Competition is a part of many aspects of life, from sports to work. Let’s explore what the Bible says about competing. We’ll look at verses that encourage us to strive for excellence while maintaining a spirit of humility and love towards others.
Bible Verses About Competition
1 Corinthians 9:24 – Running the race of faith diligently
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.”
Galatians 5:7 – Staying focused on the right path
“You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?”
Philippians 3:14 – Striving for the ultimate goal
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
2 Timothy 4:7 – Finishing strong in our journey
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
James 1:12 – Blessed is the one who perseveres
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
1 Timothy 6:12 – Fight the good fight of faith
“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
Hebrews 12:1 – Running with endurance
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
Romans 12:10 – Competing in honor and love
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
1 Corinthians 15:57 – The victory we have through Christ
“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Colossians 3:23 – Working heartily for the Lord
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
Romans 14:19 – Pursuing peace in our endeavors
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
1 Corinthians 9:25 – Training with dedication and discipline
“Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
2 Corinthians 5:10 – Accountability in our actions
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”
Philippians 1:27 – Striving together for the faith
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.”
Matthew 5:16 – Letting our light shine in competition
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
1 Peter 5:5 – Humility among competitors
“In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
Romans 12:2 – Not conforming to competition’s standards
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Philippians 2:3 – Value others above yourselves
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
Hebrews 10:24 – Encouraging one another
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
Proverbs 27:17 – Iron sharpening iron
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
1 Chronicles 28:20 – Be strong and courageous
“David also said to Solomon his son, ‘Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you.'”
Matthew 7:12 – Treat others in competition with respect
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Psalm 37:4 – Finding joy in the Lord
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Proverbs 15:16 – Better with little in the Lord’s presence
“Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.”
Isaiah 40:31 – Renewal in striving
“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.”
Psalm 119:165 – Peace in following God’s ways
“Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”
Hebrews 12:2 – Looking to Jesus as our example
“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
2 Peter 1:5 – Adding to our faith
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; “
1 Corinthians 10:31 – Doing all for God’s glory
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9 – Better together in our pursuits
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.”
Acts 20:24 – Completing our ministry
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”
John 16:33 – Overcoming the world through Christ
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Traveling
What Does the Bible Say About Competition
In our journey through the Bible, we find that competition is addressed in various contexts, providing us with a nuanced understanding. First and foremost, the scriptures remind us of the essence of humility and the dangers of pride. Philippians 2:3-4 encourages us to “do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” This passage sets the tone for how we should approach any form of competition: not with arrogance, but with a spirit of humility and respect for others.
Moreover, the Bible often highlights the importance of running a good race, both literally and metaphorically. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul draws a parallel between our spiritual journey and an athlete’s discipline. He emphasizes that while many run the race, only one receives the prize. However, Paul’s focus isn’t just on winning but on the effort, discipline, and dedication required. It’s not about the competition itself, but about striving for excellence in our own walk with God.
We also see reflections on the concept of fair competition in passages like Proverbs 20:23, which states that “differing weights are an abomination to the Lord.” This principle applies to maintaining integrity and fairness in all our competitive endeavors, ensuring that our actions align with God’s standards of justice.
Conversely, James 3:14-16 warns us against the pitfalls of jealousy and selfish ambition. These verses caution us that where envy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and evil practices. This suggests that unhealthy competition, driven by jealousy or the desire to outdo others for personal gain, disrupts the harmony that God desires for us.
In considering our competitive nature, we are reminded to strive for balance. Ecclesiastes 4:4 acknowledges that much of human toil and skill comes from rivalry with others, but it also labels this pursuit as “meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” Here, we are prompted to reflect on the motives behind our competitive actions and ensure they are anchored in God’s purpose rather than in vanity or rivalry.
Therefore, in our lives and pursuits, whether in sports, academics, or any field of endeavor, we can draw valuable insights from these biblical verses. They guide us to compete with a heart of humility, fairness, and integrity while steering clear of pride, envy, and unjust practices. Through this approach, we align our competitive spirit with the teachings and values that God has set before us.