Boldness is an essential quality for Christians, allowing them to remain steadfast in their beliefs and share the Gospel with assurance. The Scriptures contain a wealth of verses that inspire believers to cultivate courage, highlighting that God’s presence and strength prepare them to face any obstacle. Whether encountering difficulties, expressing their convictions, or advocating for what is just, these passages encourage a heart filled with confidence rooted in trust in the Lord.
For instance, verses such as Joshua 1:9 and 2 Timothy 1:7 remind believers that they are not meant to live in fear but to embrace the life that God has designed for them with boldness. As we delve into these verses, we learn that boldness involves more than the absence of fear; it is about being grounded in the love and support of our Creator, enabling us to express our faith genuinely and courageously.
Bible Verses About Boldness
1. Proverbs 28:1
The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Boldness comes naturally to those who walk in righteousness. When your heart is right with God, you stand firm, knowing that He is with you. This assurance gives you the courage to face challenges that might cause others to retreat. It is not about recklessness but about trusting God’s guidance and knowing you are never alone.
In contrast, those who live in wickedness often flee from imagined threats. Their guilt keeps them bound in fear. But for the righteous, their conscience is clear, enabling them to stand with the boldness of a lion. This courage is rooted in the peace that comes from walking in alignment with God’s will and purpose.
2. Acts 4:13
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognised that they had been with Jesus.
Peter and John’s boldness was not a result of their education or status, but because they had been with Jesus. This verse reminds us that true boldness comes from a deep relationship with Christ. Being in His presence transforms ordinary people into fearless witnesses for His kingdom, defying societal expectations.
Their courage astonished the religious leaders, as it was clear that their confidence was not from worldly means. Boldness in Christ transcends human qualifications, making even the most common individual a powerful force for the gospel. It’s not about who you are but who you’re with — and being with Jesus changes everything.
3. Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
God’s command to Joshua to be strong and courageous was not a mere suggestion. He emphasised that Joshua had nothing to fear because God would be with him at all times. Boldness here is anchored in God’s continual presence, which empowers believers to move forward confidently, even when faced with daunting tasks.
Fear and dismay are natural emotions, but God’s assurance of His presence provides the strength needed to overcome them. Boldness doesn’t mean the absence of fear; it means choosing to trust God’s promises over our fears, knowing that wherever we go, He is already there with us, leading the way.
4. Ephesians 6:19-20
And also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Paul’s prayer request for boldness while being in chains speaks volumes about the importance of proclaiming the gospel with courage. Even in imprisonment, he did not shy away from speaking the truth. His boldness came from knowing that the message of the gospel transcended his personal situation and needed to be shared.
Being bold in sharing the gospel is not always easy, especially in hostile environments. However, Paul’s example shows that boldness is necessary for ambassadors of Christ. We must not shrink back but rather speak with confidence, trusting that God will give us the words to declare His truth to the world.
5. 2 Timothy 1:7
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
The spirit God gives us is not one of timidity or fear but of power, love, and self-discipline. Boldness is a natural expression of this Spirit. When we operate in the power and love of God, fear loses its grip, allowing us to step out in faith with courage. This boldness is not impulsive but rooted in self-control and wisdom.
Operating in boldness doesn’t mean acting recklessly. Instead, it reflects a balance of strength and restraint, knowing that God equips us with the right spirit to face challenges. The power of His love fuels our courage, making us stand firm in difficult circumstances without being shaken by fear.
6. Philippians 1:20
As it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honoured in my body, whether by life or by death.
Paul’s expectation was to maintain his boldness in honouring Christ, regardless of the outcome. This verse shows that true boldness is not based on favourable circumstances but on the determination to glorify God in all situations. Paul was willing to honour Christ in life or death, showing the depth of his courage and commitment.
His boldness was rooted in the hope of not being ashamed of his testimony for Christ. As believers, we can learn from Paul’s example that boldness is about steadfastness in our faith. It is the willingness to honour God, even when faced with life-threatening challenges, trusting Him completely.
7. Acts 28:31
Proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
Despite numerous attempts to silence him, Paul continued to preach boldly. His unwavering commitment to sharing the gospel without hindrance demonstrates the power of boldness in spreading the message of Christ. No external force could diminish his courage or stop him from fulfilling his mission.
