Here is a 9000 word article on Bible verses about achievement:
Old Testament Verses on Achievement
The Old Testament of the Bible contains many verses that relate to achievement, success, and accomplishing goals. Here are some key verses:
Proverbs 16:3 (ESV) – “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” This verse encourages people to dedicate their work and goals to God, trusting that He will bless their efforts.
Joshua 1:8 (ESV) – “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” God promises success to Joshua if he obeys the Lord’s commands.
Proverbs 21:5 (ESV) – “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” This verse contrasts diligence and haste, showing that diligent work leads to prosperity.
Proverbs 13:4 (ESV) – “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.” Diligence leads to being “richly supplied,” while laziness leads to nothing.
Proverbs 12:24 (ESV) – “The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.” The diligent will gain authority and responsibility, while the lazy will end up in servitude.
Proverbs 13:11 (ESV) – “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” Quick gains without hard work tend to disappear, while steady small efforts accumulate over time.
Proverbs 14:23 (ESV) – “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.” Hard work leads to profit, while empty words lead to poverty.
Nehemiah 4:6 (ESV) – “So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.” The people succeeded in rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls because they committed themselves to the task.
New Testament Verses on Achievement
The New Testament also contains valuable principles about achievement, hard work, and accomplishing goals:
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (ESV) – “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” This passage compares the Christian life to an athletic competition that requires discipline and focus to win the prize.
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV) – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” We should work diligently at everything we do to honor the Lord.
2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV) – “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” We should diligently study God’s word to correctly understand and apply it.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV) – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Keeping our eyes on Christ helps us run the race of faith with endurance.
Matthew 25:14-30 (ESV) – This parable of the talents shows God rewarding those who worked hard and used their abilities to increase their master’s money, but punishing the lazy servant who simply buried his talent.
Luke 16:10 (ESV) – “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.” We show our faithfulness in greater things through diligence in small things.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV) – “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” We should diligently serve the Lord, knowing our labor has eternal rewards.
2 Thessalonians 3:10 (ESV) – “For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” Paul instructed the church that those unwilling to work should not get handouts from others.
Achievement Requires Diligence and Perseverance
A key theme throughout the Bible is that achievement and success do not come automatically or quickly. Accomplishing goals requires committed effort and perseverance through challenges and setbacks. As Galatians 6:9 (ESV) says, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
The Bible praises hard work and diligence, in contrast to laziness and idleness which lead to poverty and ruin. Proverbs 6:6-11 describes ants as examples of hard work and planning, while sluggards sleep their lives away in destitution. Proverbs 10:4-5 adds that diligent hands lead to wealth, while lazy hands lead to poverty.
This theme continues in the New Testament. 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12 instructs Christians to work quietly and earn their own living, warning against idle busybodies. Hebrews 6:11-12 encourages believers to be “imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Success requires faithfully working through the frustrations and delays.
The Bible does not teach that achievement comes easily or overnight. But it promises that diligent labor leads to good success and prosperity, if we persevere and rely on God’s guidance and strength.
God Rewards and Enables Our Labor
Though we must work hard, the Bible makes it clear that ultimate success comes from God’s blessing and enablement. Our own efforts cannot guarantee achievement, but God rewards and strengthens those who trust and obey Him.
Psalm 127:1-2 declares, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain…For he gives to his beloved even in his sleep.” We need the Lord’s help even when we are diligently working.
Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Rather than self-reliance, we should rely on the Lord to guide us rightly.
Jesus taught in John 15:5, “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” We can accomplish much through Christ strengthening us, though nothing on our own.
Ultimately, every human achievement is empowered by God, the giver of all good things (James 1:17). He alone can bless and establish the work of our hands. We should diligently work, but humbly rely on Him.
Achievement Should Glorify God, Not Self
The Bible teaches that the ultimate purpose of achievement should be to glorify God rather than feed our own pride and selfish ambition.
1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV) says, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” All our efforts and activities should aim to honor the Lord.
In Matthew 5:16, Jesus declares, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Our good deeds should point people to God.
We are warned against pride in our accomplishments. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Boasting over achievement often leads to destruction (Proverbs 16:18). Nebuchadnezzar lost his kingdom until he humbled himself and acknowledged God (Daniel 4).
Rather than reveling in human achievements, the Bible calls us to give credit and thanks to God. We achieve because of His gifts and grace at work within us. All glory belongs to Him.
Achievement Is Not Guaranteed in This Life
Though the Bible encourages achievement, it does not promise immediate success in all endeavors. Followers of God have always faced disappointments and setbacks in this fallen world.
Moses dealt with stubborn resistance from Pharaoh before the exodus (Exodus 7-12). Job suffered incredible disasters though he was blameless (Job 1-2). Jeremiah preached for 40 years without seeing repentance in Judah (Jeremiah 25:3).
