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 3:5-6
“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 verse beautifully encapsulates the essence of taking risks as a Christian. Trusting in the Lord with all our heart often means stepping out in faith, even when our understanding cannot fully comprehend the path ahead.
Personally, I’ve faced situations where conventional wisdom contradicted what I felt God was leading me to do. Those were moments that required deep trust. When I prayed and submitted my ways to Him, I found peace amidst uncertainty and saw His guidance clear paths that seemed impossible.
Matthew 14:29
“Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.”
Peter walking on water is one of the most iconic biblical illustrations of risk-taking. It wasn’t just about stepping onto the water; it was about stepping out in faith, trusting Jesus entirely.
I remember feeling a calling to switch careers that felt as daunting as stepping out of a boat in the middle of a storm. It was a significant risk, a leap of faith. But just as Peter did, I fixed my eyes on Jesus, and He guided me, even in the turbulence.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
This verse reassures us that when we take risks aligned with God’s purpose, He will work everything for our good. Embracing this truth enables us to face the unknown confidently.
For instance, moving to a new city without a clear plan was daunting, but leaning on this promise, I trusted that all experiences, good or challenging, were part of God’s intricate plan.
Joshua 1:9
“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.”
This verse directly commands strength and courage, vital attributes for taking risks. It reassures us that God’s presence goes with us, a comforting reminder when facing uncertainty.
I recall a major project that pushed me out of my comfort zone, filled with potential for both great success and significant failure. Holding onto this verse, I found the courage to proceed, knowing God was with me every step of the way.
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
This verse defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. Taking risks often involves stepping into the unseen and the unknown, relying on this foundation of faith.
During my journey, there were moments when the next step was unclear, akin to walking in a fog. Yet, with faith, I moved forward, assured that God would illuminate my path in due time.
Ecclesiastes 11:1-2
“Ship your grain across the sea; after many days you may receive a return. Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.”
The writer of Ecclesiastes encourages taking calculated risks, diversifying investments to mitigate potential disasters. It reflects the importance of not putting all our resources in one basket.
Through this, I’ve learned the wisdom of not only spiritual but also practical preparedness. As I ventured into new endeavors, this verse taught me to spread my efforts wisely.
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Understanding that our strength to take risks and challenges comes from Christ transforms our perspective. We’re not relying on our abilities but on His omnipotence.
In challenges that seemed beyond my capability, this verse has been a pillar, reminding me that with Christ, I can overcome any obstacle that stands in my path.
1 Corinthians 16:13
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
Paul’s exhortation is a powerful reminder to stay vigilant and firm in our faith. Courage and strength are emphasized repeatedly, attributes necessary for any risk we undertake.
In periods of doubt and hesitation, remembering Paul’s words has fortified my resolve to pursue God’s calling, no matter the apparent risks.
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
God’s assurance that He is with us and will strengthen and help us eradicates fear, a common hindrance to taking risks. His presence guarantees support and strength.
Whenever fear of the unknown gripped me, reflecting on this verse infused me with the courage to proceed, knowing God’s righteous right hand would uphold me.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”
The Spirit of God empowers us with a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline, rather than timidity. This is crucial for taking bold, faith-filled risks in life.
I’ve often found myself in situations requiring boldness I didn’t think I possessed. Calling to mind this verse helped me tap into the Spirit’s strength, enabling me to face challenges head-on.
Psalm 23:4
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Even in the darkest valleys, God’s presence brings comfort and eradicates fear. This verse illustrates that risk-taking might lead us through dark paths but assures us of God’s protective presence.
During low points in my journey, this verse reassured me that even in the darkest times, God was there, guiding and protecting me.
Mark 8:35
“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.”
Jesus’ words highlight a profound paradox: true life is found in surrender and risk for the gospel. It’s a call to abandon our securities for a greater mission.
In deciding to take on missionary work, this verse resonated deeply, realizing that risking my comfort could bring true spiritual fulfillment and impact.
Psalm 37:23-24
“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”
God guides and sustains those who delight in Him, even if they stumble. This verse encourages taking steps in faith, knowing God’s hand is there to support us.
