Scripture Library

Scripture for real life.

255 passages gathered around the struggles and questions people actually bring to God. Search by word, book or theme, or choose a topic.

255 passages in 18 topics

Pride and humility

How do I stop needing to be right, noticed or in control?

Proverbs 16:18-19Pride comes just before a fall; better to be lowly with the humble.
James 4:6-10God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. Humble yourself and He will lift you up.
Philippians 2:3-11Count others above yourself, with the mind of Christ, who humbled Himself to the cross.
Luke 18:9-14The Pharisee and the tax collector: the one who humbles himself goes home justified.
1 Peter 5:5-7Clothe yourself with humility and cast your cares on God, who exalts in due time.
Micah 6:8What God requires: do justly, love mercy, walk humbly with Him.
Proverbs 11:2With pride comes shame; with the lowly is wisdom.
Daniel 4:28-37Nebuchadnezzar is humbled until he honours the King of heaven.
1 Corinthians 4:7What do you have that you did not receive? Then why boast?
Romans 12:3Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but soberly.
Matthew 23:11-12The greatest is the servant; whoever exalts himself will be humbled.
Isaiah 66:1-2God looks to the one who is humble, contrite and trembles at His word.
John 13:3-17Jesus washes His disciples' feet and tells them to do the same.

Betrayal and trust

Someone I trusted hurt me. How do I trust again?

Psalm 55:12-22David is betrayed by a close friend and casts his burden on the Lord.
Psalm 41:9-13Even a trusted friend who shared bread has turned; God upholds the faithful.
Genesis 50:15-21Joseph tells the brothers who sold him: you meant evil, God meant it for good.
Luke 22:47-62Jesus is betrayed with a kiss by Judas and denied by Peter in one night.
John 21:15-19Jesus restores Peter after his denial and trusts him with His sheep.
2 Timothy 4:14-18Everyone deserted Paul, but the Lord stood with him and strengthened him.
Psalm 118:8-9It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.
Proverbs 3:5-6Trust the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.
Psalm 27:10When father and mother forsake me, the Lord will take me up.
Hebrews 13:5-6God will never leave or forsake you; you need not fear what people do.
Romans 12:17-21Do not repay evil for evil; leave vengeance to God and overcome evil with good.
Psalm 56:3-4When I am afraid I will trust in God; what can flesh do to me?
Micah 7:5-8When no one can be trusted, I will look to the Lord; though I fall, I will rise.

Boundaries and discernment

When should I say no, step back or test what I am told?

Proverbs 4:23Guard your heart above all else, for life flows from it.
Matthew 10:16Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
Proverbs 22:24-25Do not make friends with an angry person, or you will learn his ways.
1 Corinthians 15:33Bad company corrupts good character.
Matthew 7:6Do not give what is holy to those who will trample it.
Matthew 18:15-17Steps for confronting a brother who sins against you, and what to do if he will not listen.
Galatians 6:1-5Bear one another's burdens, yet each must carry his own load.
Mark 1:35-38Jesus withdraws to pray and declines the crowd's demands to keep to His mission.
Luke 5:15-16With crowds pressing in, Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray.
1 John 4:1-3Do not believe every spirit; test whether it is from God.
Philippians 1:9-11Paul prays that love will abound with knowledge and discernment.
Hebrews 5:14The mature have their senses trained by practice to discern good from evil.
Titus 3:9-11Avoid foolish quarrels; after two warnings, have nothing more to do with a divisive person.
2 Corinthians 6:14-18Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.
Proverbs 26:4-5When to answer a fool and when not to.

Lust and temptation

How do I fight desires that keep pulling me back?

1 Corinthians 10:13No temptation is unique to you; God is faithful and provides a way of escape.
Matthew 5:27-30Jesus locates adultery in the heart and calls for decisive action against sin.
Job 31:1Job made a covenant with his eyes not to look with lust.
Genesis 39:6-12Joseph refuses Potiphar's wife and runs.
2 Timothy 2:22Flee youthful lusts and pursue righteousness with those who call on the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-8God's will is your sanctification: abstain from sexual immorality.
1 Corinthians 6:18-20Flee sexual immorality; your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
James 1:13-15Temptation comes from our own desire, which grows into sin and death.
Galatians 5:16-17Walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfil the desires of the flesh.
Romans 13:13-14Put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh.
Psalm 119:9-11A young person keeps his way pure by guarding it with God's word hidden in the heart.
Hebrews 4:15-16Jesus was tempted in every way without sin; come boldly for help.
Matthew 26:41Watch and pray so that you do not enter temptation; the flesh is weak.
Proverbs 6:23-29Can a man carry fire in his lap and not be burned?
1 John 1:9If we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive and cleanse.

Anxiety and fear

What do I do with worry I cannot switch off?

