Bible verse about patience

Summary

Bible verse about patience

Bible verse about patience

The Ultimate Collection: 65 Bible Verses About Patience

 

Waiting is the workshop of faith. Here is a curated list of scriptures focused on endurance, longsuffering, and the divine timing of God.

I. Patience in Waiting on the Lord

 

Scriptures for when God’s timing seems slow.

1. Psalm 27:14 – “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

2. Psalm 37:7 – “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”

3. Psalm 40:1 – “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.”

4. Psalm 130:5 – “I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.”

5. Psalm 130:6 – “I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.”

6. Lamentations 3:25 – “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him.”

7. Lamentations 3:26 – “It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”

8. Isaiah 40:31 – “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.”

9. Isaiah 30:18 – “Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!”

10. Isaiah 64:4 – “Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.”

11. Micah 7:7 – “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.”

12. Habakkuk 2:3 – “For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”

13. Romans 8:25 – “But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”

14. Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

15. James 5:7 – “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.”

16. James 5:8 – “You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.”

17. Hebrews 6:12 – “We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”

18. Hebrews 6:15 – “And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.”

19. Revelation 14:12 – “This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus.”

II. Patience in Suffering and Tribulation

 

Scriptures for endurance during painful seasons.

20. Romans 12:12 – “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

21. Romans 5:3-4 – “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

22. James 1:2-4 – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

23. 1 Peter 2:20 – “But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.”

24. 2 Thessalonians 1:4 – “Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.”

25. 2 Corinthians 6:4 – “Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses.”

26. Colossians 1:11 – “Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience.”

27. Revelation 1:9 – “I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.”

28. Revelation 2:2 – “I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people.”

29. Revelation 2:19 – “I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.”

30. 2 Timothy 2:12 – “If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us.”

31. Hebrews 10:36 – “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”

32. Hebrews 12:1 – “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.”

III. Patience with Others (Interpersonal Relationships)

 

Scriptures on slowness to anger and forbearance.

33. Ephesians 4:2 – “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

34. 1 Corinthians 13:4 – “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”

35. Colossians 3:12 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

36. Colossians 3:13 – “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

37. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 – “And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”

38. Proverbs 14:29 – “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”

39. Proverbs 15:18 – “A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.”

40. Proverbs 16:32 – “Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”

41. Proverbs 19:11 – “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”

42. Proverbs 25:15 – “Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.”

43. Ecclesiastes 7:8 – “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.”

44. Ecclesiastes 7:9 – “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.”

45. James 1:19 – “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

46. 2 Timothy 2:24 – “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.”

47. 2 Timothy 4:2 – “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”

48. Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

IV. God’s Patience Toward Us

 

Verses reflecting on the nature of God.

49. 2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

50. 2 Peter 3:15 – “Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation.”

51. Psalm 86:15 – “But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”

52. Psalm 103:8 – “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.”

53. Psalm 145:8 – “The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.”

54. Numbers 14:18 – “The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion.”

55. Nehemiah 9:17 – “But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.”

56. Joel 2:13 – “Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.”

57. Nahum 1:3 – “The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished.”

58. Romans 2:4 – “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”

59. Romans 9:22 – “What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction?”

60. 1 Timothy 1:16 – “But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.”

61. Exodus 34:6 – “And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, ‘The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.'”

62. Jeremiah 15:15 – “Lord, you understand; remember me and care for me. Avenge me on my persecutors. You are long-suffering—do not take me away; think of how I suffer reproach for your sake.”

63. 1 Peter 3:20 – “To those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.”

25 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Patience in the Bible

 

Q1: What is the most famous Bible verse about patience? A: The most cited verses are likely Isaiah 40:31 (“Those who wait on the Lord…”) and 1 Corinthians 13:4 (“Love is patient”).

Q2: Is patience a Fruit of the Spirit? A: Yes. In Galatians 5:22, patience (sometimes translated as forbearance or longsuffering) is listed as the fourth fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Q3: Why does God make us wait? A: The Bible suggests God uses waiting to refine our character (James 1:3-4), strengthen our faith (1 Peter 1:6-7), and ensure we rely on His strength rather than our own (Isaiah 40:31).

