Boldness is a gift that comes from a deep well of faith and courage. When life challenges your confidence and fear creeps in, the Bible offers powerful reminders to stand firm and walk boldly in your purpose.
These 26 verses will inspire you to tap into God’s strength, overcome fear, and live courageously, knowing He is always by your side. Let these truths ignite a new flame of boldness in your heart today.
1. Fearless Confidence: 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."
This verse is a powerful reminder that courage isn’t about the absence of fear, but about trusting God’s presence with you. God commands strength and boldness because He is your constant companion. No matter what challenges you face, you’re never alone. Knowing God goes before you is the foundation for fearless confidence and bold living.
2. Strength in Weakness: 2 Corinthians 12:9
"But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Paul’s words teach us that true boldness comes from embracing our weaknesses and relying on God’s strength. When we admit we can’t do it alone, God’s power shines through. This verse encourages humility and faith, reminding us that God’s grace empowers us to be bold, even when we feel weak.
3. Bold Prayer: 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 in prayer comes from the confidence that God welcomes us. We are encouraged to approach God’s throne boldly, trusting His mercy and grace. This verse invites us to boldly bring our needs before God, knowing He is ready to help and support us in every circumstance.
4. Power Over Fear: 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 reassurance in this verse dispels fear and uncertainty. When you feel overwhelmed, remember God promises to strengthen and uphold you. Boldness grows when you rely on God’s unwavering support, making you resilient in the face of fear and doubt.
5. Boldness Through Faith: Proverbs 28:1
"The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion."
This verse contrasts fear and boldness, linking courage to righteousness and faithfulness. Being “bold as a lion” is a natural result of trusting God’s justice and goodness. When your heart is aligned with God, you can face life’s battles with fearless boldness.
6. Speak with Courage: Acts 4:29
"And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness."
The early church prayed for boldness to proclaim God’s word despite opposition. This verse reminds us that boldness is not just for leaders but for every believer who desires to speak truth with courage, empowered by the Holy Spirit to overcome fear.
7. Bold in Proclamation: Ephesians 6:19
"And also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel."
Paul’s prayer highlights the need for boldness when sharing the gospel. Boldness here is tied to clarity and courage in proclaiming faith, even when facing resistance. This verse encourages us to ask God for boldness in our witness, confident He equips us with the right words.
8. Courage From God’s Spirit: 2 Timothy 1:7
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
This verse reminds us that fear does not come from God. Instead, He gives us power, love, and self-discipline. Boldness is rooted in God’s Spirit within us, enabling us to overcome fear and act with courage, love, and wise restraint.
9. Bold Access to God: Romans 5:2
"Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God."
Boldness in faith means confidently standing in God’s grace. We are invited to rejoice and stand firm, knowing our relationship with God is secure through Christ. This assurance fuels bold living and hopeful endurance.
10. Confidence in God’s Calling: 1 Corinthians 16:13
"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong."
This short but powerful instruction encourages vigilance and strength in faith. It calls for steadfastness and courage to live out God’s calling boldly. Being “strong” and “standing firm” means refusing to waver or shrink back.
11. Boldness to Approach God: Psalm 27:14
"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"
Patience and courage go hand in hand here. Waiting on God requires bold trust and strength of heart. This verse reassures us that boldness isn’t always rushing forward but steadfastly trusting God’s timing with courage.
12. Fearless in God’s Justice: Psalm 112:7
"He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord."
Those who trust God firmly do not let fear control them. This verse describes the boldness born from trust in God’s justice and faithfulness. Fearless boldness allows us to face any news or circumstance without being shaken.
13. Boldness Through God’s Strength: Philippians 4:13
"I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
This well-known verse connects our boldness directly to God’s strength. It reminds us that with God empowering us, we can face any challenge boldly, no matter how daunting it seems.
14. Bold Witnessing: Matthew 10:27
"What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops."
Jesus commands His followers to boldly share the truth they receive, regardless of the situation. Boldness here is about fearless proclamation, bringing light to darkness and truth to the public square.
15. Boldness in the Spirit: Acts 1:8
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
This verse links boldness to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit equips believers to be courageous witnesses everywhere, no matter the opposition or location.
16. Boldness Despite Opposition: 1 Peter 3:15
"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Boldness doesn’t mean rudeness; it means being ready and confident to share your faith. This verse encourages respectful courage, showing that boldness is both strength and kindness.
17. Boldness in Trials: James 1:12
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
Remaining bold and steadfast under pressure is rewarded by God. This verse encourages perseverance, showing that boldness in trials leads to eternal reward.
18. Boldness in Wisdom: Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
True boldness is grounded in trusting God rather than ourselves. This verse teaches us to lean fully on God’s wisdom, giving us the confidence to move forward boldly.
19. Boldness in God’s Plan: Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
This verse assures us of God’s good intentions for our lives. Boldness grows when we trust that God’s plan is for our ultimate good and hopeful future.
20. Boldness Rooted in Love: 1 John 4:18
"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love."
Perfect love from God removes fear and ignites boldness. This verse reveals that boldness grows when we are rooted deeply in God’s love, which overcomes all fear.
21. Boldness Through Obedience: 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."
God’s presence gives us boldness to obey and face challenges without fear. This verse is a command and a promise , boldness comes when we trust God’s faithful presence.
22. Boldness to Overcome: Revelation 3:8
"I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name."
God opens doors for boldness and opportunity. This verse encourages believers to keep the faith and act boldly even when strength seems limited, trusting God’s power to open the way.
23. Boldness in God’s Justice: 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?"
With God as our light and salvation, fear loses its grip. This verse is a powerful declaration of boldness, reminding us that with God, we have no reason to be afraid.
24. Boldness to Rejoice: Romans 15:13
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."
Boldness is also joy-filled and peaceful. This verse connects boldness to hope and joy, fueled by the Holy Spirit’s power, encouraging us to live courageously with a hopeful heart.
25. Boldness in God’s Word: Psalm 119:46
"I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame."
Boldness comes from confidence in God’s Word. This verse shows a readiness to proclaim God’s truth before any authority, assured that God’s Word will never bring shame.
26. Boldness in Eternal Victory: Romans 8:37
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."
This final verse assures believers of ultimate boldness and victory through Christ’s love. It’s a powerful encouragement that no matter the trials, we are conquerors, emboldened by God’s love.
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.