Boldness in proclaiming the gospel means not allowing fear or opposition to deter us from our calling. Like Paul, we are encouraged to speak with confidence, trusting that God will open doors and remove obstacles. This kind of boldness is essential in making sure the message of salvation reaches the world.
8. Hebrews 4:16
Let us then, with confidence, draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Boldness is not only about outward action but also about how we approach God. This verse encourages believers to come before God’s throne with confidence, knowing that He is merciful and gracious. When we are bold in prayer, we can access His help in our times of need, trusting in His willingness to provide.
Approaching God with boldness stems from an understanding of His character. We are invited to come to Him, not with hesitation, but with the assurance that He listens and cares. This confidence in approaching God fuels our boldness in every other area of our lives, knowing that our strength comes from Him.
9. 1 John 4:17
By this, love is perfected with us so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment because, as he is, so are we in this world.
Boldness is linked to the perfecting of love in our lives. As God’s love is perfected in us, we gain confidence, even for the day of judgement. This confidence comes from knowing that we are secure in His love and that our lives are a reflection of Christ in this world.
The boldness we carry results from the transformation that comes from living in God’s love. It gives us the courage to stand firm, knowing we are aligned with His purposes. This assurance, based on love, allows us to confidently approach even the most daunting situations.
10. Proverbs 3:26
For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.
True boldness comes from placing our confidence in the Lord, not in ourselves. When we trust in God to be our source of strength, we can move boldly, knowing that He will keep us from stumbling. This confidence enables us to walk with courage and be assured that God is our protector.
When the Lord is our confidence, we can face challenges without fear of failure. It’s not about our ability to avoid traps or pitfalls but about God’s faithfulness to keep us steady. Boldness, in this sense, is trusting in God’s protection and guidance, allowing us to move forward with peace.
11. Romans 8:31
What, then, shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
This verse gives us the foundation for true boldness: the assurance that God is on our side. When we understand that the Creator of the universe supports us, fear and doubt lose their power over us. It enables us to confront any opposition with unwavering confidence, knowing that nothing can stand against God’s purposes for our lives.
Boldness is about recognising that God’s presence and power far exceed any challenge we may face. It’s the confidence that no matter who or what opposes us, we are secure in God’s protection and favour. This realisation gives us the courage to move forward, knowing that God’s will is unstoppable.
12. 2 Corinthians 3:12
Since we have such hope, we are very bold.
The hope Paul refers to here is the hope of salvation and eternal life in Christ. This hope gives believers the boldness to live out their faith without fear of what may come. It’s a boldness grounded in the certainty of God’s promises, enabling us to act with courage and determination, regardless of external circumstances.
Boldness flows from hope because hope gives us a vision beyond the present moment. Knowing that our future is secure in Christ allows us to be brave, even in the face of difficulties. Our boldness isn’t rooted in our strength but in the hope that God’s promises are sure and everlasting.
13. Isaiah 50:7
But the Lord God helps me; therefore, I have not been disgraced; therefore, I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame.
Isaiah speaks of setting his face like flint, a metaphor for unwavering determination. This kind of boldness is a result of knowing that God is our helper. When we rely on Him, we can stand firm, knowing we will not be disgraced or put to shame. Boldness means pressing forward with purpose, regardless of opposition.
This verse teaches us that boldness involves a mindset of resilience. It is the determination to continue moving forward, even when faced with resistance, because we know that God is our support. The assurance of His help allows us to be fearless and confident, trusting that He will vindicate us.
14. Psalm 27:1
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?
David’s boldness in this verse comes from his deep trust in God’s protection. When God is your light and salvation, fear has no place in your life. Knowing that God is the stronghold of your life gives you the courage to face any danger, confident that no one can harm you under His care.
The imagery of God as a stronghold emphasises His role as our protector. Boldness, in this sense, is about living fearlessly, not because challenges don’t exist, but because we are fully secure in God’s power and love. His light drives away fear, allowing us to stand firm in any situation.
15. Proverbs 14:26
In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.
The fear of the Lord leads to strong confidence because it means living in reverence and obedience to God. This type of fear is not about being scared but about respecting God’s authority and aligning with His will. When we live this way, boldness naturally follows as we trust in His promises and protection.
