain. The encouragement recorded is repeated visits during imprisonment.

“For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.” — Philemon 1:7 (KJV)

Paul tells Philemon that the hearts of the saints are refreshed by him, before asking a difficult favour. Encouragement is named as established fact first.

“But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” — Hebrews 3:13 (KJV)

Exhort one another daily, while it is called To day — the frequency is specified. The reason given is the hardening effect of sin's deceit.

“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (KJV)

Different responses are prescribed for different people: warn the unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak. Encouragement is treated as requiring diagnosis.

“They helped every one his neighbour; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage.” — Isaiah 41:6 (KJV)

They helped every one his neighbour, and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage. The line describes idol-makers, and the prophet uses their solidarity as a mirror.

“Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;” — Colossians 4:8 (KJV)

Tychicus is sent specifically that he might know their estate and comfort their hearts. Encouragement is worth a journey and a messenger.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about encouragement?

The 16 passages gathered on this page are the ones readers turn to most on encouragement: 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 10:24-25, Proverbs 27:17, Galatians 6:2, 1 Samuel 23:16, Deuteronomy 3:28, Romans 1:12, Job 4:4, Proverbs 16:24, Acts 4:36, 2 Timothy 1:16, Philemon 1:7, Hebrews 3:13, 1…

What is a good Bible verse about encouragement?

1 Thessalonians 5:11 is the passage most often quoted on encouragement, with Hebrews 10:24-25 and Proverbs 27:17 close behind. Which one helps depends on whether you need reassurance, instruction or simply company.

Where can I read these encouragement verses?

You can read all of these verses about encouragement — and the whole Bible, offline, in your preferred translation — free in the Quiethaven app for iPhone.