In moments of feeling unsteady in my decisions, this assurance gave me the confidence to continue, trusting that God’s hand was always ready to catch me.
James 1:5
“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.”
Wisdom is crucial for making decisions involving risk. This verse encourages us to seek God’s wisdom generously given to guide our steps.
Before taking any significant step, I’ve made it a practice to pray for wisdom, finding that God faithfully provides the insight needed for the journey.
Luke 14:28
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not sit down first and estimate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?”
Jesus emphasizes the importance of counting the cost before taking an action. This principle is vital for responsible and faith-filled risk-taking.
In starting a new business, this verse reminded me to evaluate carefully and consider all aspects, ensuring that my steps were measured and prayerfully considered.
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
This verse speaks of the power the Holy Spirit imparts to be witnesses, even to the ends of the earth. It’s an encouragement to take risks for the gospel.
Feeling inadequate for ministry, this verse empowered me, reminding me that the Holy Spirit equips me to step out and take risks in spreading the gospel.
Psalm 91:11
“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”
God’s promise of angelic protection in all our ways gives a profound sense of security, enabling us to take risks knowing His divine guardianship is upon us.
As I traveled to uncertain places for missions, this assurance of angelic protection provided a comforting reassurance, knowing I was not alone.
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
We are created for good works, which God has prepared in advance. Recognizing our divine purpose emboldens us to take risks aligned with His plans.
Understanding that my efforts were part of a greater divine plan sparked courage to pursue new ventures, trusting they were orchestrated by God.
Isaiah 30:21
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”
God’s guidance is promised, directing us in the way we should walk. This assurance provides clarity amidst uncertainty, essential when taking risks.
In confused and challenging times, this promise of guidance became my anchor, helping me navigate paths with divine direction.
1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Knowing that God cares for us and invites us to cast our anxieties on Him frees us to take risks without being paralyzed by fear.
This verse has been a source of comfort, reminding me that I am never alone in my endeavors and that God invites me to share my burdens with Him.
Psalm 32:8
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
God promises not only instruction and teaching but also personal counsel. Knowing that His loving eye is on us provides a deep sense of security.
This assurance allowed me to take academic and career risks, confident that His counsel would guide me through every decision and challenge.
Proverbs 16:3
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Committing our actions to the Lord promises that He will establish our plans. This principle transforms our risk-taking into acts of faith.
I’ve seen projects flourish beyond expectation when committed in prayer, experiencing firsthand the truth of God establishing our steps.
Jeremiah 29:11
“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.”
God’s plans for us are filled with hope and a promising future. This sovereign assurance encourages stepping out in faith, confident in His purpose for us.
This verse has been a beacon of hope during uncertain transitions, reminding me that God’s plans are aimed at my wellbeing and future.
Matthew 25:14-30
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them…”
The Parable of the Talents highlights using what God has given us wisely, even taking calculated risks to multiply our resources, rather than burying them.
In moments of considering whether to invest time and resources into certain ventures, this parable reminded me of the importance of fruitful stewardship.
2 Corinthians 5:7
“For we live by faith, not by sight.”
Living by faith rather than sight means trusting in God’s unseen hand more than our visible circumstances. This principle is foundational for risk-taking.
There were decisions where the prospects seemed uncertain, but living by faith allowed me to proceed, trusting God’s guidance over the visible challenges.
Proverbs 28:1
“The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.”
Righteousness brings a boldness akin to a lion’s, empowering us to take godly risks without fleeing in fear. This boldness is a divine confidence.
Reflecting on this verse, I found courage in moments requiring bold decisions, knowing that righteousness imparts a unique, divine confidence.
Exodus 14:14
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
God’s promise to fight for us encourages stepping out in faith, for we are not alone in our battles. His fight on our behalf invites us to be still and trust.
In times of feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of tasks ahead, this verse anchored me, reminding me that I was not striving alone but carried by God’s power.
Proverbs 16:9
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
While we make plans in our hearts, it is ultimately the Lord who establishes our steps. This divine orchestration assures us that God is directing our paths, alleviating the fear of taking risks.
Throughout various life changes and decisions, this verse has been a humbling reminder that while I plan and strategize, it is God who ultimately aligns my steps with His divine purpose.
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.