Q4: What is the Hebrew meaning of “wait” in the Bible? A: One of the primary Hebrew words is Qavah, which means to bind together (like a rope) or to look for eagerly. It implies an active, expectant waiting, entwining oneself with God.

Q5: What is the difference between patience and endurance? A: While often used interchangeably, biblical patience usually refers to handling difficult people without anger (long-suffering), while endurance refers to bearing up under difficult circumstances without giving up.

Q6: Who is the best example of patience in the Bible? A: Job is famously cited in James 5:11 for his perseverance. Abraham waited 25 years for Isaac. Ultimately, Jesus is the perfect example of patience in suffering.

Q7: How can I become more patient according to the Bible? A: By walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16), praying for strength (Colossians 1:11), and meditating on God’s patience toward you (1 Timothy 1:16).

Q8: Does the Bible say “patience is a virtue”? A: The exact phrase “patience is a virtue” is not in the Bible (it is likely from a poem by William Langland), but the concept is thoroughly biblical (Colossians 3:12).

Q9: What does “love is patient” mean in 1 Corinthians 13? A: It means love has a long fuse. It does not retaliate quickly when wronged and bears with the imperfections of others.

Q10: Is it a sin to be impatient? A: Impatience often leads to sin (anger, rash words, lack of trust). Proverbs 14:29 says he who is quick-tempered displays folly.

Q11: What promise does God give to those who wait on Him? A: He promises renewed strength (Isaiah 40:31), that they will not be put to shame (Psalm 25:3), and that He acts on their behalf (Isaiah 64:4).

Q12: Why is God so patient with sinners? A: 2 Peter 3:9 explains that God is patient because He does not want anyone to perish, but wants everyone to come to repentance.

Q13: How does suffering produce patience? A: Romans 5:3 teaches that suffering creates a pressure that forces us to develop spiritual muscle (perseverance/patience) to carry the load, eventually leading to hope.

Q14: What should I do while I am waiting on God? A: Be still (Psalm 37:7), pray (Psalm 5:3), serve others (Galatians 6:9), and trust in His Word (Psalm 130:5).

Q15: Does patience mean being passive? A: No. Biblical patience is active endurance. It is “standing firm” (Ephesians 6:13) and continuing to do good (Romans 2:7) while waiting for the outcome.

Q16: What does the Bible say about patience in marriage? A: Ephesians 4:2 commands us to “bear with one another in love,” which is essential for marital unity.

Q17: How do I deal with impatient people biblically? A: Proverbs 15:1 advises that “a gentle answer turns away wrath.” We are called to respond with the fruit of the Spirit, not mirror their impatience.

Q18: Is there a reward for patience? A: Yes. Hebrews 10:36 states that after you have done the will of God (which requires patience), you will receive what He has promised.

Q19: What does “slow to anger” mean? A: The Hebrew idiom is literally “long of nose.” It means it takes a long time for the nose to get hot (a sign of anger). It implies having a high threshold before reacting.

Q20: How does faith relate to patience? A: Hebrews 6:12 pairs them: “faith and patience.” Faith believes God can do it; patience trusts when He will do it.

Q21: Can I pray for patience? A: Yes, but be aware that God often answers this prayer by placing us in situations that require us to practice patience (tribulation), as per Romans 5:3.

Q22: What if I lose my patience and get angry? A: Ephesian 4:26 says “In your anger do not sin.” If you fail, confess it (1 John 1:9), apologize to those you hurt, and ask the Spirit to refill you.

Q23: Why does the Bible say the farmer is patient? A: In James 5:7, the farmer is used as an illustration because he cannot force the crop to grow. He does his work and then must trust the seasons and the rain.

Q24: What is “the patience of the saints” in Revelation? A: It refers to the believers’ ability to remain faithful to Jesus and keep His commandments despite persecution and the reign of the Beast (Revelation 14:12).

Q25: How long should I wait for God to answer? A: Until the answer comes or God redirects you. Jesus told the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18) to show we should always pray and not give up.