What Does the Bible Say About Favor?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary holds a degree in theology and she has a deep understanding of biblical texts. She works as an elementary school teacher in Alabama.

The Bible often speaks of favor, both divine and human. It portrays favor as a blend of approval, grace, and kindness. Divine favor is seen as a gift from God, encompassing blessings and protection. Human favor, on the other hand, is about finding goodwill in the eyes of others. The Bible emphasizes seeking God’s favor above all, which often leads to human favor as a byproduct.

Curious about the concept of favor in the Bible? It’s a fascinating topic that covers God’s blessings and human relationships. Keep reading for a deeper exploration!

What Does the Bible Say About Favor?

The concept of favor in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing both divine and human aspects. Favor, in its essence, is about grace, approval, and kindness. It’s an expression of love and acceptance, whether coming from God or people.

Divine Favor: This is the favor that comes from God. The Bible often depicts it as a source of protection, prosperity, and blessings. Divine favor is not earned by works; rather, it is a manifestation of God’s grace. It’s about God choosing to bless, guide, and protect. This favor often leads to an enriched life, aligned with God’s will and purposes.

The New Testament highlights that favor is available to all through Jesus Christ. It talks about grace, a concept deeply intertwined with favor, emphasizing that through Jesus, we receive unmerited favor from God.

Human Favor: On the other hand, the Bible also discusses favor in human relationships. It’s about finding goodwill in the eyes of others, often as a result of righteous living or wisdom. The Bible suggests that when we live in accordance with God’s principles, we often find favor with others.

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However, the Bible also warns against seeking human favor for the wrong reasons, like manipulation or for sinful purposes. It encourages seeking God’s favor first, with the understanding that human favor often follows.

God’s View on Favor: God’s favor is portrayed as an extension of His love and mercy. It’s not based on our merits but on His gracious character. The Bible teaches that while we should strive to live righteously, our actions are not the sole determinant of God’s favor. Instead, it’s about a relationship with Him, characterized by faith and trust.

In conclusion, favor in the Bible is a rich and complex concept. It’s about blessings, grace, and a harmonious relationship with God and others. Seeking God’s favor, according to biblical teachings, should be our primary focus, as it aligns our lives with His will and often leads to favor in human relationships as well.

Bible Verses About Favor

The Bible is filled with verses that talk about favor, providing insight into both divine and human aspects:

  1. Proverbs 3:3-4: “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” This verse connects righteous living with favor.
  2. Luke 2:52: “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” This shows how Jesus, in his earthly life, experienced both divine and human favor.
  3. Psalm 5:12: “For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.” This illustrates divine favor as protection and blessing.
  4. Proverbs 8:35: “For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.” This links wisdom and finding favor with God.
  5. Esther 2:17: “The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins…” Esther’s story is a classic example of human favor as a result of God’s favor.
  6. Proverbs 12:2: “A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of evil devices he condemns.” This verse contrasts the outcomes of righteous and wicked living in terms of favor.
  7. Genesis 6:8: “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” Noah’s example shows how righteousness leads to divine favor.
  8. Proverbs 11:27: “Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor, but evil comes to him who searches for it.” This warns about the intentions behind seeking favor.
  9. Exodus 33:17: “And the Lord said to Moses, ‘This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.’” Moses’ relationship with God exemplifies favor through intimacy with God.
  10. 1 Samuel 2:26: “And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with people.” Samuel’s growth in favor parallels that of Jesus, as mentioned in Luke.
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These verses collectively show that favor in the Bible is not merely about receiving blessings; it’s about a life lived in harmony with God’s will, resulting in His grace and favor, and often leading to favor with others.