The Bible has a lot to say about safety, providing wisdom and guidance for how to live secure and protected lives. Here are some key Bible verses about safety:
Trusting in God’s Protection
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” (Proverbs 18:10 ESV)
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” (Psalm 91:1-2 ESV)
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalm 18:2 ESV)
These verses emphasize taking refuge in God as the ultimate source of safety and protection. Trusting in His sovereign care guards us from all harm.
Avoiding Danger and Harm
“The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” (Proverbs 27:12 ESV)
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13-14 ESV)
“My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.” (Proverbs 1:10 ESV)
These verses advise rightly discerning and avoiding people and situations that could bring harm, rather than naively walking into danger.
Seeking Wisdom and Discipline
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (Proverbs 13:20 ESV)
“The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; whoever guards his way preserves his life.” (Proverbs 16:17 ESV)
“Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far away.” (Proverbs 22:15 ESV)
These proverbs indicate that wisdom, discipline, and careful conduct are key to remaining safe and secure.
Avoiding Alcohol Abuse
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” (Proverbs 20:1 ESV)
“Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.” (Proverbs 23:20-21 ESV)
The book of Proverbs repeatedly warns against drunkenness because it clouds judgment, wrecks lives, and leads to danger.
Choosing Righteous Companions
“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (Proverbs 13:20 ESV)
“Do not be deceived: Bad company ruins good morals.” (1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV)
We become like those we associate with. Choosing friends and influences wisely is key to remaining secure in godly living.
Being Ready for Jesus’ Return
“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” (Matthew 24:36-37 ESV)
“You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:44 ESV)
No one knows when Christ will return. Living each day ready to meet Him keeps our souls eternally safe.
Putting on God’s Armor
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:10-11 ESV)
We have safety against the devil’s attacks as we utilize the spiritual armor and strength God provides.
The Safety of God’s People
“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.” (Isaiah 41:10 ESV)
“He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.” (Psalm 91:4 ESV)
“The beloved of the Lord dwells in safety.” (Deuteronomy 33:12 ESV)
God promises His people eternal spiritual safety in His love, protection, and faithfulness.
Trusting God’s Care
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” (Psalm 55:22 ESV)
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV)
Rather than being consumed by worry, we can find security in abandoning our cares to the Lord.
The Importance of Preparation
“Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house.” (Proverbs 24:27 ESV)
“By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” (Proverbs 24:3-4 ESV)
Diligent planning and preparation helps establish stable and successful lives.
Obedience to God
“The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.” (Proverbs 19:23 ESV)
“Whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.” (Proverbs 1:33 ESV)
Obeying God’s wisdom provides security, while rebellion leaves us vulnerable.
Pursuing Peace
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14 ESV)
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9 ESV)
Seeking to proactively live at peace with others prevents much strife and turmoil.
The Safety of Wisdom
“For whoever finds me (wisdom) finds life and obtains favor from the Lord, but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death.” (Proverbs 8:35-36 ESV)
“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold.” (Proverbs 3:13-14 ESV)
Pursuing true wisdom grants security and satisfaction, protecting us from harm.
In summary, the Bible highlights many facets of safety. Most importantly, our ultimate security is in God Himself. But Scripture also provides practical wisdom for avoiding physical and spiritual dangers, choosing wise relationships, living obediently, pursuing peace, and seeking true wisdom. Implementing these principles imparts greater safety and protection.
The Bible contains a wealth of additional wisdom about safety scattered throughout its pages. But these verses provide a sampling of key scriptural insights on this important topic. They reveal that true safety encompasses both close relationship with God and wise day-to-day living in obedience to His word.