Philippians 4:6-7Bring everything to God in prayer with thanksgiving, and His peace will guard you.
Matthew 6:25-34Do not worry about tomorrow; your Father knows what you need.
1 Peter 5:7Cast all your care on Him, because He cares for you.
Isaiah 41:10Do not fear, for I am with you; I will strengthen, help and uphold you.
Psalm 23The Lord is my shepherd; even in the darkest valley I will fear no evil.
Psalm 46God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Psalm 56:3-4When I am afraid, I will trust in You.
John 14:27Jesus gives His own peace; do not let your heart be troubled or afraid.
2 Timothy 1:7God has not given a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.
Joshua 1:9Be strong and courageous; the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Psalm 94:19When anxious thoughts multiply, God's comforts delight the soul.
Isaiah 26:3Perfect peace for the mind that is fixed on God.
Psalm 34:4I sought the Lord and He delivered me from all my fears.
Mark 4:35-41Jesus calms the storm and asks why His disciples are so afraid.
Romans 8:38-39Nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ.

Forgiveness and reconciliation

How do I forgive, and how do I make things right?

Matthew 18:21-35The unforgiving servant: forgiven an enormous debt, he refuses to forgive a small one.
Ephesians 4:31-32Put away bitterness and forgive one another as God forgave you in Christ.
Colossians 3:12-14Bear with one another and forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Matthew 6:12-15Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.
Luke 15:11-32The father runs to welcome his prodigal son home.
Luke 23:34Jesus prays from the cross: Father, forgive them.
Matthew 5:23-24Leave your gift at the altar and first be reconciled to your brother.
Romans 12:18As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
1 John 1:9If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive.
Psalm 103:8-12As far as east is from west, so far has He removed our sins.
Psalm 51David's prayer of repentance after his sin.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21God reconciled us to Himself in Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.
Luke 17:3-4If your brother repents, forgive him, even seven times in a day.
Genesis 33:1-11Esau runs to embrace Jacob after years of estrangement.
Micah 7:18-19God delights in mercy and casts our sins into the depths of the sea.

Stewardship and money

How should I earn, spend, give and save?

Matthew 6:19-24Store treasure in heaven; you cannot serve both God and money.
1 Timothy 6:6-10Godliness with contentment is great gain; the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.
1 Timothy 6:17-19The rich are to be generous and to hope in God, not in uncertain riches.
Proverbs 3:9-10Honour the Lord with your wealth and with the first of your increase.
Malachi 3:8-10Bring the tithe into the storehouse and see if God will not pour out blessing.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8Whoever sows generously reaps generously; God loves a cheerful giver.
Luke 16:10-13Whoever is faithful in little is faithful in much.
Matthew 25:14-30The parable of the talents: servants entrusted with their master's money.
Proverbs 22:7The borrower is servant to the lender.
Proverbs 21:5The plans of the diligent lead to plenty; haste leads to want.
Proverbs 13:11Wealth gained hastily dwindles; whoever gathers little by little increases it.
Luke 12:15-21The rich fool stores up for himself and is not rich toward God.
Hebrews 13:5Keep your life free from love of money and be content with what you have.
Philippians 4:11-13, 19Paul has learned contentment in plenty and in need; God supplies every need.
Mark 12:41-44The widow's two small coins: she gave more than all the rest.
Psalm 24:1The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it.

Identity in Christ

Who am I, really, now that I belong to Jesus?

2 Corinthians 5:17Anyone in Christ is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.
Galatians 2:20I have been crucified with Christ; Christ now lives in me.
Ephesians 1:3-14Chosen, adopted, redeemed, forgiven and sealed with the Spirit in Christ.
Ephesians 2:4-10Made alive by grace, God's workmanship created for good works.
John 1:12-13To all who received Him, He gave the right to become children of God.
Romans 8:1-2There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:14-17You received the Spirit of adoption; you are God's child and heir.
1 Peter 2:9-10A chosen people, a royal priesthood, God's own possession.
1 John 3:1-3See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called His children.
Colossians 3:1-4Your life is hidden with Christ in God; set your mind on things above.
Psalm 139:13-16God formed you in the womb; you are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Galatians 3:26-29All who are in Christ are children of God through faith, and one in Him.
John 15:15-16Jesus calls His disciples friends, chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
Philippians 3:20-21Our citizenship is in heaven, from where we await a Saviour.
Isaiah 43:1I have redeemed you and called you by name; you are Mine.

Anger and conflict

How do I handle my temper and the people I clash with?

