50 Bible Verses for Encouragement to Share With a Friend

One of the most powerful things you can do for a struggling friend is put the right Scripture in their hands at the right moment. These 50 Bible verses are organized by situation so you can quickly find the one that fits — and share it in a way that feels personal and meaningful.

For Anxiety and Fear (Verses 1-10)

1. Isaiah 41:10 — "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

2. Philippians 4:6-7 — "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

3. Matthew 6:34 — "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

4. 1 Peter 5:7 — "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

5. Psalm 56:3 — "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you."

6. John 14:27 — "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

7. 2 Timothy 1:7 — "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."

8. Psalm 94:19 — "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy."

9. Romans 8:15 — "The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship."

10. Isaiah 43:1 — "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine."

For Grief and Loss (Verses 11-20)

11. Psalm 34:18 — "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

12. Matthew 5:4 — "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."

13. Revelation 21:4 — "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain."

14. Psalm 147:3 — "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

15. Romans 8:28 — "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him."

16. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 — "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles."

17. Psalm 23:4 — "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me."

18. John 11:35 — "Jesus wept." (The shortest verse in the Bible — and one of the most comforting. Jesus weeps with us.)

19. Isaiah 61:3 — "To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning."

20. Lamentations 3:22-23 — "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning."

For Feeling Overwhelmed or Exhausted (Verses 21-30)

21. Matthew 11:28 — "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

22. Isaiah 40:31 — "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles."

23. Psalm 55:22 — "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken."

24. 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."

25. 2 Corinthians 4:17 — "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."

26. Psalm 46:10 — "Be still, and know that I am God."

27. Hebrews 12:1 — "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

28. Romans 5:3-4 — "We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."

29. Psalm 121:1-2 — "I lift up my eyes to the mountains — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."

30. Zephaniah 3:17 — "The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves."

For Facing a New Challenge (Verses 31-40)

31. Joshua 1:9 — "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

32. Proverbs 3:5-6 — "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."

33. Jeremiah 29:11 — "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you.'"

34. Philippians 4:13 — "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

35. Psalm 37:4 — "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

36. Ephesians 3:20 — "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine."

37. Romans 8:31 — "If God is for us, who can be against us?"

38. Deuteronomy 31:8 — "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

39. Psalm 18:32 — "It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure."

40. Isaiah 43:19 — "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?"

For Feeling Alone or Forgotten (Verses 41-50)

41. Hebrews 13:5 — "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

42. Psalm 139:7-10 — "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there."

43. Isaiah 49:16 — "See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands."

44. Romans 8:38-39 — "Neither death nor life... nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God."

45. Psalm 27:10 — "Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me."

46. John 15:16 — "You did not choose me, but I chose you."

47. Psalm 68:6 — "God sets the lonely in families."

48. Isaiah 54:10 — "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken."

49. Psalm 16:8 — "I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken."

50. Romans 15:13 — "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

How to Share These Verses

The most impactful way to share a verse is to pair it with a personal note that explains why you thought of this person. Even one sentence — "This verse made me think of you today" — transforms a verse from information into a gift.

Related: Bible Verses to Send Someone Who Is Sick, How to Send a Bible Verse to Someone You Love