Self-Worth is a prevailing theme in the Bible, underscoring the high value that God places on every human being. This concept is deeply interwoven within its teachings, affirming the inherent dignity and sacredness present in each person. God’s perspective on self-worth transcends worldly measurements and is centered on the innate value of human life, character, and spirituality.
Who Defines Self-Worth?
In the Bible, it is made evident that the ultimate arbiter of self-worth is not societal standards, personal achievement, or human affirmation, but God Himself. He is the creator and sustainer of all life and as such, He holds the definitive view of human worth. The Bible teaches us that God created human beings in His own image, bestowing upon each person a lofty status that surpasses external factors.
What Does the Bible Say About Individual Worth?
The Bible underscores the importance of individual worth by conveying that everyone is of immense value to God. It explains that human beings were not only created through divine intentionality, but were also redeemed by divine sacrifice. God cared for humanity so much that He sacrificed His only Son to save mankind. This narrative is a powerful testament to the inestimable value of each person in the eyes of God.
Where is our Value Located?
While the world places value on external factors such as possessions, looks, social status, and achievements, the Bible counters this by grounding human worth in our spiritual relation to God. It asserts that our value is intrinsic, rooted in our identity as God’s children. It is located not in what we have or what we do, but in who we are – bearers of the divine image and recipients of His boundless love.
Why Does Understanding Our Self-Worth Matter?
Understanding our self-worth as defined by the Bible is critical for cultivating a healthy self-image and a strong relationship with God. It mitigates the damaging effects of a world that seeks to devalue individuals based on superficial criteria. It also shapes how we treat others, recognizing their God-given worth and promoting love, kindness, and respect. In turn, it influences our actions, fostering a life that aligns with Godly values, upholding dignity, and promoting spiritual growth.
When Does the Bible Emphasize Our Worth?
The Bible emphasizes human worth in myriad ways throughout its narrative. From creation, when God made man in His own image, to the culmination of the redemption story with the sacrificial act of Jesus Christ, the inherent value of human beings is a recurring theme. It presents numerous teachings and parables reminding us of the importance of treating ourselves and others with respect and dignity, fostering a culture of love and acceptance. This perpetual reminder of our worth testifies to the unfathomable love God has for each and every one of us.
Below is the full list of bible verses on self-worth (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 Self-Worth
Philippians 4:13
“13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Related Themes: Strength Omnipotence Self Confidence Life Greatness
Hebrews 13:5
“5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
Related Themes: Money Loneliness Finances Complaining Greed
Proverbs 15:1
“1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
Related Themes: Arguing Criticism Bitterness Criticism Gossip
Philippians 4:8-9
“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.9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”
Related Themes: Lust Gossip Attitude Complaining
Psalm 139:13-15
“13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.”
Related Themes: Self-Esteem Children Self Confidence Creativity Education
Proverbs 28:6
“6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.”
Related Themes: Integrity Business Homelessness Poverty Honesty
Matthew 5:43-48
“43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”
Related Themes: Bullying Strangers Benevolence Morality Love
Romans 12:2
“2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Related Themes: Complaining Lust Creativity Attitude Business
Proverbs 16:28
“28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.”
Related Themes: Gossip Criticism Friendship Strife Morals
James 1:19-20
“19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”
Related Themes: Criticism Bitterness Frustration Patience Frustration
Proverbs 19:11
“11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.”
Related Themes: Frustration Bitterness Arguing Anger Offense
Proverbs 20:22
“22 Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee.”
Related Themes: Bitterness Revenge Hate Vindictiveness Retribution
Leviticus 19:18
“18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.”
Related Themes: Bullying Revenge Bitterness Love Morality
Isaiah 5:21
“21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!”
John 3:17
“17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
Related Themes: Judging Others Reaping Reaping What You Sow Condemnation Letting Go
Matthew 22:34-40
“34 But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together.35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.38 This is the first and great commandment.39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
Related Themes: Morals
James 2:14-24
“14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.”
Related Themes: Strangers Faith Serving Others Hypocrisy Fidelity
James 4:11-12
“11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?”
Related Themes: Gossip Criticism Judging Others Gossip
Matthew 5:5-9
“5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
Related Themes: Earth Meekness Humility Inheritance
Proverbs 26:12
“12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.”
Related Themes: Pride Hope Boastfulness Selfishness Humility
Luke 16:13
“13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
Related Themes: Money Consistency Gambling Finances Obtaining Wealth
Romans 3:23
“23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
Related Themes: Sin Trespassing Forgiveness Lust Holiness
Romans 12:17-21
“17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Related Themes: Bitterness Revenge Arguing Persecution Reputation
Leviticus 25:35-38
“35 And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee.36 Take thou no usury of him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee.37 Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy victuals for increase.38 I am the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, to give you the land of Canaan, and to be your God.”
Related Themes: Strangers Homelessness Poverty
