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Bible verses about success
Passages on prosperity, flourishing, God's blessing on faithful work, and how biblical success differs from worldly ambition.
What does the Bible say about success?
The Bible does not condemn success, but it redefines it. Psalm 1 describes the blessed person as a tree planted by water, not as someone who has accumulated the most wealth or influence. Joshua is told he will have good success if he meditates on God's law day and night.
These verses address what true prosperity looks like, the role of faithfulness and hard work, and the dangers of pursuing success apart from God.
Key passages
"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."
Meditate on the law day and night, and you will have good success. Joshua is to make the law of God his rule. He is charged to meditate therein day and night, that he might understand it.
"Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established."
Commit your works to the Lord and your thoughts shall be established. Roll the burden of your care upon God, and leave it with him, by faith and dependence on him.
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."
Trust in the Lord with all your heart. In the way of believing obedience to God's commandments health and peace may commonly be enjoyed; and though our days may not be long upon earth, we shall live for ever in heaven.
"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."
He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water. To meditate in God's word, is to discourse with ourselves concerning the great things contained in it, with close application of mind and fixedness of thought.
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."
I know the plans I have for you, plans for a future and a hope. Let men beware how they call those prophets whom they choose after their own fancies, and how they consider their fancies and dreams to be revelations from God.
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. It is a good work to succour and help a good minister in trouble. The nature of true Christian sympathy, is not only to feel concern for our friends in their troubles, but to do what we can to help them.
Main takeaways
- Biblical success is measured by faithfulness to God, not by worldly metrics alone.
- Committing your work to the Lord is the foundation the Bible gives for prospering.
- Success without God is described as hollow and unsatisfying.
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