Excellence is a trait that, while difficult to define with precision, involves striving for quality and acting in a way worthy of approval. The Bible offers guidance on achieving excellence, suggesting that it comes from acting with integrity, using our talents wisely, and seeking wisdom.
What Does the Bible Say About Striving for Excellence?
The Bible advises believers to strive for excellence in all their endeavors. In the Old Testament, believers are encouraged to commit their work to the Lord, that their actions may be successful. This suggests a conviction that endeavors pursued with God in mind would likely meet excellent standards. In the New Testament, believers are further exhorted to serve others as if they were serving the Lord. This teaching encourages the attainment of excellence by pursuing actions that benefit others. It suggests that achieving excellence requires not just effort, but also a mind tuned to the welfare of others.
Why Does the Bible Encourage Excellence?
Excellence is encouraged in the Bible because it reflects a commitment to fulfill our God-given potentials. This is seen in the biblical account of the servants who were given talents. The servants who used their talents wisely and fruitfully were praised, reflecting the biblical emphasis on utilizing our God-given abilities to the fullest. Furthermore, excellence affirms the dignity of work, an important biblical principle. When we strive for excellence, we demonstrate respect for our work and its place in God’s plan.
Who Defines Excellence According to the Bible?
According to the Bible, it is God who defines excellence. Believers are encouraged to align their understanding of excellence with God’s standards. These standards, as articulated throughout the Bible, involve such qualities as kindness, humility, patience, and love. To aim for excellence therefore, is to strive to embody these qualities in our interactions with the world around us. God’s definition of excellence goes beyond the outward achievement or success to encompass the inner character of a person.
When Should We Seek Excellence as Per the Bible?
The Bible advises believers to seek excellence at all times. Continuous pursuit of excellence is underlined in the advice to pray without ceasing, to continually strive to do good, and to be steadfast and immovable. In accordance with biblical teachings, excellence is not an end-state but a journey, a continuous striving to embody the qualities God values. It is about showing steadfast commitment to these values regardless of the circumstances.
Where Can We Practice Biblical Excellence?
The Bible teaches that the practice of excellence is not confined to a particular context. It encourages believers to strive for excellence in all aspects of life, whether at work, in acts of service, or in relationships with others. This universal call to excellence underscores the Bible’s assertion that every aspect of life is infused with spiritual significance. Thus, excellence becomes a means of honoring God and witnessing to His goodness in every area of our human experience. It means acting with integrity, demonstrating respect to others and dedicating oneself to the welfare of others in every aspect of life.
How Does the Pursuit of Excellence Affect Our Faith?
In the Bible, the pursuit of excellence is linked with the strengthening and maturing of faith. Striving for excellence prompts believers to reflect on their actions, character and faith, thus fostering spiritual growth. As believers strive towards excellence, they learn to rely more on God, deepening their trust in His guidance. Excellence, therefore, serves not just as a goal but also as a spiritual discipline that fosters growth in faith and character.
Below is our full list of bible verses on excellence (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Excellence
Daniel 6:3
“3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.”
Philippians 4:8
“8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Related Themes: Lust Gossip Attitude Complaining
Colossians 3:23
“23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;”
Related Themes: Creativity Business Attitude Laziness Money
Titus 2:7
“7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,”
2 Corinthians 8:7
“7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.”
Related Themes: Grace Diligence Benevolence Money
Philippians 1:9-10
“9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;”
Related Themes: Discernment Wisdom
Daniel 5:12
“12 Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation.”
2 Peter 1:3-4
“3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
Related Themes: Business Life Power Self Destruction
Proverbs 22:29
“29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.”
Related Themes: Creativity Business Diligence Education
1 Peter 2:9
“9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:”
Related Themes: Holiness Light Identity Self-Esteem Purpose
Ephesians 6:7-8
“7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.”
Related Themes: Hospitality Serving God Serving Others
Joshua 1:8
“8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”
Related Themes: Creativity Prosperity Learning Success Fortune
Psalm 119:99
“99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.”
Related Themes: Education
Matthew 5:14-16
“14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
2 Peter 1:5
“5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;”
Related Themes: Self-Control Frustration Dating Perseverance Morality
1 Corinthians 12:31
“31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.”
Related Themes: Coveting
2 Timothy 3:16
“16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
Related Themes: Criticism Education Business Education Learning
Colossians 3:23-24
“23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”
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Proverbs 17:27
“27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.”
Related Themes: Arguing Wisdom Understanding
Isaiah 12:1-6
“1 And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.4 And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.5 Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.6 Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.”
1 Timothy 6:11
“11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.”
Related Themes: Lust Holiness Patience Faith Perseverance
Isaiah 40:6-8
“6 The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field:7 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”
1 John 3:2
“2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”
Related Themes: Holiness Glorification Children Hope Life
Ephesians 2:1-3
“1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Lust Morality New Life
Proverbs 31:30
“30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.”
Related Themes: Dating Vanity Beauty Modesty Self-Esteem
Job 32:8
“8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.”
Related Themes: Holy Spirit
Philippians 4:13
“13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
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1 Corinthians 15:58
“58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
Related Themes: Reaping Consistency Perseverance Diligence Motivation
Ecclesiastes 9:10
“10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.”
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Matthew 5:16
“16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
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