James 1:19-20Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; human anger does not produce God's righteousness.
Ephesians 4:26-27Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your wrath.
Proverbs 15:1A soft answer turns away wrath; harsh words stir up anger.
Proverbs 14:29Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding.
Proverbs 29:11A fool gives full vent to his spirit; a wise person holds it back.
Matthew 5:21-22Jesus traces murder back to anger and contempt in the heart.
Matthew 5:38-48Turn the other cheek, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Romans 12:17-21Do not avenge yourself; overcome evil with good.
Colossians 3:8Put off anger, wrath, malice and abusive speech.
Proverbs 19:11It is a person's glory to overlook an offence.
Psalm 37:8Cease from anger and forsake wrath; it only leads to harm.
Ecclesiastes 7:9Do not be quick in spirit to be angry; anger rests in the heart of fools.
James 4:1-3Quarrels come from desires that battle within you.

Grief and loss

Where is God when someone or something I love is gone?

Psalm 34:18The Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
John 11:17-44Jesus weeps at Lazarus's tomb and declares Himself the resurrection and the life.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18We do not grieve as those without hope; the dead in Christ will rise.
Revelation 21:1-5God will wipe away every tear; death and mourning will be no more.
Psalm 23:4Even in the valley of the shadow of death, You are with me.
Matthew 5:4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5The God of all comfort comforts us so that we can comfort others.
Psalm 147:3He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.
Lamentations 3:19-33Out of deep affliction: His mercies are new every morning.
Job 1:20-22Job worships in his loss: the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away.
Psalm 30:5Weeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
Isaiah 53:3-5The Messiah is a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief, who carried ours.
Romans 8:18-28Present sufferings and future glory; the Spirit helps us in our weakness.
Psalm 73:23-26My flesh and heart may fail, but God is my strength and portion for ever.

Doubt and faith

What if I am not sure I believe, or God seems silent?

Mark 9:21-24A father cries out: I believe; help my unbelief.
John 20:24-29Thomas doubts until he sees; Jesus blesses those who believe without seeing.
Matthew 14:25-33Peter walks on water, sinks in doubt, and is caught by Jesus.
Hebrews 11:1-6Faith is assurance of what we hope for; without it we cannot please God.
Psalm 13How long, O Lord? A prayer that moves from complaint to trust.
Psalm 73Asaph nearly loses his footing over the prosperity of the wicked, until he enters God's sanctuary.
Habakkuk 1:2-5; 3:17-19The prophet questions God, then chooses to rejoice even if everything fails.
Matthew 11:2-6John the Baptist, in prison, asks whether Jesus is really the one.
Jude 22Have mercy on those who doubt.
James 1:5-8Ask God for wisdom in faith; He gives generously without reproach.
Romans 10:17Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Luke 24:13-35Two discouraged disciples meet the risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus.
Isaiah 55:8-9God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours.
2 Corinthians 5:7We walk by faith, not by sight.

Loneliness and belonging

Does anyone see me? Where do I belong?

Psalm 68:5-6God is father to the fatherless and sets the lonely in families.
Deuteronomy 31:6-8The Lord goes with you; He will not fail or forsake you.
Psalm 139:1-12There is nowhere you can go from God's presence.
Genesis 16:7-13Hagar, alone in the wilderness, meets the God who sees her.
Psalm 25:16-18Turn to me and be gracious, for I am lonely and afflicted.
Matthew 28:20I am with you always, to the end of the age.
1 Kings 19:9-18Elijah believes he is the only one left; God shows him otherwise.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12Two are better than one; a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Romans 12:4-5We are one body in Christ and members of one another.
Ephesians 2:19-22No longer strangers, but members of God's household.
Hebrews 10:24-25Do not give up meeting together; encourage one another.
John 15:12-15Jesus calls His followers friends and lays down His life for them.
2 Timothy 4:16-17When everyone deserted Paul, the Lord stood by him.

Suffering and perseverance

Why is this happening, and how do I keep going?

Romans 5:3-5Suffering produces endurance, character and a hope that does not disappoint.
James 1:2-4, 12Count trials as joy; testing produces steadfastness, and the one who endures is blessed.
2 Corinthians 4:7-18Afflicted but not crushed; momentary trouble is preparing eternal glory.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10Paul's thorn remains, and God's grace is sufficient in weakness.
1 Peter 1:6-9Trials test the genuineness of faith, which is more precious than gold.
1 Peter 4:12-19Do not be surprised by fiery trials; entrust yourself to a faithful Creator.
Romans 8:28God works all things together for good for those who love Him.
Hebrews 12:1-11Run with endurance, looking to Jesus; the Father disciplines those He loves.
Isaiah 43:1-3When you pass through waters and fire, God is with you.
Psalm 119:67-71It was good for me to be afflicted, so that I might learn Your statutes.
John 16:33In the world you will have trouble; take heart, Jesus has overcome the world.
Galatians 6:9Do not grow weary in doing good; in due season you will reap.
Job 19:23-27From the ash heap Job declares: I know that my Redeemer lives.
Isaiah 40:28-31Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength.

