Taking risks can be a big part of our journey in life and faith. The Bible offers guidance and encouragement for those moments when we’re unsure or hesitant. Explore how Scripture can inspire courage and wisdom in risk-taking, and discover the strength God provides in stepping out with trust.
Bible Verses About Risk Taking
Proverbs 27:12 – The wise foresee dangers and take precautions
“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.”
Hebrews 11:1 – Faith is the assurance needed to take risks
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Matthew 25:14-30 – The parable of the talents teaches the value of risk
“For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.”
John 15:13 – True love can involve risk
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Philippians 4:13 – We can take risks because we are strengthened
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Romans 8:31 – With God, we can face any risk
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
2 Timothy 1:7 – Fearlessness allows us to embrace risk
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Isaiah 41:10 – God’s presence removes fear in risky situations
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”
Acts 4:29 – Boldness is essential when taking risks for God
“Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.”
Ecclesiastes 11:1 – Investing efforts involves taking risks
“Ship your grain across the sea; after many days you may receive a return.”
Joshua 1:9 – Courage is required for taking leaps of faith
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Matthew 14:29 – Stepping out in faith necessitates risk-taking
“Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.”
Luke 12:33 – Generosity often requires a risk of resources
“Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail.”
1 Thessalonians 5:24 – God is faithful, helping us face risks
“The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trusting God guides us through risky decisions
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Psalm 56:3 – Trusting God gives peace in risky moments
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
Matthew 10:16 – Being shrewd is wise when taking risks
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
Jeremiah 29:11 – God’s plans for us can encourage risk-taking
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
2 Corinthians 5:7 – Living by faith often means taking risks
“For we live by faith, not by sight.”
Romans 12:1 – Offering ourselves to God is a significant risk
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
Mark 10:27 – With God, nothing is impossible, encouraging risk-taking
“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”
Psalms 37:5 – Committing our way to the Lord invites divine guidance
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.”
James 1:5 – Seeking wisdom helps in making risky decisions
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Galatians 6:9 – Persistence in the face of challenges is rewarded
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
1 John 4:18 – Perfect love casts out fear, enabling risk-taking
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
Psalm 112:7 – Trusting in God leads to fearlessness
“They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”
Colossians 3:23 – Working wholeheartedly reflects a bold spirit
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
Matthew 7:7 – Ask and you may receive, taking the risk of persistence
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
Job 13:15 – Trusting God leads to courage in risks
“Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.”
Romans 15:13 – God’s hope emboldens us to take risks
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Luke 9:23 – Being a disciple involves daily risks
“Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
1 Peter 5:7 – Casting our anxieties on God frees us to take risks
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Romans 1:16 – Being unashamed of the gospel involves risk
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”
Proverbs 16:3 – Trusting God with our plans allows us to risk
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Also Read: 30 Important Bible Verses About Competing
What Does the Bible Say About Risk Taking
When we explore what the Bible says about risk-taking, we find that the scripture offers a nuanced perspective on the matter. It’s intriguing to observe how different biblical characters and teachings guide us in understanding both the potential rewards and pitfalls of taking risks.
In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus tells us about a master who entrusts his servants with different amounts of money. Two servants take risks and invest the money, leading to significant returns. The third servant, on the other hand, buries the money out of fear. As a result, the master rewards the risk-takers and rebukes the one who played it safe. This parable suggests that there is an expectation for us to use the resources and opportunities God has given us, even if it involves taking risks.
However, the Bible also teaches us to assess our motivations and the nature of the risks we face. In Proverbs 3:5-6, we are reminded to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This implies that not all risks are worth taking. Instead, we should seek divine guidance and wisdom when making decisions.
We see examples of remarkable boldness in the lives of biblical figures like Esther and David. Esther took a significant risk by approaching King Xerxes unsummoned, which could have resulted in her death. By putting her trust in God, her actions led to the salvation of her people. Similarly, David took on the giant Goliath with nothing but a sling and a few stones, trusting in God’s strength rather than his own.
Yet, there are warnings against reckless or selfish risks. In the account of Satan tempting Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11), we observe Jesus refusing to throw himself off the pinnacle of the temple to force God’s hand in saving Him. This teaches us that testing God with imprudent risks is not an act of faith, but rather, it’s irresponsible.
In Ecclesiastes 11:1-6, we find another balanced view as the text encourages us to “Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, or even to eight, for you know not what disaster may happen on earth.” This teaches us to diversify and take measured risks, acknowledging that uncertainty is an inherent part of life.
To sum up, the Bible presents risk-taking as a part of the faithful journey, provided our actions are guided by trust in God and aimed at fulfilling His purpose. When we approach risks with wisdom, prayer, and a righteous heart, we align ourselves with the scriptural principles that equip us to navigate both opportunities and challenges effectively.