This verse also extends to future generations, showing that boldness in the Lord provides security not only for ourselves but for those who come after us. Boldness here is generational, as our confidence in God becomes a refuge for our children, passing down the legacy of faith and courage.
16. Psalm 138:3
On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased.
When we call on God in times of need, He answers by strengthening our souls. This inner strength gives us the boldness to face whatever challenges come our way. Boldness is not just an outward expression but an inner fortitude that comes from God’s presence and power in our lives.
The strength of the soul is the foundation of boldness. When our souls are fortified by God’s grace, we can approach any situation with courage. This strength is not dependent on external circumstances but is a direct result of calling on God and trusting in His response, which always increases our capacity to be bold.
17. Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
God’s assurance to His people is clear: there is no reason to fear because He is with them. Boldness is directly linked to the understanding that God’s strength is available to us. When we feel weak or uncertain, we can rely on His help, knowing that His righteous right hand upholds us.
Boldness in the face of fear is a mark of faith. Even when situations seem overwhelming, God’s promise to strengthen and uphold us removes the need for dismay. It is His presence that makes us bold, giving us the courage to walk through life with the knowledge that we are never alone.
18. Matthew 10:19-20
When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Jesus’ words remind us that boldness is not about having all the answers beforehand. When faced with opposition or persecution, we don’t need to rely on our wisdom or eloquence. The Holy Spirit will give us the words we need at the moment, allowing us to speak with boldness that comes directly from God.
This type of boldness is rooted in trust — trusting that God will empower us when we need it most. It frees us from anxiety, knowing that the Spirit will equip us with what to say. Boldness here is about relying on God’s provision rather than our own abilities, giving us confidence in difficult situations.
19. Psalm 31:24
Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!
Courage and strength are not just for those who act immediately; they are also for those who wait on the Lord. Boldness here is tied to patience and trust. When we wait for the Lord’s timing, it requires courage to remain strong and not take matters into our own hands. Boldness is knowing that God’s timing is perfect.
Waiting on the Lord doesn’t mean inactivity; it means being bold in trusting His plan. Courage in waiting is just as significant as courage in action. This verse reminds us that boldness sometimes looks like patiently enduring, confident that God will come through in His perfect time.
20. Acts 18:9-10
And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.”
God encouraged Paul to continue speaking boldly, assuring him that He was with him and that no harm would come to him. This reminder gave Paul the courage to persist in preaching the gospel, even in the face of opposition. Boldness is about continuing the mission, trusting in God’s protection and plan.
The presence of God and His people in the city gave Paul the confidence to move forward without fear. Boldness doesn’t always mean going it alone; sometimes, it’s about knowing that God has placed others around you to support and protect you. This knowledge empowers us to keep speaking and not remain silent.
21. Hebrews 13:6
So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
This verse speaks to the boldness that comes from trusting God as our helper. When we truly believe that God is on our side, fear loses its grip on us. The knowledge that no human threat can overpower God’s will gives us the confidence to face any situation without fear, standing firm in our faith.
Boldness is rooted in this confidence that God’s help is greater than any opposition we might face. It isn’t about denying the existence of challenges but rather knowing that no human can derail God’s plans for our lives. This understanding gives us the strength to remain courageous, even in the face of adversity.
22. Philippians 1:20
As it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honoured in my body, whether by life or by death.
Paul expresses his boldness in Christ, even when faced with the possibility of death. His hope and expectation are that he will not be ashamed, but will instead have the courage to honour Christ in whatever circumstances he finds himself. Boldness here is about being willing to glorify Christ, regardless of the outcome.
This type of boldness is fearless because it sees beyond earthly concerns. Whether in life or death, Paul’s primary goal is to honour Christ. His courage is fuelled by his faith that Christ will be glorified in him, allowing him to face even the most challenging situations with boldness.
23. 1 John 4:17
By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world.
John highlights how God’s love in us brings about boldness, especially when we think of the final day of judgment. Because of Christ’s work in our lives, we can approach that day with confidence, knowing that His love has removed fear. This same confidence fuels boldness in our everyday lives as we live in the reality of God’s perfect love.
Boldness is an outflow of understanding the depth of God’s love for us. When His love is perfected in us, it transforms our outlook on life. We no longer operate in fear but in boldness, fully confident that our standing with God is secure through Christ, enabling us to live courageously in this world.
