Bible Verses About Success
The Bible defines success differently from the world. These verses tie it to faithfulness, good planning and God's direction, not only to money or status. Read them when you set a goal.
11 scriptures in modern King James wording
Joshua 1:8KJV
“This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; but you shall meditate therein day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success.”
Psalms 1:3KJV
“And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper.”
Psalms 37:4KJV
“Delight yourself also in the LORD: and he shall give you the desires of yours heart.”
Proverbs 16:3KJV
“Commit your works unto the LORD, and your thoughts shall be established.”
Proverbs 16:9KJV
“A man's heart devises his way: but the LORD directs his steps.”
Proverbs 21:5KJV
“The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to lack.”
Proverbs 11:14KJV
“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”
Proverbs 22:29KJV
“See you a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.”
Deuteronomy 8:18KJV
“But you shall remember the LORD your God: for it is he that gives you power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he swore unto your fathers, as it is this day.”
Mark 8:36KJV
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
Matthew 6:33KJV
“But seek all of you first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Common questions
What does the Bible say about success?
Joshua 1:8 links success to meditating on God's word day and night and obeying it, and Psalm 1:3 pictures a tree planted by water that bears fruit. The Bible measures success by faithfulness, not by money or status (Mark 8:36).
Does the Bible promise material success?
Not as a guarantee. Proverbs 21:5 says the plans of the diligent lead to profit, but in Luke 12:15 Jesus warns that life does not consist of an abundance of possessions. Deuteronomy 8:18 credits God as the source of wealth.
Related Bible verses
- Bible Verses About Hard WorkThe Bible treats work as part of a good life, not just a way to pay bills.
- Bible Verses About WisdomBiblical wisdom is the skill of living well, and it starts with respect for God.
- Bible Verses for GraduationA graduate is standing at a door, and the Bible has words for that moment.
- Bible Verses About MoneyJesus talked about money often, and so do Proverbs and Paul.
Browse all Bible verses by topic.
Study these verses in the app
Explain any verse, highlight it in 10 colors and save your thoughts to your notes. Read offline anytime.
Prefer the browser? Read the Bible online or see the verse of the day.