The Bible’s perspective on success is quite different from the world’s view. It’s not about wealth, power, or fame. Biblical success is about living in accordance with God’s will and His principles. It involves faithfulness, righteousness, loving others, and seeking spiritual growth. True success, according to the Bible, is found in fulfilling one’s God-given purpose and contributing to the Kingdom of God. It emphasizes the importance of moral and spiritual values over material gain and personal glory.
Curious about the biblical take on success? It’s not what you might expect. The Bible redefines success in a way that focuses on spiritual values and God’s purpose. Let’s explore this together.
What Does the Bible Say About Success?
Success in the Bible is a concept that goes beyond mere material achievements or personal acclaim. It’s deeply rooted in spiritual and moral values.
Biblical success is primarily about aligning one’s life with God’s will. It’s about obedience to God’s commandments and living a life that reflects His teachings. This includes showing love and kindness to others, acting justly, and walking humbly with God.
The Bible also places a strong emphasis on the inner qualities that lead to success, such as wisdom, integrity, and faithfulness. These traits are often highlighted as more important than external achievements or wealth. For instance, wisdom is seen as more valuable than gold in Proverbs, and integrity is lauded as a key to a successful life.
Another aspect of success in the Bible is stewardship — responsibly managing the resources and talents that God has entrusted to each individual. Using these gifts wisely and for the benefit of others is seen as a mark of true success.
The New Testament, particularly the teachings of Jesus, presents a perspective of success that is counter-cultural. Jesus taught that the first will be last and the last first, flipping the worldly view of success on its head. He emphasized serving others, humility, and spiritual richness as true measures of success.
Moreover, the Bible views success not just as an individual endeavor but as part of a larger community and God’s kingdom. Success includes contributing to the well-being of others and furthering God’s work on earth.
In summary, success in the Bible is about living a life that honors God, characterized by spiritual growth, moral integrity, wise stewardship, and a focus on serving others. It’s a holistic approach that values what is eternal and significant in God’s eyes over temporary worldly achievements.
Bible Verses About Success
- Joshua 1:8: “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.” This verse links success with adherence to God’s Word and obedience to His laws.
- Proverbs 16:3: “Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.” The emphasis here is on dedicating one’s efforts to God as the key to true success.
- Psalm 1:1-3: “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” This passage describes a person who finds success by delighting in and meditating on God’s law.
- Matthew 6:33: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Jesus teaches that prioritizing God’s kingdom and living righteously leads to true success, with the assurance that material needs will also be met.
- Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” This proverb emphasizes trust in God and recognition of Him in all aspects of life as the path to successful living.
- Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Paul expresses that true success and strength come through Christ, highlighting the spiritual source of our abilities.
- Proverbs 22:4: “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.” This verse connects success with humility and reverence for God, showing that these qualities lead to true riches and honor.
- Proverbs 11:2: “When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.” Here, the Bible teaches that pride leads to failure, whereas humility is associated with wisdom, a key to successful living.
- 1 Timothy 6:10: “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.” This verse warns against equating success with wealth, highlighting the dangers of prioritizing money over spiritual well-being.
- Luke 16:10-11: “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?” Jesus speaks about the importance of faithfulness in small matters as a foundation for greater responsibilities and success.
These verses collectively provide a comprehensive view of success from a biblical perspective. They emphasize the importance of aligning one’s life with God’s principles, prioritizing spiritual growth and integrity, and using one’s gifts and resources for God’s glory and the benefit of others. Success, in the Bible, is fundamentally about living a life that reflects God’s values and purposes.