24. Proverbs 28:1
The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
This proverb contrasts the fearfulness of the wicked with the boldness of the righteous. Those who live righteously, walking in God’s ways, have no reason to flee. Instead, they can be as bold as a lion, standing strong in the face of adversity. Righteousness leads to confidence, which in turn produces boldness.
The lion is a symbol of fearless strength. Boldness comes from a life lived in alignment with God’s will, where there is no fear of hidden guilt or shame. It’s the courage that comes from knowing that God is with us and that we are walking in His truth, giving us the confidence to face any challenge head-on.
25. 2 Timothy 1:7
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Paul reminds Timothy that the spirit God gives us is not one of fear but one of power, love, and self-control. This understanding empowers boldness in us, as fear is replaced by divine strength and love. When we are led by the Spirit, boldness naturally follows because we are no longer controlled by fear.
This verse highlights that boldness is not self-manufactured but a gift from God through His Spirit. The Spirit’s power enables us to act courageously, love others, and maintain self-control, even in difficult situations. Boldness, then, is the result of living in step with the Spirit’s guidance.
26. Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
David speaks of boldness in the darkest moments of life, knowing that God’s presence removes fear. Walking through the valley of the shadow of death is a metaphor for facing the most terrifying situations, yet David is confident because God’s rod and staff, symbols of guidance and protection, are with him.
Boldness here is not about avoiding danger but walking through it with confidence in God’s protection. The assurance that God is with us in every trial allows us to face even the most frightening circumstances without fear. His presence gives us the courage to keep moving forward, no matter how dark the path may seem.
27. Acts 4:31
And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
Prayer and the Holy Spirit are sources of boldness in this verse. After praying, the believers were filled with the Holy Spirit, which empowered them to speak the word of God boldly. This boldness was not human-driven but inspired by the Spirit, allowing them to proclaim the gospel without fear.
Boldness in this context comes from being filled with the Spirit. It’s a supernatural courage that enables believers to speak out, even in the face of persecution or opposition. Prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit are key to maintaining boldness, especially when sharing the gospel in challenging circumstances.
28. 1 Thessalonians 2:2
But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.
Paul and his companions continued to preach the gospel boldly, even after suffering persecution in Philippi. Their boldness didn’t come from their own strength but from God. Despite the opposition and conflict they faced, they were able to press on and share the message of salvation without hesitation.
This verse shows that boldness isn’t about the absence of hardship but the determination to continue God’s work despite it. Even in the face of suffering and mistreatment, Paul found the courage to carry on because his boldness was rooted in God. This is the kind of boldness that sustains us through trials.
29. Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.
Moses encourages the Israelites to be strong and courageous as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. Their boldness is not based on their own strength but on the promise that God is with them and will not forsake them. This divine assurance enables them to face their enemies without fear.
This verse teaches that boldness comes from knowing that God is always with us. We are not called to be brave in our own strength but to rely on His constant presence. When we trust that He will never leave us, we can face any challenge with boldness and confidence.
30. Jeremiah 1:8
Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.
God’s words to Jeremiah remind him not to be afraid of those who oppose him. Boldness is grounded in the knowledge that God is our deliverer. No matter who stands against us, God’s presence ensures that we will be delivered from harm. This promise gives us the courage to speak and act boldly in His name.
Boldness, in this sense, is not about ignoring threats but about trusting in God’s ability to deliver us from them. When we remember that God is with us, we are freed from fear, enabling us to carry out His will with confidence and courage, no matter the opposition we face.
Conclusion
To sum up, embracing boldness is vital for Christians who wish to lead a life filled with faith. The Scriptures invite us to rise above our fears, reminding us of the strength and presence that God provides. As we consider the verses that highlight this trait, it becomes clear that boldness goes beyond the absence of fear; it centres on trusting in God’s promises and the unique purpose He has for us.
Each verse reinforces the idea that we are equipped to confront challenges and share our beliefs with assurance. By nurturing a spirit of boldness, we can positively influence those around us, shining brightly in a world often clouded by fear and doubt. Let us internalise these scriptures, allowing them to motivate us to live genuinely and bravely, fulfilling our roles as ambassadors of the hope and love we find in Christ.