Inspirational Bible Verses

I recently started reading the Bible again from the beginning, and I was surprised at the amount of inspirational Bible verses I stumbled across that I hadn't noticed before or been taught in church. I'm in a sharing mood, so I thought I'd pass them along in one or two articles, along with the ones that I found earlier in my life that have helped inspire me and lead me through times of struggle. These are only a few, but they're pretty cool Bible verses. Hopefully you'll find some encouraging quotes from scripture in here. The Good Book is full of them. I tried to choose verses that aren't the standard famous passages. These have been powerful in my life and have blessed me and helped me grow in strength and wisdom. It's amazing how a good verse can give you that purpose and perspective you've been lacking, can strengthen you in struggle and give you the patience you need daily as you go through life. I hope you enjoy these timeless, inspirational Bible verses, that have already affected the lives of millions of people. These are Bible verses by topic, so if you're looking for something in particular, scroll down through the list of topics.

If you enjoy these, check out My Inspirational Bible Verses

Bible verses about Perseverance, Suffering and Hard Times

1) The first Bible verse on my list is one I rediscovered recently that comes in the book of Psalms, which was originally a set of Hebrew poems and songs. It's very poetic and inspirational.

"My soul waits for the Lord, more than watchmen wait for morning,

More than watchmen wait for morning..." Psalm 130

I love the word picture in this verse, of a watchman all alone in a dark tower, watching the distant landscape for any sign of a surprise attack -- the rest of the city asleep in warm beds, with only the promise of the dawn to comfort him. At times, I've felt as though life were passing me by, as though my dreams were slowly fading away, and I'd be left without hope. That's why this verse is very inspirational to me. It reminds me to keep waiting and striving toward my dreams, that present sorrow and suffering aren't eternal. They won't last forever.

2) The next inspirational Bible verse comes from the book of Romans:

"We rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:3-4

I often forget that in life, it's so much more important who I become, than it is what I do. Even when things are discouraging and difficult, I can take comfort in the fact that the Lord is making me into a better man. There are so many character virtues that I lack as a man, things like humility, courage, compassion, confidence, wisdom etc. Knowing that those things are possible to attain gives me hope. We can all change, through grace can all overcome the darkness of human nature and sin.

3) Next we have a verse from the not often read book of 2 Chronicles:

"Be strong. therefore, and let not your hands be weak and slack, for your work shall be rewarded." 2 Chronicles 15:7

I've always been a hard worker. Recently, I've worked at a number of things that didn't pan out or work as well as I had hoped. Discouragement began to set in, and hopelessness became a constant companion for a time. But then I set my mind to persevere through my hardships, to keep working hard and doing the right thing even when I can't see the reward for it right away.

Verses about Loving Life and Living to the Full -- Carpe Diem!

4) Next is one that I found just after graduating high school. For a long time, it was the verse most inspirational to me to get out of my comfort zone and start living my life to the full, and learning how to love life.

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." 1 Corinthians 9:24

Simple, yet compelling, I think. We only get one shot at life. Remember that life is short. Run in such a way as to win the prize. Carpe Diem... Seize the day, starting today. Seek beauty, truth, and meaning.

5) The next inspirational Bible verse comes from the Proverbs.

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9

This year has been one of brand new experiences for me, of trying many new things. Knowing what to do and how to do it in my new endeavors has been difficult, and the learning curve has been a bit steep. That's why I love knowing that things aren't always just random chance, that the Lord is behind me pushing me in the right direction.

Bible Verses about Helping the Poor and the Oppressed

6) The next inspirational Bible verse is one I've always loved from the Proverbs, about serving the poor.

"Rescue those being lead away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say 'But we knew nothing about this,' does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it?" Proverbs 24:11-12

It would be so much easier to just turn a blind eye to the suffering, oppression, and fear going on in the world around us. There's so much evil and grief happening to people in the world today, especially to children, that sometimes it can all seem so overwhelming. But how can we, in good conscience, just go on our merry way and not try and do anything to help another in need? Or should I love my neighbor as myself, as Jesus himself prescribed, spreading goodness where I can? God created our hearts for compassion.

7) Here's another inspirational Bible verse on helping the poor. From the same book of Proverbs.

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and the needy" Proverbs 31:8-9

Can you imagine what the world would be like if people actually took verses like this one to heart? Poverty and oppression would cease. Instead, we get so focused on our own ambitions and on our own problems. I love reading verses like this one because they help put things back into perspective for me.

8) The next verse comes from the book Deuteronomy in the Old Testament:

"If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs" Deuteronomy 15:7-8

Wouldn't that be something? Especially now, in our current economic crisis, when money is tight and many have already gone bankrupt and broke. People are more important than things.

Verses about Wisdom, Understanding, and Knowledge from God

9) When I was a young man, immature and unsure of what kind of man I ought to become, I often read in the Proverbs about the importance of finding wisdom. This is my favorite verse on the subject.

"Wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her." Proverbs 8

Before I do anything else, I should first seek wisdom. What's the point of finding riches, power and fame if I'm a fool? Those things will only cause my ultimate downfall.

For more Bible verses, check out:

Bible Verses About Hope, Life, Faith, Death, and Love