Guilt and shame

Can God really forgive what I have done?

Romans 8:1No condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 32:1-5The relief of confessing sin instead of hiding it.
Isaiah 1:18Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow.
Hebrews 10:19-23Draw near with a clean conscience through the blood of Jesus.
John 8:1-11Jesus to the woman caught in adultery: neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.
1 John 1:7-9The blood of Jesus cleanses from all sin; confess and be forgiven.
1 John 3:19-20When our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart.
2 Corinthians 7:9-11Godly sorrow leads to repentance without regret; worldly sorrow leads to death.
Isaiah 61:7Instead of shame, a double portion and everlasting joy.
Romans 10:11Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.
Hebrews 12:2Jesus endured the cross, despising its shame.
Zechariah 3:1-5The accuser is rebuked and Joshua's filthy clothes are replaced with clean ones.
Luke 7:36-50A sinful woman is forgiven much and loves much.
Psalm 103:10-14He does not treat us as our sins deserve; He remembers that we are dust.

Wisdom and decisions

How do I know what God wants me to do?

James 1:5If you lack wisdom, ask God, who gives generously.
Proverbs 3:5-6Trust the Lord, acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will direct your paths.
Psalm 119:105God's word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Romans 12:1-2Be transformed by the renewing of your mind to discern God's will.
Proverbs 11:14There is safety in many counsellors.
Proverbs 15:22Plans fail without counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
Proverbs 16:9A person plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.
Psalm 32:8I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.
Colossians 1:9-10A prayer to be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all wisdom.
Isaiah 30:21A voice behind you saying: this is the way, walk in it.
James 3:13-18The wisdom from above is pure, peaceable, gentle and sincere.
James 4:13-15Make your plans saying: if the Lord wills.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18Rejoice, pray and give thanks: this is God's will for you.
Micah 6:8He has shown you what is good.

Purpose and calling

What am I here for?

Ephesians 2:10Created in Christ Jesus for good works God prepared in advance.
Jeremiah 29:11-13God's plans are for peace and a future; seek Him with all your heart.
Matthew 28:18-20Go and make disciples of all nations.
Matthew 22:36-40Love God with all you are and love your neighbour as yourself.
Matthew 6:33Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
Colossians 3:23-24Whatever you do, work at it heartily as for the Lord.
1 Peter 4:10-11Use whatever gift you have received to serve others.
Romans 12:4-8Different gifts according to grace; use them.
Esther 4:14Perhaps you have come to your position for such a time as this.
Philippians 1:6He who began a good work in you will complete it.
Philippians 3:12-14Press on toward the goal for the prize of God's upward call.
1 Corinthians 10:31Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Acts 20:24Paul's aim: to finish his course and the ministry he received.
Ecclesiastes 12:13Fear God and keep His commandments; this is the whole duty of man.

Marriage and family

How do I love the people at home well?

Genesis 2:18-24God makes a companion for the man, and the two become one flesh.
Ephesians 5:21-33Husbands and wives, patterned on Christ and the church.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7Love is patient and kind; it bears, believes, hopes and endures.
Colossians 3:18-21Instructions for wives, husbands, children and fathers.
1 Peter 3:1-9Living with understanding and honour in marriage.
Proverbs 31:10-31The portrait of a woman of noble character.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9Teach God's words diligently to your children in daily life.
Ephesians 6:1-4Children, obey your parents; fathers, do not provoke your children.
Psalm 127Unless the Lord builds the house; children are a heritage from Him.
Proverbs 22:6Train up a child in the way he should go.
Joshua 24:15As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Hebrews 13:4Let marriage be held in honour by all.
1 Timothy 5:8Whoever does not provide for his own household has denied the faith.
Ruth 1:16-17Ruth's pledge of loyalty to Naomi.

Work and rest

How do I work hard without it owning me?

Colossians 3:23-24Work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people.
Genesis 2:2-3, 15God rests on the seventh day and gives humanity work to do in the garden.
Exodus 20:8-11Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.
Matthew 11:28-30Come to Me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Mark 6:30-32Jesus tells His tired disciples to come away and rest a while.
Psalm 127:1-2It is vain to rise early and stay up late; He gives His beloved sleep.
Proverbs 6:6-11Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways and be wise.
2 Thessalonians 3:6-13Work quietly and earn your own living; do not grow weary in doing good.
Ecclesiastes 2:22-25Toil apart from God is vexation; enjoyment in work is from His hand.
Ecclesiastes 4:6Better one handful with quietness than two with toil and chasing the wind.
Hebrews 4:9-11A Sabbath rest remains for the people of God.
Psalm 90:17Establish the work of our hands.
Proverbs 16:3Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established.
1 Corinthians 15:58Your labour in the Lord is not in vain.

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