Bible Verses About Failure

Failure is a common human experience, but the Bible offers guidance, encouragement, and wisdom for navigating through it. Here are 25 Bible verses about failure, each with a brief commentary.

Psalm 37:24

“Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”

Despite setbacks, God’s steadfast support ensures that believers do not ultimately collapse but rise again through His sustaining grace.

Proverbs 24:16

“For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.”

Resilience characterizes the righteous; they may face failure, but their faith enables them to persevere and rise after each fall.

Romans 8:28

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Even in failure, God orchestrates circumstances for the ultimate good of His beloved, redeeming setbacks for His purpose.

Philippians 4:13

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Christ empowers believers to overcome failure, providing strength to endure and persevere through every trial.

Isaiah 41:10

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

God’s presence assures believers in times of failure, offering strength, assistance, and steadfast support.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;”

Though beset by failure and adversity, believers remain resilient and upheld by God’s sustaining power, never utterly defeated.

James 1:12

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”

Enduring failure with steadfastness yields spiritual blessings, as God rewards those who persevere with the crown of life.

Psalm 34:17-18

“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

God responds to the cries of His people in times of failure, delivering and comforting those who turn to Him in distress.

Psalm 73:26

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Even in the face of personal failure and weakness, God remains the unfailing source of strength and eternal security.

Bible Verses About Failure

2 Corinthians 12:9

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

In acknowledging human frailty and failure, believers find sufficiency in God’s grace, which transforms weakness into a vessel for divine power.

Psalm 51:17

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”

God values genuine repentance and humility in the face of failure, offering restoration and acceptance to the contrite heart.

Romans 5:3-4

“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,”

Enduring failure fosters spiritual growth, as perseverance builds character and cultivates hope in God’s faithfulness.

Psalm 145:14

“The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.”

God’s compassion extends to the fallen, lifting them from failure and restoring them with His grace and mercy.

Lamentations 3:22-23

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

God’s unchanging love and mercy offer fresh opportunities after failure, demonstrating His faithfulness to His people.

1 Peter 5:10

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”

God promises restoration and strengthening after temporary failure, reaffirming His commitment to His redeemed ones.

Psalm 119:71

“It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.”

Failure can serve as a catalyst for spiritual growth, leading believers to deeper understanding and obedience to God’s word.

Hebrews 12:11

“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

Though failure may bring temporary pain, it produces lasting spiritual fruit as believers submit to God’s refining discipline.

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Even in the aftermath of failure, God assures His people of His redemptive plans, offering hope and a future filled with His blessings.

Psalm 119:116

“Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope!”

Trusting in God’s promises sustains believers in the face of failure, ensuring that their hope remains secure and unshaken.

Romans 8:37

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

Despite failure, believers emerge victorious through Christ’s love and empowerment, transcending defeat and despair.

2 Timothy 2:13

“if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.”

Even amidst human failure, God’s faithfulness remains unwavering, offering assurance and restoration to His faltering children.

Psalm 25:3

“Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.”

Patiently waiting on God amidst failure ensures eventual vindication and honor, contrasting with the shame of the unfaithful.