Scripture Verses For Encouragement

Those who look to Scripture verses for encouragement often first turn to either the Psalms or the Proverbs. These two Old Testament books are so popular that most New Testaments include both of them. The Psalms are a collection of 150 Hebrew poems used as prayers and hymns. Though King David, the shepherd boy who killed Goliath, wrote almost half the Psalms, about a third of them were written by anonymous authors. Other writers include Solomon, the sons of Korah, and the Levite singers Asaph, Heman, and Ethan, Some scholars believe Psalm 90 was written by Moses and that the prophet Ezra may also have written a couple of the chapters. If this is so, the earliest psalm was written during the time of the Exodus and the latest psalms were written about a thousand years later, after the long Babylonian exile in the mid-fifth century B.C. The vast majority of the inspirational Bible verses found in Proverbs were collected and recorded by King Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba. After Solomon became king, he prayed, "'Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad, for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?' And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing" (1 Kings 3: 9-10). God was so pleased that Solomon asked for wisdom and discernment, that He gave the king peace and prosperity during his reign.



With such a wide range of authorship and variety of themes, it's understandable why even people who know little else about the Bible are familiar with Psalms and Proverbs. Psalm 23 is probably the most popular psalm, giving comfort to the weary and downhearted who seek rest and guidance from a protective Shepherd. The first eighteen verses of Psalm 139 are life-affirming as David rejoices in God's intimate creative power and complete knowledge of a person's innermost thoughts. Most Christian women both embrace and get irritated at the ideal woman described in Proverbs 31. This remarkable lady is an incredible role model who demonstrated intelligence, initiative, compassion, and financial savvy. Little wonder that her husband and children put her on a pedestal. Other sections of Proverbs praise the importance of wisdom and the dangers of folly. They address daily issues, including money issues, getting along with the neighbors, gossip and discretion, the virtue of hard work and the consequences of laziness. These inspirational Bible verses provide a helpful guideline for personal growth. Since there are thirty-one chapters in Proverbs, many Christians make it a daily habit to read a chapter every day, corresponding to the date. For example, Proverbs 1 is read on the first day of the month and so on. This repetition over a period of time makes it easier to remember Scripture verses for encouragement when they are needed.



Other Old Testament passages tell about historical people and events that teach important, and difficult, life lessons. We sympathize with Joseph's brothers when they are jealous of their father's attention to his favorite child, but we also cringe in horror when the ten young men sell Joseph into slavery and then tell their father that he was killed by a wild animal. Seeing God's providence work itself out through the events of Joseph's life as he becomes second-in-command only to Pharaoh, we trust that God is with us through our family trials. Joseph told his brothers that what they meant for evil, God meant for good "to save much people alive" (Genesis 50:20). The prophet Jeremiah told the Israelites that God's plans for them were for peace, not evil, and that those who search for God with all their hearts would find Him (Jeremiah 29: 11-13). These inspirational Bible verses are favorites for memorization.



Of course, the New Testament also has numerous Scripture verses for encouragement during times of sorrow and trial. Through the Gospel accounts, we see that the darkest moment in history for those who followed Jesus, the crucifixion, was followed only three days later by exuberant rejoicing when He appeared to them. Again and again throughout the New Testament epistles, the apostle Paul encourages Christians to find contentment in their relationship with Christ, to understand that steadfastness through trials will be rewarded by eternal fellowship. One of the most popular is Paul promise that "all things work together for good to them that love God" (Romans 8:28). The apostle specifically wrote to Titus and the young Timothy, offering encouragement to them in their ministries. In the book of Revelation, the apostle John promises that a time will come when there will be no more tears, no death, no pain (Revelation 21:4). The book of James is much-loved for its practical applications for Christian living. Who has not been convicted by James' speech on the evils of the tongue, yet encouraged by his admission that we all stumble (James 3:2)?



Those who become familiar with, and even memorize, inspirational Bible verses equip themselves with the resources that are needed during discouraging situations and hard times. Perhaps even more important, these people can offer comfort and compassion to others when they pass along relevant and uplifting passages. This is so easy when internet sites exist that offer the capability to email a thoughtful, Biblical message. The wisdom literature found in Psalms and Proverbs, the lives and events of historical people, the New Testament teachings -- all these hold Scripture verses for encouragement to those who need a word of hope.