Godliness is an important theme throughout the Bible. Here are some key Bible verses about godliness from the English Standard Version (ESV):
1 Timothy 4:7-8
“Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”
This passage emphasizes the value and importance of godliness for both this life and the eternal life to come. Pursuing godliness should be a core part of our training and discipline as followers of Christ.
2 Peter 1:3
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.”
God has provided us with all we need to live godly lives through a true knowledge of Jesus Christ. As we grow in our understanding of who He is, we are equipped to grow in godliness.
2 Peter 1:5-8
“For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
This passage gives a beautiful progression of spiritual virtues. As we grow in these areas, we will produce fruitfulness and avoid ineffectiveness in our walk with Christ. Godliness is part of this process.
1 Timothy 2:2
“Pray for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”
Our prayers should include interceding for those in authority over us, that they would lead in a way that promotes peace and allows us to live godly lives.
1 Timothy 6:3-6
“If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment.”
This strong warning emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine that produces godliness, cautioning against false teaching for dishonest gain that only causes friction and dissension.
1 Timothy 4:8
“For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”
Physical discipline has limited benefits, but godliness has value for all of life, both now and for eternity. Pursuing godliness should be our highest priority.
2 Corinthians 7:1
“Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.”
Because of the promises we have in Christ, we should seek to purify ourselves from all impurity, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
1 Timothy 6:11
“But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.”
This exhortation, given to Timothy as a young pastor, applies to all followers of Christ. We are called to avoid sinful traps and instead pursue godly virtues.
Hebrews 12:28
“Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.”
Because we have an unshakable kingdom in Christ, we should approach God with gratitude, worshiping Him with reverence and godly fear.
2 Peter 3:11
“Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness?”
Knowing that this world will pass away, we should live with holiness and godliness, keeping an eternal perspective.
1 Timothy 2:9-10
“Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness – with good works.”
Godly women focus on cultivating inner virtues rather than showy outward appearance. Our lives should back up our profession of godliness.
1 Timothy 6:5-6
“…imagining that godliness is a means of gain. Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment.”
Somewrongly see godliness as a path to material gain and wealth. True godliness, however, produces contentment,which is of far greater value.
Titus 1:1
“Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness.”
Paul highlights that correct doctrine leads to godly living. Truth isn’t just to be known intellectually but obeyed and applied practically.
1 Timothy 3:16
“Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.”
This verse contains an early church creed highlighting the mysterious wonder of Christ’s incarnation and ministry as the foundation of true godliness.
1 Peter 1:15-16
“As he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’”
God’s holiness is the exemplary pattern after which we are to model our own lives. All our behavior should reflect His holy character.
Colossians 1:9-10
“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”
Paul prays that believers would grow in understanding God’s will so that they can live in a way pleasing and honoring to Christ, bearing spiritual fruit.
2 Peter 3:18
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”
Spiritual growth and learning more about who Jesus is will help us increasingly reflect His glory. This should be our continual goal.
Titus 2:11-12
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.”
God’s grace enables and instructs us to reject ungodliness and fleshly desires and to live righteously in this present world.
Romans 12:1-2
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Out of gratitude for God’s mercy, we are urged to fully surrender and offer ourselves to God in true worship. This involves rejecting worldly values and embracing spiritual renewal to properly discern and obey God’s will.
2 Timothy 3:12
“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
Choosing to live with godly virtues will inevitably lead to various kinds of suffering and opposition, even from those close to us.
1 Timothy 6:6
“Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment.”
While godliness does not guarantee wealth or health, it leads to contentment, which is far more valuable and enduring.
2 Timothy 2:22
“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”
As followers of Christ, we must avoid ungodly desires and instead actively chase after virtues that reflect His character and heart.
Titus 2:11-13
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”
God’s grace enables us to reject ungodliness and live righteously in light of the promised return of Christ for His people.
These verses reflect just a sampling of the many passages in Scripture that speak to the importance, challenges, and blessings of pursuing godliness. As followers of Jesus, we are called not just to outward conformity to rules but to an inward transformation of heart and mind that results in actions, words, thoughts, and motivations that honor God.