Complete Bible Study Guide
What Does the Bible Say About Discouragement?
14 Scripture references with full text and commentary
Understanding Discouragement in the Bible
What does the Bible say about discouragement? Browse 18 carefully selected verses that illuminate this biblical theme.
Top 10 Verses About Discouragement
- 1Deuteronomy 31:8
“And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.”
KJV - 2Joshua 1:9
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
KJV - 3Psalms 31:24
“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.”
KJV - 4
- 5Isaiah 53:1
“Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? report: or, doctrine?: Heb. hearing?”
KJV - 6Jeremiah 29:11
“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. expected: Heb. end and expectation”
KJV - 7John 10:10
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
KJV - 8John 16:33
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
KJV - 9Romans 8:26
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”
KJV - 10
Old Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Discouragement? (6 Verses)
“And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.”
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.”
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
“Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? report: or, doctrine?: Heb. hearing?”
“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. expected: Heb. end and expectation”
New Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Discouragement? (8 Verses)
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”
“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,”
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
How to Study What the Bible Says About Discouragement
- 1
Begin by reading through every verse listed on this page, noting which ones speak most directly to your current season of life. Write them down and revisit them throughout the week.
- 2
Use a concordance or the search tools on this site to find additional passages about discouragement. Look for patterns across both the Old and New Testaments to gain a complete picture of what God reveals on this subject.
- 3
Study the context of each verse. Read the surrounding chapter to understand who was speaking, who the audience was, and what circumstances prompted the passage. Context prevents misapplication.
- 4
Memorise at least one key verse about discouragement and meditate on it daily. Scripture memory transforms thinking and equips you to apply God's Word in real-time situations.
Practical Application
Studying what the Bible says about discouragement is only the beginning. Scripture is meant to be lived out in daily obedience and faith. Here are practical steps to apply these truths:
Identify one area of your life where the biblical teaching on discouragement needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.
Share what you have learned about discouragement with a fellow believer or in a small group setting. Teaching others solidifies your own understanding and encourages mutual growth.
Pray through the key verses about discouragement, asking God to reveal how His Word applies to your relationships, decisions, and daily habits.
How Well Do You Know What the Bible Says About Discouragement?
You have studied 14 verses about discouragement. Now test your knowledge with chapter-by-chapter quizzes covering the books where these verses appear.