Strength isn’t just about physical power—it’s about character, resilience, faith, and purpose. For men navigating challenges, leading families, or simply striving to live with integrity, the Bible offers powerful truths that redefine what real strength looks like.
These 16 Bible verses encourage courage, perseverance, humility, and spiritual leadership. Whether you're facing a tough decision, seeking direction, or just need a reminder of God’s presence, these scriptures are a solid foundation for every man striving to live with strength and purpose rooted in faith.
1. Assurance of Eternal Life: John 14:1-3
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you."
This verse offers profound hope to those grieving. Jesus speaks directly to the fear of separation and the unknown after death. He assures believers that Heaven is real and that there’s a personal place prepared for each of us. Including this verse in an obituary can bring comfort and remind mourners that their loved one is now at peace in the presence of God.
2. God’s Comforting Presence: 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…"
This well-loved psalm is a beacon of comfort during dark times. It reminds us that God walks with us even in our most painful moments. When placed in an obituary, this verse serves to soothe hearts by declaring that no one walks through death or grief alone, God is ever-present, guiding and protecting.
3. A Promise of Peace: Philippians 4:7
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Grief often brings confusion and turmoil. This verse reassures us that God's peace, beyond what we can comprehend, can surround us in the middle of heartache. It's a fitting message in an obituary to express that while the pain is great, God's peace is greater.
4. The Lord is Near: Psalm 34:18
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
This verse speaks directly to those mourning the loss of someone dear. God doesn’t distance Himself from sorrow, He draws near. Including this in an obituary affirms that the grieving are not alone; God meets us in our sadness and offers healing and hope.
5. Death is Not the End: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
"Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death… we believe that Jesus died and rose again…"
This passage gently encourages mourners not to grieve as those without hope. It reminds us that death is a transition, not a conclusion. An obituary with this verse proclaims that faith in Christ brings eternal life and reunification.
6. Precious in God's Sight: Psalm 116:15
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants."
This verse beautifully acknowledges that the death of a believer is not insignificant to God. In fact, it is precious to Him. Including this verse honors the life and faith of the departed, highlighting the value of their journey and their reward in eternity.
7. Comfort in Tribulation: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
"Praise be to the God… who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble…"
This verse celebrates God as our ultimate source of comfort. In the context of an obituary, it can also encourage the living to support and uplift one another in their shared grief, inspired by the comfort they themselves receive from God.
8. A Time for Everything: Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die…"
This poetic reminder of life’s rhythms helps us see death as a part of a divine design. It brings a peaceful acceptance, affirming that every life follows a God-ordained timeline. An obituary with this verse acknowledges that though we mourn, this season too has its place.
9. Our Eternal Home: 2 Corinthians 5:1
"For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven…"
This verse draws a clear contrast between our temporary physical life and the eternal spiritual life promised in Heaven. Including this in an obituary reminds us that though we lose a loved one in the flesh, they have moved on to something far greater and everlasting.
10. A Life Worthy of the Lord: Colossians 1:10-12
"…so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord… giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance…"
This verse celebrates a life lived in faith and gratitude. It is a beautiful reflection in an obituary for someone who lived faithfully, signifying that they now share in the eternal inheritance of Heaven.
11. Rest from Labor: Revelation 14:13
"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord… they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them."
This comforting passage promises that those who die in the Lord are not only blessed but also at rest. It acknowledges their good works and assures that their legacy continues. It’s a fitting verse to honor the life, rest, and reward of the deceased.
12. Love Never Fails: 1 Corinthians 13:8
"Love never fails."
This short but powerful verse reminds us that love is eternal. Though a person may be gone, the love they shared lives on in the hearts of those they touched. It’s a beautiful tribute in any obituary, reflecting the timeless bond between the departed and their loved ones.
13. Reunion in Christ: John 11:25-26
"I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die…"
Jesus’ words offer unshakable hope. Death is not the end for believers, it is the beginning of eternal life. In an obituary, this verse reassures mourners of a reunion one day and the eternal nature of faith in Christ.
14. He Wipes Every Tear: Revelation 21:4
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…"
This vision of Heaven is full of healing and promise. It gives assurance that the sorrows of today will be no more. Including this verse can offer deep comfort, suggesting that the departed is now in a place of peace and restoration.
15. Strength for the Weary: Isaiah 40:31
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength… they will soar on wings like eagles…"
While often used for encouragement in life’s struggles, this verse also speaks to strength in the face of grief. It can inspire the bereaved to continue forward, sustained by the hope and power of God. In an obituary, it symbolizes uplifted spirits and renewed purpose.
16. The Lord is My Light: Psalm 27:1
"The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?"
This powerful declaration of trust in God offers strength and courage in the face of loss. It reminds us that even in death, fear has no place because of God’s saving presence. It is a bold and comforting verse to close a tribute or obituary message.
Anne Kostick has been Editor-in-Chief since September 2007. Previously, Anne was a principal at Foxpath IND, a publishing, consulting and editorial services company specializing in the transition to and from traditional content publishing and online content management, development and publishing. Her clients included trade book publishers, technology and financial services Web sites, and arts and cultural institutions. Previously, she worked as Licensing and Product Development Director, Senior Acquisitions Editor and Director of Electronic Publishing for Workman Publishing, and as Senior Acquisitions Editor for Harry N. Abrams/Stewart, Tabori & Chang. In the online world she worked as Director of Content Development for Vitaminshoppe.com. Anne has a B.A. in Greek and Latin, with a minor in Theater, from Beloit College. She is the author of several books for children, as well as a definitive collection of jokes.