What Does the Bible Say About Praise?

Praise, in the Bible, is central to the relationship between humans and God. It’s an expression of worship, gratitude, and awe. The Bible encourages praise in various forms, from singing and dancing to prayer and proclamation. It’s not just about singing in church; it’s a lifestyle of recognizing and celebrating God’s presence and works. Praise is seen as a powerful act that can shift perspectives, bring joy, and even affect circumstances. In essence, the Bible portrays praise as a heartfelt response to God’s greatness and love.

Interested in what the Bible has to say about praise? It’s more than just songs and hymns. Discover how praise can transform your life and perspective, according to biblical teachings.

What Does the Bible Say About Praise?

Let’s talk about praise. In the Bible, it’s a big deal. But it’s not just about singing hymns on Sunday.

First things first, the Bible is clear: God loves praise. But why? It’s not because God needs our praise. It’s more about what praise does for us. When we praise, we focus on God’s goodness, power, and love. It shifts our perspective from our problems to God’s greatness.

Praise in the Bible comes in many forms. Singing, yes. But also dancing, praying, playing instruments, and even just speaking about God’s deeds. David, the shepherd turned king, was a pro at this. He danced with all his might before the Lord. He wrote psalms that are basically ancient hit songs of praise.

Jesus, in the New Testament, continued this theme. He praised God in his teachings and prayers. He showed that praise isn’t just a Jewish tradition; it’s a universal act of worship.

But here’s the kicker: praise isn’t just for the good times. The Bible shows us that praise is powerful even – or especially – in tough times. It’s like a weapon against despair and negativity. Remember Paul and Silas? They were in prison, yet they sang praises to God. And what happened? Their chains broke, literally.

God’s view on praise? It’s a way for us to connect with Him, to express our faith and trust. It’s not about perfect music or words. It’s about a sincere heart.

Praise is also about community. It brings people together, uniting them in worship and purpose. It’s an expression of the church’s identity, a way of living out faith in a tangible, joyful way.

So, in summary, praise in the Bible is powerful, transformative, and deeply relational. It’s an act of faith, a declaration of trust, and a celebration of God’s presence in our lives. Whether through music, words, or actions, praise is a dynamic part of the Christian life.

Bible Verses About Praise

1. Psalm 150:6 – “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.” This verse captures the essence of praise – it’s for everyone and everything with life.
2. Hebrews 13:15 – “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” Here, praise is described as a continual, sacrificial act, an essential part of the Christian life.
3. Psalm 100:1-2 – “Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” This psalm invites everyone to express joyous praise to God.
4. James 5:13 – “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.” James suggests that praise is appropriate in all life’s circumstances, both in trouble and in happiness.
5. 2 Chronicles 20:21-22 – “After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him… As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against their enemies.” This story illustrates the power of praise in spiritual warfare.
6. Psalm 34:1 – “I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.” David commits to constant praise, showing its importance in his life.
7. Ephesians 5:19-20 – “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything.” Paul encourages the use of music and song as expressions of praise and thanksgiving.
8. Psalm 22:3 – “Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises.” This verse acknowledges that God inhabits the praises of His people, indicating a deep connection between God and praise.
9. Luke 19:37-40 – When Jesus was entering Jerusalem, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God. Jesus affirms that if the people were silent, the stones would cry out in praise – showing the inevitability and necessity of praise.
10. Psalm 147:1 – “Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!” This psalm highlights the goodness and appropriateness of praising God.
11. 1 Chronicles 16:34 – “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” This verse emphasizes thankfulness as a form of praise, acknowledging God’s enduring goodness and love.
12. Psalm 42:11 – “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Here, the psalmist talks about praising God even in times of sorrow, using praise as a means to restore hope.
13. Colossians 3:16 – “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” This verse shows how praise and worship are integral to the Christian community, fostering teaching and wisdom.
14. Psalm 63:3-4 – “Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.” David expresses his commitment to praise God throughout his life, valuing God’s love above all else.
15. Acts 16:25 – “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.” This incident demonstrates the power of praise in difficult circumstances, influencing not just the praisers but also those around them.
16. Psalm 95:1-2 – “Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.” This psalm invites a joyful and musical expression of praise, showing its communal and celebratory nature.
17. Psalm 69:30 – “I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.” This verse connects praise with gratitude, highlighting the importance of a thankful heart in worship.
18. Psalm 28:7 – “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” David shares his personal experience of God’s help, leading to joyful praise.
19. Revelation 5:12 – “In a loud voice they were saying: ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!'” This verse from Revelation depicts the heavenly beings praising Jesus, emphasizing His worthiness to receive praise.
20. Psalm 103:1 – “Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.” Here, the psalmist calls on his entire being to praise God, indicating a deep, personal, and wholehearted worship.

These verses collectively illustrate that in the Bible, praise is much more than a ritual or a song. It is an expression of faith, a declaration of God’s goodness, and an act of worship that engages the whole person. Praise is both a personal and communal act that strengthens faith, brings joy, and unites believers in their acknowledgment of God’s greatness.