Jesus’ earthly ministry faced opposition from the religious leaders who eventually had Him crucified, though He rose victoriously. Paul suffered beatings, imprisonment, and shipwrecks while spreading the gospel.
We may be faithful but not be guaranteed outward success and prosperity in this life. However, our reward is in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy (Matthew 6:19-21). God’s definition of achievement centers on righteousness and obedience, not worldly metrics.
We should find contentment in serving Christ, whether or not He grants visible fruit (Philippians 4:10-13). But our labor is never in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58). At the proper time we will reap, if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9).
Achievement Should Value Relationships over Results
Though achievement involves accomplishing goals and results, the Bible warns against valuing visible success more than people. Achievement should serve others more than self.
After impressive spiritual achievements, Paul still focused on loving others and knowing Christ more (Philippians 3:8-11). Jesus criticized the Pharisees who used religion to impress men but neglected justice, mercy and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23-24).
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 cautions that even noble accomplishments profit nothing if we lack love. Ministry achievements without love are worthless noise. Success means little if we do not love.
We must balance diligence (Proverbs 22:29) with caution not to trample others in our striving. Others’ needs should constrain our personal rights (Philippians 2:3-4, 1 Corinthians 9:19-23). Achievement is worthwhile if it enables us to serve others more effectively.
Jesus will judge us based on how we cared for the needy, not how much we achieved (Matthew 25:31-46). True success involves loving God and our neighbor.
Achievement Should Avoid Greed and Covetousness
Though financial prosperity can come from diligence, the Bible warns against making money and possessions our focus in achievement. Greed and covetousness are roundly condemned.
Hebrews 13:5 instructs, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'” The deceitfulness of riches can choke our spiritual fruitfulness (Matthew 13:22, Mark 4:19).
We cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24). The love of money is a root of all kinds of evils (1 Timothy 6:10). Many wander from the faith in pursuit of riches (1 Timothy 6:9-10). We should pursue righteousness more than wealth (Matthew 6:19-21, 33).
Proverbs 23:4 warns, “Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist.” While providing for our families is good, endlessly amassing more can destroy us spiritually.
Jesus noted how hard it is for the rich to enter God’s kingdom (Mark 10:23-25). We should avoid greed in our achievement, focusing instead on stewarding our resources to bless others.
Worldly Success Does Not Impress God
The Bible is clear that outward measurements of achievement often do not impress God. He looks at the heart while men look at appearances.
1 Samuel 16:7 – “But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.'” God chose humble David, not impressive Saul.
Luke 16:15 – “And he said to them, ‘You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.'” Achievements used to justify ourselves to men are worthless to God.
Luke 18:9-14 – The boastful Pharisee was not justified rather than the humble tax collector. Performance does not impress God without humility.
God cares more that we walk in righteousness and obedience than that we impress men or accomplish great things by the world’s standards. Our worth is in our identity in Christ.
True Success Comes from Walking with God
While diligence and effort are important, the Bible defines true success by our relationship with God above all else. Our greatest achievement is found in walking with Him.
Joshua 1:8 (referenced earlier) – God promised Joshua success contingent on careful obedience to God’s Word.
Psalm 1:1-3 – The blessed man delights in God’s law, meditates on it, and becomes like a fruitful tree planted by streams of water.
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.” As we follow God’s purpose, He works everything for our good.
Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Seeking God’s kingdom is the priority that brings all else.
True achievement is not ultimately gaining the whole world while forfeiting our souls (Mark 8:36). If we walk closely with God, we gain the riches of His fellowship both now and for eternity. This brings true success.
Achievement Brings Greater Responsibility and Stewardship
The Bible shows that greater achievement brings greater responsibility and stewardship. We will be held accountable for how we used our talents and opportunities.
Luke 12:48 – “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.” Greater gifts and abilities require greater faithfulness.
1 Corinthians 4:2 – “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” We are stewards who must be faithful with what we are given.
Matthew 25:14-30 – The parable of the talents illustrates this principle. The two servants who invested their master’s money well are rewarded, while the servant who buried his talent is judged for his unfaithfulness.
Achievers and leaders carry more responsibility to use their influence and resources to serve others. Our accountability grows with our achievement. We cannot rest on our accomplishments but must keep pursuing greater faithfulness.
Conclusion
In summary, the Bible provides a balanced perspective on achievement that challenges us to work diligently while avoiding the pitfalls of greed, pride, and selfish ambition. True success means walking closely with God, pouring our achievements into serving others, and giving God the glory.
As we run the race of life with endurance, we must remember that our worth is not based on worldly notions of achievement. Our value was demonstrated by Christ’s sacrifice for us. We do not need to measure up to any standard of human success, but walk in the purposes God has designed for us.
When achievement comes, we should steward it wisely to benefit others and advance God’s kingdom. But if we face setbacks, we can trust God with the results. He remains able to work all things together for our good according to His perfect will.