Inspirational Bible quotes to help you study, work and feel better

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17 Feb 2025

For over 3,500 years, inspirational Bible quotes have been a big help for many people going through hard times. Just look at the US, home to the world’s largest Christian population — 88% of American households own a Bible.

Whether you’re a believer in the Bible or not, its wisdom is timeless, its teachings profound, and its narratives are good — sometimes, even thrilling. Stories of betrayal, love, talking donkeys and rivers turning into blood; a little more than your average bedtime story.

But one main reason the Bible is considered so uplifting is its strong emphasis on love, forgiveness, and moral values.

The Biblia Latina Gutenberg Bible,” the first book printed in Europe using movable type, in 1455, was displayed as part of the exhibition “Print! Gutenberg’s Europe at the Bibliotheque Francois Mitterand (BnF) in Paris. Source: AFP

A brief history of the Bible and how inspirational Bible quotes came to be

According to historical records, the Bible is the best-selling non-fiction book of all time.

Research and studies conducted by the UK and the Foreign Bible Society state between five and seven billion copies of the Bible have been sold since it first began printing.

For our non-Christian readers, the Bible tells the story of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the central figure in the Christian faith, whom followers believe is the Messiah and Saviour — the embodiment of divine love and redemption.

Despite being accused of blasphemy by Jewish leaders for claiming to be the son of God, and then crucified for it, he went willingly and sacrificed himself as he knew it would save mankind. He was then resurrected three days later, on a day now known to most of us as Easter, then ascended to heaven after to take his place “at the right hand of the Father.”

There are more stories and lessons in the Bible – many of which have had a profound impact on human history until today, where followers still number in the billions.

Today, most people use the Bible as a source of “unparalleled impact on world civilisation as both sacred scripture and history.” For Christians, these pages serve a higher purpose.

You’ll find people quoting scripture in their daily lives – people look to it for comfort, for words of encouragement, and even to prepare for new beginnings. They thank God for blessing them with wisdom, knowledge, and strength to go about their lives and make important decisions, even granting miracles like healing illness and poor health.

Mahatma Gandhi, India’s most influential leader, found solace and inspiration from the Bible’s teachings, particularly on non-violence. He often quoted from the Sermon on the Mount.

C.S. Lewis, the author and scholar famous for his work “The Chronicles of Narnia,” credited the Bible as a source of inspiration and spiritual guidance. His writings reflected biblical themes and concepts.

Some Christians claim that Leonardo da Vinci was blessed by God himself for his talent in art; as the most influential artist of the Renaissance period, he drew inspiration from biblical narratives, which can be seen in “The Last Supper” and “The Annunciation.”

Modern media is also heavily inspired by the Bible and its scriptures. The animated movie “The Prince of Egypt” was a childhood classic for many of us, Lady Gaga’s hit songs “Judas” and “Bloody Mary” reference the Bible, and even luxury brands like Dolce & Gabbana have released collections inspired by Christianity.

So, to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, it’s never wrong to look to the Bible and its teachings for guidance. Whenever you feel like you need some inspiration, strength, or just want to feel a little closer to God, you may find what you need in its scriptures.

Need some help pinpointing a few? We’ve got some great inspirational Bible quotes for you.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a well-known follower of Jesus Christ and used inspirational Bible quotes during his speeches. Source: AFP

Our top picks for inspirational Bible quotes

Top inspirational Bible quotes to find success

Everyone has different definitions of success.

For some, it may be their bank accounts or place on the corporate ladder. For others, it may be something as simple as being happy and content with themselves and their lives.

Regardless what your definition of success is, it’s always okay to find comfort in some inspirational Bible quotes, such as the ones below:

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand – Isaiah 41:10
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding – Proverbs 3:5
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me – Philippians 4:13
Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God – Mark 10:27
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them – Romans 8:28

The Bible has provided people with comfort, truth and teachings on how to life live. Source: AFP

Top inspirational Bible quotes for inner strength

No matter what challenges we face in life, we can draw on the strength of God to get through them.

For those going through a difficult time and wish to seek shelter in the Lord, these are some inspirational Bible quotes to help:

I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me – Psalm 16:8
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you – Deuteronomy 31:6
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint – Isaiah 40:31
The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust – Psalm 18:2
My grace is all you need, for my power is the greatest when you are weak – 2 Corinthians 12:9

People all over the world have turned to prayer and inspirational Bible quotes when struck by challenges. Source: AFP

Top inspirational Bible quotes for inner strength

No matter what challenges we face in life, we can draw on the strength of God to get through them.

For those going through a difficult time and wish to seek shelter in the Lord, these are some inspirational Bible quotes to help:

I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me – Psalm 16:8
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you – Deuteronomy 31:6
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint – Isaiah 40:31
The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust – Psalm 18:2
My grace is all you need, for my power is the greatest when you are weak – 2 Corinthians 12:9

Students can find support and community in each other when hard times hit. Source: AFP

Top inspirational Bible quotes for anxiety over the future

It’s easy to become overwhelmed by anxiety, despair, and fear in the world today. Sin, war, sickness, poverty and more – all may lead us to doubt that there is a promising future ahead.

But through the Holy Spirit, know that the Lord always has plans for us:

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future – Jeremiah 29:11
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails – Psalm 19:21
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight – Psalm 3:5
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they – Matthew 6:26
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me – Psalm 23:4

One of the more famous movies based on the Bible includes The Passion of The Christ. Source: Evan Agostini/Getty Images

Top inspirational Bible quotes about wisdom

The Bible scriptures tell us that wisdom is far better than gold.

While money and fortune may dictate your life’s direction now, know that wisdom is what truly matters when it’s time to enter the kingdom of Heaven.

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding – Proverbs 2:6
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you – James 1:5
Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future – Proverbs 19:20
Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding – Proverbs 3:13
Who is like the wise? Who knows the explanation of things? A person’s wisdom brightens their face and changes its hard appearance – Ecclesiastes 8:1

Inspirational Bible quotes embrace you like a warm hug from a close friend. Source: Sam Panthaky/AFP

Top inspirational Bible quotes from the book of Proverbs to become a better person

According to its prologue, the book of Proverbs was written to give “prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young”, and the make the wise even wiser.

It’s no surprise you’ll find a fair few of its teachings to be inspirational.

Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy – Proverbs 31:9
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it – Proverbs 22:6
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it – Proverbs 4:23
Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him – Proverbs 30:5
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones – Proverbs 17:22
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall – Proverbs 16:18
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity – Proverbs 17:17
Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice – Proverbs 13:10
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end – Proverbs 29:11
Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise – Proverbs 19:20