It’s often tempting to seek approval from others, but the Bible offers wisdom on this topic.
By looking at these scripture passages, we can find guidance on how to prioritize God’s approval over people’s opinions, and live a life that truly pleases Him. Let’s explore what the Bible says!
Bible Verses About People Pleasing
Galatians 1:10 – We must choose to please God above all else
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” – Galatians 1:10
Proverbs 29:25 – Fear of man can lead to harmful choices
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” – Proverbs 29:25
Romans 12:2 – We are called to conform to God’s will, not the world’s
“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.” – Romans 12:2
1 Thessalonians 2:4 – Our message should aim to honor God
“On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:4
Colossians 3:23 – Work with sincerity as if for God
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23
John 12:43 – Approval from God should be our true desire
“For they loved human praise more than praise from God.” – John 12:43
Proverbs 25:6-7 – True humility leads to appropriate recognition
“Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among his great men.” – Proverbs 25:6-7
Galatians 1:10 – We cannot serve two masters
“If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” – Galatians 1:10
Matthew 6:1 – Genuine acts should reflect a heart for God
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 6:1
Acts 5:29 – We must prioritize God’s command over human authority
“Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than human beings!'” – Acts 5:29
Proverbs 4:23 – We guard our hearts from others’ opinions
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23
Matthew 7:1-3 – We should look at our own faults before judging others
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged.” – Matthew 7:1-3
1 Peter 2:9 – We are chosen to proclaim God’s goodness
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” – 1 Peter 2:9
Matthew 10:28 – Our fear should be directed towards God
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” – Matthew 10:28
Isaiah 51:12 – God can alleviate our fears concerning others
“I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mere mortals, human beings who are but grass.” – Isaiah 51:12
Luke 16:13 – Serving two masters leads to conflict
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” – Luke 16:13
Philippians 2:3 – Humility should guide our interactions
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
James 4:4 – Friendship with the world is enmity against God
“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God?” – James 4:4
Mark 8:38 – We should not be ashamed of Christ
“If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” – Mark 8:38
2 Timothy 2:15 – We are to present ourselves approved to God
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” – 2 Timothy 2:15
Proverbs 11:2 – Humility leads to wisdom
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” – Proverbs 11:2
Matthew 5:16 – Our good works should reflect God’s glory
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
Isaiah 40:31 – Trust in God provides true strength
“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
Hebrews 13:6 – The Lord is our helper in overcoming fear
“So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?'” – Hebrews 13:6
John 15:18 – Expect opposition but lean on Christ
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” – John 15:18
Psalm 118:6 – God provides safety beyond what others think
“The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” – Psalm 118:6
1 Corinthians 10:31 – Everything we do should glorify God
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Luke 9:23 – Discipleship requires denying ourselves
“Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'” – Luke 9:23
2 Corinthians 5:9 – Our aim should be to please Him
“So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.” – 2 Corinthians 5:9
Philippians 1:27 – Stand firm in a manner worthy of the gospel
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” – Philippians 1:27
Romans 14:21 – Consider others as you pursue your convictions
“It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.” – Romans 14:21
Also Read: 30 Important Bible Verses About Satan’s Distractions
What Does the Bible Say About People Pleasing?
When we look at our lives, it’s easy to see how often we try to make others happy. But what does the Bible say about people pleasing?
First, we need to remember that our main aim should be to follow God’s guidance. Throughout the Bible, we see stories of individuals who faced pressure from others. Take Daniel, for instance. He continued to pray to God even when the king’s decree said otherwise. This shows us that obeying God is more important than trying to fit in or make others happy.
Sometimes, by trying to please everyone around us, we can lose sight of our own values and beliefs. The Apostle Paul reminds us of this. He speaks clearly about focusing on God rather than on pleasing humans. Paul went through many hardships, but he held firm to his mission, knowing that his ultimate goal was to serve God.
Another example is Peter and John. They stood up for their beliefs even when faced with strong opposition from religious leaders. They were bold in their faith and refused to be swayed by others’ expectations.
People pleasing can often lead us away from our true purpose. The Bible encourages us to seek approval from God rather than from others. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t care about others or their feelings. It simply means that our first priority is to follow God’s path for us.
Let’s consider the teachings of Jesus. He taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves. But He also warned against seeking approval and praise from people at the expense of doing what’s right. Jesus faced many who opposed Him, yet He remained steadfast in His mission.
We can take comfort in knowing that while it may be challenging, following God’s will brings true peace and fulfillment. When faced with the choice between pleasing people and doing what’s right in God’s eyes, we should strive to choose the latter. Our faith can guide us through these decisions.
In conclusion, the Bible’s stance on people pleasing is clear: our main focus should be on living according to God’s will. By following His teachings, we can navigate life’s challenges with strength and purpose.