Cowardice is a recurring theme in the Bible, often presented as a trait that is contrary to faith and courage. This includes instances where people fail to stand up for their beliefs, fail to follow God’s command, or choose to run away from challenges rather than confront them. The Bible uses these stories and verses to guide followers about the detrimental nature of cowardice and encourages them to rely on God’s strength to overcome fear.
What Does the Bible Say About Cowardice?
The Bible, in several instances, counsels against the exhibition of cowardice. It repeatedly depicts cowardice as a character flaw and links it with disbelief and faithlessness. The Bible, for example, analogizes the one who doubts or wavers as like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. This epitomizes the nature of the coward; unstable and inconsistent. It implies that a lack of steadfast faith and a compulsive aversion to confront challenges are characteristics of a coward.
Who In The Bible Displayed Cowardice?
For a comprehensive understanding of what cowardice entails, the Bible presents a few characters that exhibited traits of cowardice. One is the character of Adam who, after violating God’s command, hid from His presence. Another example is Jonah who attempted to escape from God’s command to prophesy to the city of Nineveh. Both characters exemplify an act of running away or hiding out of fear rather than obeying God’s directives.
Why Does the Bible Discourage Cowardice?
Cowardice is discouraged in the Bible as it is considered contrary to the principles of faith, courage, and endurance, as advised by several passages. The tone of these passages makes it evident that the character of a true believer is marked by bravery, moral strength, and resilience. It is opined that cowardice represents a lack of faith in God’s protection and guidance. Those who surrender to fear instead of relying on God’s power are viewed as denying their faith. Thus, the Bible discourages cowardice as it implies a lack of reliance on God and a deficiency in upholding religious duties.
How Does the Bible Encourage Overcoming Cowardice?
In response to cowardice, the Bible offers a counter-narrative centered around trust and faith in God. Adam and Jonah’s stories, while they start with cowardice, see them later repent and complete their God-ordained tasks. This indicates that despite initial fear and cowardice, one can overcome these feelings by seeking God’s help and following His commands. Furthermore, the Bible encourages followers to trust in God’s power and to draw strength from Him in confronting the challenges that instill fear. Consequently, the Bible not only condemns cowardice but provides a means to overcome it.
What Lessons Can Be Derived from Bible Verses on Cowardice?
The lessons in the Bible’s verses on cowardice serve as a beacon of guidance for believers. These lessons illustrate that trust in God should be the cornerstone for overcoming fear. Courage is lauded as an essential virtue of faith, and believers are urged not to succumb to fear. They are encouraged to steadfastly face adversities, showing unwavering faith in God’s supreme power and His promise to guide and protect them. The tales from the Bible offer guidelines for believers on how repentance and acceptance can turn a coward into a faithful servant of God.
Below is the full list of bible verses on cowardice (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Cowardice
Revelation 21:8
“8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
Related Themes: Hell Abomination Telling The Truth Frustration Adultery
Proverbs 28:1
“1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.”
Related Themes: Courage Boldness Police Nervousness
2 Timothy 1:7
“7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Related Themes: Fear Self Confidence Business Bullying Self-Control
Proverbs 29:25
“25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.”
Related Themes: Fear Omnipotence Reputation Pleasing God Omnipresence
Matthew 5:11-12
“11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”
Related Themes: Gossip Bullying Persecution False Accusations Persecution
Galatians 2:11-14
“11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?”
Related Themes: Omnipotence Judging Others Confrontation Peer Pressure
Mark 14:66-72
“66 And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:67 And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked upon him, and said, And thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.68 But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch; and the cock crew.69 And a maid saw him again, and began to say to them that stood by, This is one of them.70 And he denied it again. And a little after, they that stood by said again to Peter, Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.71 But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.72 And the second time the cock crew. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when he thought thereon, he wept.”
Related Themes: Repentance
Luke 22:54-60
“54 Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest’s house. And Peter followed afar off.55 And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.56 But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.57 And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.59 And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.”
Deuteronomy 31:6
“6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
Related Themes: Loneliness Hope Strength Courage Bullying
Joshua 7:5
“5 And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.”
Related Themes: Water
Leviticus 26:37
“37 And they shall fall one upon another, as it were before a sword, when none pursueth: and ye shall have no power to stand before your enemies.”
Judges 7:3
“3 Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand.”
1 Timothy 6:10
“10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
